Mullarkey Tours

Mullarkey Tours is a locally owned sightseeing and winery/craft-beer & spirits tour operator based in the Bay of Islands, Northland. The business is owned by Ken Mullarkey (with his wife Jenny) and is rooted in the region; its staff and guides live in the local area. The company offers a range of half-day and full-day tours, cruise-ship shore excursions, and customised/private tours.

Tour Options & Highlights

• Bay of Islands Wine, Spirit & Craft Beer Tour – A mid-day tour visiting a selection of local vineyards, breweries and spirit producers, with included tastings and a platter lunch. Tour capacity is usually a maximum of 11 passengers. Pickup from Paihia I-site or Kerikeri is arranged.
• Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, Hundertwasser Exhibition Centre & Opua Forest Walk Tour – A nature and cultural-oriented tour exploring native forest, glow worm caves, art installations (Hundertwasser), and forest walks in the Opua region.
• Historic Kerikeri Tour with Lunch – Includes visits to Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri Mission Station, the Stone Store & Kemp House, Makana Confections (“Chocolate Factory”), and lunch at a heritage pub (Plough & Feather), with commentary on early European and Māori history of the area.
• Custom & Private Tours – Clients may arrange tailor-made itineraries, for example combining winery visits, brewery stops, historic sites, walks, or other regional attractions. Tours are available in small-group formats (5-seat or 11-seat vehicles) to suit different group sizes.

Service & Credentials

All tours are delivered by local guides and drivers, who are familiar with the Bay of Islands and Northland’s landscape, culture and history. The company is accredited by the Department of Conservation for operation over DOC-controlled sites.

They support cruise ship passengers with shore excursions starting and ending at Waitangi Wharf, ensuring compatibility with the schedule of the ship — guides are practised in returning in time.

Operational Details & Practicalities

• Small-group tours (max ~11 passengers) ensure more personalised experience.
• Pickups: Standard wine, beer & spirit tours begin at Paihia I-site, with optional pickup in Kerikeri at the BP Service Station.
• Cruise ship shore excursions depart and return from Waitangi Wharf; non-cruise tours also operate from Paihia or Kerikeri.
• Flexible cancellation policy: full refunds are offered in case of cancellation for any reason.
• Tour durations vary; for example, a wine/beer tour is about 4 hours.

Standout Features

• Combines wine, craft beer and spirits in one tour — giving variety in taste experiences.
• Excellent selection for both nature & culture-oriented visitors: rainforest walks, glow worms, historic settlements, Maori and early colonial history.
• Small group sizes help maintain a relaxed pace and allow more interaction with guides.
• Local knowledge is strong — guides are residents of the region, helping visitors get insights beyond standard tour commentary.

Mullarkey Tours offers value for those exploring the Bay of Islands who wish both depth and variety: wine and food, nature, culture, or a mix. Whether arriving by cruise ship, staying in Paihia or Kerikeri, or seeking a custom itinerary, the company presents several well-organised options suited to different interests and times.