Auckland · BAY OF ISLANDS DAY TRIPS FROM AUCKLAND
It is a long way north for one day, so what matters is what the itinerary buys you at the other end. The 15 below compare the Hole in the Rock cruises, the Waitangi stop and the coach runs, on price and on how many hours are spent in the seat.
Travel from Auckland to Paihia in a Mercedes-Benz van, then cruise the Bay of Islands for 4.5 hours. Look for dolphins, pass through the Hole in the Rock when weather allows, and enjoy time on Urupukapuka Island. Guides such as John, Nancy, and Simon add local context along the way.
“John our driver/guide was excellent and scenery and catamaran cruise was stunning!”
Travel north from Auckland in a small group of up to 19, with city-center pickup, snacks, WiFi, and a professional guide. Cruise from Paihia among 144 islands, look for bottlenose dolphins, pass through the Hole in the Rock, and stop at Otehei Bay. Guides may include Nancy, David, Henrick, Warren, or Jon.
“Extremely long day picked up at 9am and returned at 11pm, my recommendation is to do this tour over 2 days. Long stretches in bus going and returning but the actual bay of islands cruise and lunch was lovely, even saw dolphins”
Travel from Auckland to Paihia for three days of Northland highlights. You’ll tour Russell, cruise toward the Hole in the Rock, walk among giant kauri, drive along 90 Mile Beach, visit Cape Reinga and explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Local guides such as Ariel and Daniel lead parts of the trip.
“Great tour, great people on tour from all over the world!”
Travel from Auckland to Northland with a small group of up to 15 people. Visit the Kauri Museum, Tane Mahuta, Opononi, Waitangi, and Paihia, then cruise to the Hole in the Rock and Otehei Bay. Guides such as Matt Van Veen and Mark add plenty of local insight.
“Fab tour full of history and fun. Tour guide/driver Mark very knowledgeable and considerate of people's needs. Small group so much better than a large coach load of people.”
Travel from Auckland to Paihia by coach, visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, tour Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, then cruise toward Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. You get two nights in Paihia, one included lunch, guided visits, and free time, but much of the transport uses public coaches.
“Great experience to join this tour as it includes all the major spots in the NZ's northern area. Bus drivers are very professional and polite. Regarding to the hotel accommodation, the room is quite good. The location is very convenient. It takes about 5 minutes to reach a supermarket. One minor thing is that the kettle in the 3 star hotel is dirty and old. Paihia is definitely the place you have to go if you would like to take a break in a small town/village for few days.”
Travel north from Auckland with a private driver-guide such as Jon, Nancy, Dave, or Andy, then cruise among 144 islands for 4.5 hours. Look for dolphins, visit Urupukapuka Island, and sail toward the Hole in the Rock. Lunch, snacks, water, WiFi, and hotel pickup are included.
“Jon was our driver today and he was great. Very informative on the drive in regards to Auckland and very friendly!!”
Travel from Auckland to Paihia in a private, air-conditioned minibus, then cruise past Cape Brett and through the Hole in the Rock. Look for dolphins, whales, and seals before a 1.5-hour stop at Urupukapuka Island for lunch, swimming, or a short walk.
“Lovely boat, friendly guides along the whole tour. Beautiful views on the way back to the Wharf. The island where they drop you off for lunch is efficient with good food. Wish the art gallery was open while we were there.”
Travel from Auckland to Paihia with an English-speaking guide, then cruise past Cape Brett and through the Hole in the Rock, conditions permitting. Look for dolphins and whales, stop at Otehei Bay for 1.5 hours, and return to Auckland by minibus. Karthik has led one praised departure.
“Guide was great. Great stop at world heritage toilets. Saw dolphins and went through the rock. Great day!”
Leave Auckland at 6:00 am for a full-day private minibus tour to Waitangi and Russell. You’ll visit the Treaty Grounds, watch a Māori cultural performance, ferry across the Bay of Islands, and enjoy Russell’s seaside setting with guides such as Mary or Karthek.
“Great service, very good experience to see heritage of New Zealand, nice trip to Russel city and one hour city tour.”
Travel from Auckland to Paihia with guide Karthik, stopping at Kawakawa’s famous Hundertwasser toilets before a 4.5-hour Bay of Islands cruise. Sail past 144 islands, look for dolphins and whales, pass through the Hole in the Rock, and spend 1.5 hours at Urupukapuka Island for lunch, swimming, or a short walk.
“I think this your experience was wonderful as the guide , Karthik was not only extremely knowledgeable about the Science , History , Culture and biodiversity of the entirety of New Zealand but was also very compassionate, patient and Read more”
Travel from Auckland with a private guide to Parry Kauri Park, Whangarei Falls, Haruru Falls, Waitangi, and Paihia. You can add the Hole in the Rock cruise, but check the extra fee, long drive, and vehicle comfort before booking.
“The weather wasn’t awesome but the long ride in the Mercedes van was tiring and uncomfortable. Bouncing around in the car for 6-7 hours was not fun. The cruise which we paid extra for was spectacular but this trip was way too expensivRead more”
Travel from Auckland in a small group of up to 16 with a guide such as Ally. Visit the Kauri Museum, Waipoua Forest, Tane Mahuta, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and Otehei Bay, then cruise the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett.
“It was wonderful! The guide was well organized and informative! Thank you so much!”
Travel from Auckland to Paihia in a private Mercedes-Benz van, then cruise the Bay of Islands for 4.5 hours. You’ll see dolphins if conditions allow, pass Cape Brett, visit Hole in the Rock, and stop at Urupukapuka Island for lunch, photos, or a short hike.
Travel in a small group of up to 14 people from Auckland to Paihia, Rotorua, and back, with hotel pickup, 4-star stays, local guides, and admission to Waitangi, Waitomo, Te Puia, and Hobbiton. Expect full touring days, free evenings, and a useful mix of Māori culture, nature, and film history.
“It’s nice when everything is booked for you. As a solo traveller it takes the worry out of how to get to places, also very helpful when you message operators they are lovely and fast to reply”
Leave Auckland at 7:00 am in a private vehicle for Waitangi Treaty Grounds, with time for Whangarei’s Town Basin and Paihia Harbour. Your driver handles the long return journey, comfort stops, and timing around your entry. Groups of up to six share one fixed transport price.
“Sanjeev was a fantastic driver. He was effective in all communication confirming the day. He was prompt picking me up in CBD. His car was immaculate and his driving safe. We had perfectly timed comfort breaks and he got me to the Treaty Read more”
Pick a harbour, a cave or a vineyard.
