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Bay of Islands Cruises and Tours, New Zealand

Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands Introduction

Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands is Northland's leading tourism operator. We began cruising the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands way back in 1886. Today we continue the tradition of fine service on board a highly modern fleet of vessels and purpose built coaches.

We're proud to showcase this beautiful region to visitors from around the world. We welcome you to the birthplace of our nation.

We have maps and information available in a number of languages.

Bay of Islands Cruises at a Glance

Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise to the Hole in the Rock *Includes Lifetime Dolphin Viewing Guarantee – Enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay. Keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as we get you up close to the action from the comfort of Dolphin Seeker. Our catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing.

Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock – hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space and admire the rock walls which soar above you. Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the sheltered waters of the Bay and an island stopover at the historic Urupukapuka Island reserve.

Take time to relax on the beautiful sandy beach or broaden your experience of the Bay of Islands with a Te Rawhiti guided walk of the island. Learn about the spirit world of Maori, their values and way of life. Ask the crew for details on how to book this added experience.

Dolphin Eco Experience / Swim with Dolphins * Includes Lifetime Dolphin Viewing Guarantee – This half day cruise will get you up close to the many dolphins that live year round in the warm water of the Bay of Islands. Our staff have years of experience finding dolphins in the bay and have an intimate knowledge of their behaviour. Our smaller purpose built vessel allows for closer interaction as you see and hear dolphins and whales from our low viewing deck and underwater microphone.

This cruise is limited to 35 passengers to allow for an intimate experience for everyone. We often see Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, Baleen Whales, Orca, Seals, Fish, Penguins and other Sea and Bird Life.

Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise to the Hole in the Rock – One of the most popular cruises in the Bay of Islands. Specifically designed for the nature lovers, this cruise maximises the time spent out on the water in search of dolphins and whales. This Bay of Islands cruise takes in the inner islands, the Hole in the Rock and the Cathedral Cave. Cruises operate all year round both morning and afternoon.

Cream Trip Day Cruise with Dolphin Swim – The most famous of the all cruises in the Bay of Islands, this cruise re traces the original "Cream Trip" route when cream was collected from the inner islands.

This modern day Bay of Islands cruise continues the tradition of delivering mail to local residents as well as all major attractions including swimming with dolphins, the Hole in the Rock, Grand Cathedral Cave and the Black Rocks. This full-day cruise also includes an island stopover at Otehei Bay to explore the historical Urupukapuka Island reserve. Wetsuits and snorkel equipment supplied. Cruise operates once a day between Sept - March.

Ipipiri Overnight Cruise – This unique overnight Bay of Islands cruise takes you on relaxing journey through many of the 144 islands which form the Bay of Islands, and make it one New Zealand's most outstanding marine environments. Departing at 1:00 pm and returning at 10:30 the following day, this two-day, one-night cruise experience includes dinner, breakfast and accommodation in one of 30 king-size ocean view cabins, each with private en suite and panoramic sea views.

Bay of Islands Tours at a Glance

Cape Reinga Day Tour – Journey along the magnificent 90 Mile Beach in one of our purpose build modern "Waverider" coaches and see Cape Reinga—where the Pacific Ocean collides with the Tasman sea and where according to Maori legend is the departing place for Maori spirits into the afterlife. Highlights include the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Te Paki Sand Dunes and the Puketi Kauri Forest for a 20-minute boardwalk and stroll amongst 1,000-year-old Kauri trees. These Bay of Islands tours operate all year round.

Russell Mini Tour – Visit historic Russell and see its beautiful old buildings, museums, craft shops and magnificent beaches.

Kerikeri & Craft Tour – Visit historic Kerikeri with beautiful scenery, charming old buildings, museums, craft shops and lots to see.

For further information about our cruises in the Bay of Islands, please contact us or visit our Bay of Islands tours Web site.

About the Bay of Islands

Regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand, Northland is rich in both culture and early Maori and European history—from Kupe, believed to be the very first Maori voyager to arrive in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and the Crown.

The Bay of Islands is the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life.

The scenery is nothing short of spectacular and can only be fully appreciated by cruising through the area. The area is the warmest part of New Zealand—temperatures average 24° Celsius in summer and 16° Celsius in winter.

The maritime park is a natural wonderland with an abundance of wildlife including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species.

The towns of Paihia and picturesque Russell are perfect places to wander amongst the many shops and restaurants along the waterfront. There are endless activities too—fishing, forest and beach walks, all kinds of water sports and great golf courses.

The bay is the perfect base from which to explore further north. See the magnificent kauri forests, Cape Reinga—the top of New Zealand, 90 Mile Beach and the craft shops of Kerikeri.

Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands began cruises in the Bay of Islands way back in 1886. Today we continue the tradition of fine service on board a modern fleet of vessel and purpose-built coaches. We're proud to showcase this beautiful region to visitors from around the world. We welcome you to the birthplace of our nation.

For further information about our cruises in the Bay of Islands, please contact us or visit our Bay of Islands tours Web site.

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