Over a thousand year ago, Kupe and his people had traveled thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean with only stars to guide them. With the passing of time, other races discovered Northland. In 1769 James Cook came to New Zealand, extensively charted both North and South Island and gave the Bay of Islands its present name. And it was in Northland in 1840 that all the inhabitants of New Zealand officially intertwined their lives with the signing of the "Treaty of Waitangi". It is the cradle of European civilization in New Zealand and has fine examples of Maori culture for you to experience. Truly named, Bay of Islands is one of the finest cruising grounds in the world having incredible scenery. Captain Cook was said to have described this beautiful region as "very uncommon and romantic" and cruising the Bay of Islands proved him correct. It is the finest Maritime Park and a natural wonderland in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. The area is the warmest part of New Zealand - the average temp. is 24 degrees in summer and 16 degrees C in winter. The towns of Paihia and picturesque Russell are perfect places to wander amongst the many shops and restaurants along the waterfront. The Bay is the perfect base from which to explore further North. See the magnificent Kauri forests, awesome "90 Mile Beach", Cape Reinga - the top of New Zealand, craft shops of Kerikeri and great Golf Courses.
Paihia : Paihia is the Bay of Island's busiest town and largest tourism centre in Northland. Everything is focused around visitors, with a myriad of water cruises and scenic tours. Famous for scenic cruise to Cape Brett (Hole in the Rock) and watching Dolphins. Its small population swells in summer months with lots of anglers, deep sea fishermen, scuba divers, kayakers, and myriad seafarers, dolphin lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Russell : Originally known as Kororareka, Russell was also known as 'Hell hole of the Pacific' now transformed to "Romantic Russell". Historic Russell was the capital New Zealand before it was shifted to Auckland in 1840. Everything in Russell is within walking distance; in addition there is a very frequent ferry service between Russell and Paihia.
Waitangi : It was here on 6th February 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi (New Zealand's founding document) was signed outside the home of James Busby, the British Governor and the country's first winemaker. His residency was renamed Treaty House and became a national memorial in 1932.
90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga : A must do visit tour for those who want to enjoy the magnificent natural wonders of the North. You will be over-awed by the spectacular expand of Ninety Mile Beach and the mystique of Cape Reinga. Thunder along Ninety Mile Beach to the top of New Zealand and wander out to the lighthouse. Our daily Tours depart year round from Paihia at 7.30 or 8.00 AM from Kerikeri, by Luxury air-conditioned "Waverider" coaches with informative commentary by experienced, friendly coach captains. During Cape Reinga visit there are numerous stops for you to take the scenic highlights and activities including the grandeur of the mighty Kauri Trees, Te Paki quicksand stream and gigantic sand dunes, as well as Ancient Kauri Kingdom. This tour is available with a delicious barbeque lunch in scenic Tapotupotu Bay.
Whangarei : Picturesque Whangarei is Northland's largest city famous for its many parks and gardens. 5 Kms from the centre of town, the Whangarei Falls are amongst New Zealand's most beautiful, dropping 26 meters over basalt cliffs into shimmering pools.
Tutukaka and the Poor Knights Islands : Tutukaka is the diving and big game fishing Mecca of New Zealand. Poor Knights Islands, a protected marine reserve for the last 22 years have been rated by the famous Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 Dive Sites in the World. It has the visibility up to 30m underwater allow the diver to see and enjoy spectacular, rich and diverse tapestry of marine wildlife.
Activities / Sightseeing
Hole in the Rock (Daily Special Tours):-We organize year round "one day tours" depart from Downtown Auckland at 7.15 AM (The 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga Coach Tour depart from Paihia at 7.30 am or Kerikeri at 8 AM) by luxury air-conditioned coach providing full commentary and guided tours. Board our luxury 5 star catamaran for the most popular cruises in the Bay of Islands.
Cape Brett -Hole in the Rock Cruise ( Large Air conditioned modern cruising catamaran. Full bar service on all cruises) offers a comfortable journey out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukokako Island and the famous "Hole in the Rock"; the excitement grows as we make a passage through the Hole and on to the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. On the return journey we take our time and meander through the inner islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife as your skipper gives an informative commentary. On beautiful Urupukapuka Island there are numerous activities. Enjoy one of the scenic walks, a swim or ride the Subsea Adventure. Browse through the Maori Arts and Crafts centre or relax in the cafe. Enjoy the magic that s the Bay of Islands.
EXCITOR "Hole In The Rock" Fast Boat Adventure is thrills all the way as you accelerate out into the open water aboard 'Excitor - our 35 knot powerboat racer built for 50 ! The 18 meter Excitor has 1600 available horsepower. Purpose designed and built to exhilarate anyone of any age in comfort and safety. Enjoy the exhilaration of riding the waves in the fastest powerboat of its size in New Zealand. Conditions permitting, Excitor passes through the famous 'Hole in the Rock". Protective clothing is supplied and a full safely briefing before departure and full informative commentary through out.
Dolphin Adventures (Daily Special Tours):- Dolphins are one of earth's most fascinating creatures and few other areas are blessed with their presence all year round, as is the Bay of Islands. On this the ultimate marine adventure you'll get right up close to the dolphins. Watch their antics and get fantastic photos. Conditions permitting go swimming with them. The Bay has the warmest waters in New Zealand for swimming with dolphins. You would be accompanied by the staff who have years of experience in the Bay and an intimate knowledge of marine mammal behaviour. They not only know where to find them, they're able to tell you all about them. We get you to the dolphins fast in the water-jet powered catamaran - the best vessel (Stable, fast, 13 metre catamaran) in the Bay for dolphin viewing with large deck areas and plenty of room to move around (90% plus success rate seeing dolphins, Safest vessel operating with jet units not propellers, Toilet on board, Underwater microphone to listen to the dolphins, Deptt of Conservation approved - a percentage of each fare goes towards dolphin research, Complimentary hot drink and hot freshwater showers at Otehei Bay, Includes use of snorkels, goggles, fins and wetsuit when required). It's not just dolphins we'll show you - at times you'll see orcas, whales, seals, penguins and other wildlife. After your Dolphin Encounter you'll have the added bonus of stopping off on beautiful Urupukapuka Island. If you wish, stay for the day at no extra cost. Enjoy the coastal walks and magnificent beaches. Browse through the Maori Arts and Crafts centre or relax in the cafe.
Our Guarantee for Dolphins Adventure
If you do not see either dolphins or whales we'll give you a free ticket to go again or a
$20 refund ($10 child) if you are unable to do so.
DWAF -1: Bay of Islands (Cape Brett -Hole in the Rock Cruise)
FULL DAY : 7.45am - 8.00pm (Ex-Auckland)
Award winning sight seeing excursion include The Harbour bridge, North Shore, Hibiscus Coast, guided tour to Waitangi Treaty House, Famous Cape Brett Hole in the Rock Cruise, Paihia
Cost : Ex-Auckland (Luxury Coach + Catamaran) : $229.00 (adult), $114.00 (children)
Ex - Paihia (Cruise only - 9.00am & 1.30pm) : $80.00 (adult), $40.00 (children)
Ex Auckland Include : Hotel Pick up/Drop off, Full Commentary, Entry Fee, Luxury Catamaran Cruise +Lunch + Taxes
DWAF -2: Bay of Islands ( EXCITOR "Hole In The Rock" Fast Boat Adventure )
FULL DAY : 7.45am - 8.00pm (Ex-Auckland)
Smooth but exhilarating ride is a fun way (not for the faint hearted), excursion include The Harbour bridge, North Shore, Hibiscus Coast, guided tour to Waitangi Treaty House, Cape Brett Hole in the Rock, Paihia.
Cost : Ex-Auckland (Luxury Coach + Excitor Fast Boat) :$239.00 (adult), $119.00 (children)
Ex - Paihia (Excitor Only - 10.30am & 2.00pm) : $80.00 (adult), $40.00 (children)
Ex Auckland Include: Hotel Pick up/Drop off, Full Commentary, Entry Fee, Excitor Fast Boat + Lunch + Taxes
DWAF -3: Bay of Islands (Dolphin Adventures Cruise) :
FULL DAY : 7.45am - 8.00pm (Ex-Auckland)
Unique opportunity to get right up close to Dolphins, watch their antics, take great photos and chance to swim with Dolphins. Include Auckland Harbour Bridge, Kaiwaka, Snorkelling with the dolphins and Urupukapuka Island.
Cost : Ex-Auckland ( Luxury Coach + Catamaran) : $249.00 (adult), $124.00 (children)
Ex - Paihia (Cruise Only - 8.00am & 12.30pm) : $120.00 (adult), $90.00 (children)
Ex Auckland Include : Hotel Pick up/Drop off, Full Commentary, Jet powered Catamaran Cruise + Lunch + Taxes
DWAF -4 : Bay of Islands (Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach)
FULL DAY : Ex-Paihia
Journey to the top of NZ, wander to the lighthouse, thunder down spectacular 90 Mile Beach, visit to Ancient Kauri Kingdom and guided Pukeki Kauri Forest boardwalk.
Cost : Ex - Paihia ( 7.30am & 6.30pm) with Barbeque Lunch : $130.00 (adult), $76.00 (children)
Include : Full Commentary, Air-conditioned Waverider Coach + Lunch + Taxes
