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north island cruising day tours

day sail in the bay

In the Bay of Islands ‘On the Edge’ is New Zealand’s fastest commercial sailing catamaran and provides a once in a lifetime sailing experience. An exciting day’s sailing including an island stopover for lunch with activities, and a visit to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. During the sail, passengers are able to get involved in the sailing – or simply sit back, relax and enjoy.

highlights
Visit to the famous ‘hole in the rock’ (when conditions permit)
Cape Brett
Snorkelling, swimming, exploring, sunbathing, relaxing, kayaking

inclusions
Traditional Kiwi BBQ lunch Fully licensed bar onboard Wet weather jackets are provided if required

times
Departs: Paihia 9.45am; Russell 10.00am
Durations: Paihia 4.15pm; Russell 4.00pm

additional information
Operated by: explore nz (Sail NZ)
Please note: no sailing experience necessary
Please bring: swimming gear, sunscreen and a camera
Children: aged 0-4 years are free of charge if not occupying a seat. Children aged 5-15 years are at the child rate

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swim with the dolphins

Swimming with dolphins in their world is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Viewing marine mammals and swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat is a privilege and a truly remarkable experience aboard their purpose built 14.6 metre catamaran Discovery III. In the Bay of Islands Maritime Park you will encounter both bottlenose and common dolphin. You also see a variety of whale species including: Orca (killer whales), Brydes, Pilot, Minke, Sei, Humpback, and very rarely the Blue Whale. You also encounter blue penguins, gannets, various sea birds and the New Zealand fur seal. A short briefing is given before a swim takes place when passengers are given the option of wetsuits & snorkeling gear and instructed on how to behave while interacting with the dolphins.

highlights
Swim with the Dolphins (conditions permitting)
Bay of Islands Maritime Park
See whales, penguins, seals

inclusions
Cruise Swim with the dolphins (conditions permitting) Hot showers Complimentary tea/coffee wetsuits, snorkels and fins are provided

times
Departs: Paihia at 8.00am and 12.30pm, and Russell at 8.10am and 12.40pm
Durations: 4 hours

additional information
Operated by: Explore NZ - Dolphin Discoveries
Please note: There is no guarantee of swimming with dolphins. Dolphin Discoveries operates with a Department of Conservation permit however for the protection of Dolphins and other marine mammals, interaction with them is governed by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If the conditions of the Act are not met or the sea conditions are not safe then some trips will be viewing only. If dolphins or whales are not seen, a non-transferable voucher will be given to come again for free, this is not a money back offer.
Please bring: swimming gear and a warm jacket, sunscreen and camera
Children: Children under 15 are at the child rate. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the trip.

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discover the bay (hole in the rock plus dolphin & whale watching)

Discover the Bay, visit the world famous Hole in the Rock, see an abundance of marine mammals and wildlife and learn of the rich history and culture whilst cruising amongst the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands. Discovery IV is a modern high-speed catamaran equipped with underwater cameras for close up marine mammal viewing and is purpose built for dolphin and whale watching in the Bay.

The Bay of Islands boasts an extensive variety of wildlife, the most famous of which are the common and bottlenose dolphins. There are numerous bays within the islands that are suitable to stop and explore.

highlights
Hole in the Rock
Cape Brett Lighthouse
Grand Cathedral Cave
Bay of Islands Maritime Park
See dolphins, whales, penguins

inclusions
Cruise Full commentary Use of snorkeling gear, kayaks and hot showers

times
Departs: Paihia at 9.00am and 1.00pm, and Russell at 9.10am and 1.10pm
Durations: 3.5 hours

additional information
Operated by: Explore NZ - Dolphin Discoveries
Please note: If dolphins or whales are not seen, a non-transferable voucher will be given to come again for free, this is not a money back offer.
Please bring: sunscreen and camera
Children: aged 0-4 years are free of charge. Children aged 5-15 years are at the child rate. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the trip.

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auckland sailing experience

Sailing on the Inner Harbour, with opportunities to steer the boat! Four identical 50 foot yachts make up the fleet to provide a truly unique maritime experience for guests visiting Auckland. The Crew welcome guests to experience ‘hands on sailing’ along with providing an expert informative commentary. Or you can sit back and relax and enjoy this magnificent experience.

highlights
Waitemata Harbour
Hands on sailing

inclusions
Wet weather Gear provided if needed Listen to an informative commentary Complimentary pass to the New Zealand National Maritime Museum Hands on sailing

times
Departs: daily at 2.45pm from the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, corner Hobson and Quay Streets Downtown Auckland.
Duration: 45 minutes

additional information
Operated by: Pride of Auckland
Children: aged 0-3 years are free of charge if not occupying a seat. Children aged 4-15 years are at the child rate

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auckland coffee cruise

Sit back and relax and enjoy a tea or coffee and some delicious home made muffins whilst sailing the stunning Waitemata Harbour. The Crew welcome guests to experience ‘hands on sailing’ along with providing an expert informative commentary. Four identical 50 foot yachts make up the fleet to provide a truly unique maritime experience for guests visiting Auckland.

highlights
Hands on sailing
Waitemata Harbour
Afternoon Tea

inclusions
Tea/Coffee & home made Muffins Wet weather Gear provided if needed Listen to an informative commentary Complimentary pass to the NZ National Maritime Museum Hands on sailing

times
Departs: daily at 3.45pm from the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, corner Hobson and Quay Streets, Downtown Auckland.
Duration: 1.5 hours

additional information
Operated by: Pride of Auckland
Children: aged 0-3 years are free of charge if not occupying a seat. Children aged 4-15 years are at the child rate

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auckland lunch cruise

Sit back and relax and enjoy a picnic lunch whilst sailing the stunning Waitemata Harbour. The Crew welcome guests to experience ‘hands on sailing’ along with providing an expert informative commentary. Four identical 50 foot yachts make up the fleet to provide a truly unique maritime experience for guests visiting Auckland.

highlights
Hands on sailing
Waitemata Harbour
Pride Picnic Box lunch

inclusions
Pride Picnic Box lunch including Prime Beef Salad roll, Freshly Baked Muffin, NZ Cheese and Crackers, Fresh Fruit of the Season and Nut Bar Wet weather Gear provided if needed Listen to an informative commentary Complimentary pass to the NZ National Maritime Museum Hands on sailing

times
Departs: daily at 1.00pm from the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, corner Hobson and Quay Streets, Downtown Auckland.
Duration: 1.5 hours

additional information
Operated by: Pride of Auckland
Children: aged 0-3 years are free of charge if not occupying a seat. Children aged 4-15 years are at the child rate

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auckland dinner cruise

Very Romantic. Watch the fairy-tale lights of Auckland city pass by. This cruise offers a truly unique combination of sailing and dining, with a set fresh seafood menu, and cash bar on board. Enjoy the finest fresh produce in a calm and magnificent harbour setting. Your crew of two will be your hosts, and will cook and serve your meal and ensure your comfort throughout the cruise. Then you weigh anchor and the sails go up for an exhilarating after dinner sailing experience.

highlights
Romantic sailing experience
Waitemata Harbour by night
Set Seafood dinner

inclusions
4-Course Set Seafood menu includes Fresh Steamed Mussels in the half shell, Creamy Seafood Chowder with Fresh Warm Herb Bread, Fresh Fillets of Fish Breaded and Pan Fried in fresh Olive Oil, Roast Potatoes served in a Creamed Garlic Sauce, Crisp Vegetables of the Season, Fresh Fruit Kebabs and Tea and Coffee Vegetarian/Non-seafood alternatives also available Licensed Bar onboard Listen to an informative commentary Complimentary pass to the NZ National Maritime Museum

times
Departs: daily at 7.00pm from the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, corner Hobson and Quay Streets, Downtown Auckland.
Duration: 2.5 hours

additional information
Operated by: Pride of Auckland
Children: aged 0-3 years are free of charge if not occupying a seat. Children aged 4-15 years are at the child rate

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1 day tall ship cruise

The best way to see the Bay of Islands is from the water, and the nicest way to see it is from on board a Tall Ship.

The R.Tucker Thompson is spacious, with plenty of room on board to relax, read a book and soak up the sun (but don't forget your sunblock!). If you fancy something more energetic, then the crew will show you how to set the sails and you help sail the ship. If you really fancy adventure, then ride the bowsprit or climb the rigging, then swing off the rope for a lunch time swim.

At lunchtime, we'll find a sheltered cove and you can head ashore, have a swim or stay on board and have a drink. When you get back, we'll serve you a delicious BBQ lunch, tender barbequed chicken on a delicious salad and french bread.

We have a licensed bar so you can enjoy a drink with your lunch before setting off for an afternoon sail. If you are musically inclined, feel free to strike a few chords on the ship's guitar.... we've even got a chess board if you fancy a game. Our friendly crew will make you feel at home and share tall tales with you about past voyages. Then kick back, and experience the awesome feeling as the wind fills the sails and we sail home.

highlights
‘Hands on’ sailing
Bay of Islands
BBQ lunch

inclusions
Hands on sailing Morning tea of cream & scones and tea/coffee BBQ lunch including tender barbequed chicken on a delicious salad and french bread Licensed bar on board

times
Departs: daily - from early October to early May - at 10.00am from the Russell Wharf, Bay of Islands
Returns: 4.00pm

additional information
Operated by: R.Tucker Thompson
Children: aged 0-4 years are free of charge. Children aged 5-14 years are at the child rate

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paihia duck

It’s a boat, it’s a bus, it’s both! See the Bay of Islands by land and water with a unique amphibious tour aboard Paihia Duck! Enjoy a 1.5 hour fun, scenic, historic and cultural tour with full commentary along the way. Drive from Paihia to Waitangi, cruise across to romantic Russell, back on land to explore the historic township, re-enter the water at Okiato to Opua, exit the water for the final time at Opua and travel back to Paihia by road.

highlights
Land and sea tour
Waitangi
Russell Township
Opua Passage

inclusions
Land and sea tour of Bay of Islands

times
Departs: daily every 2 hours from 9am during summer months, and by demand in winter months from the Maritime Building, Paihia
Duration: 1.5 hours

additional information
Operated by: 4x4 Dune-Rider
Children: aged 0-4 years are free of charge. Children aged 5-14 years are at the child rate

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