Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland
Overview
Join us on a small group day tour from Auckland to explore the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and soak up on New Zealand’s spectacular scenery of rural countryside and sub-tropical bush en route to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Hop on a scenic cruise around the bay to witness some of the incredible 144 islands, get up close to the cliffs at Cape Brett, and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock. Spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop to eat, swim and walk. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands!
What's Included
- Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
- Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch stop at Otehei Bay
- Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas (at mother nature's discretion)
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
- Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide
- Discover self-guided bush walks for spectacular views over the Bay of Islands
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
- Witness the iconic Hole in the Rock
- Engaging and informative commentary in English
- Journey by boat across the pristine Islands
- Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
- WiFi on board
- Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
We pick up passengers from selected hotels in Auckland CBD. If your hotel is not in this list, please choose the closest alternative pickup location. If you require assistance in choosing the closest alternative pickup location, please contact the operator in advance so that we can assist you.Please see below timings of your pickup based on your selected pickup location. Please make sure you are present at the pickup location 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time. We cannot hold the bus if you are late, and no refunds will be provided to late or no-show passengers.Scheduled Pick-Up Timings[08:30 AM - Cordis Auckland, Mercure Auckland, Kiwi International, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites, Pullman Auckland]; [08:35 AM - Four Points By Sheraton Auckland, Grand Millennium Auckland, VR Auckland City Hobson Street, Crowne Plaza Auckland]; [08:40 AM - SkyCity Hotel, The Grand By SkyCity, Heritage Auckland, Rydges Auckland]; [08:45 AM - JW Marriot, voco Auckland City Centre, Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, ibis Budget Auckland City Centre]; [08:50 AM - Mövenpick Hotel, Nesuto Stadium Hotel and Apartments, Adina Apartment Hotel]; [08:55 AM - M Social, Hilton Auckland]; [09:00 AM - Sofitel Auckland, Park Hyatt, Swiss Bel-Suites Victoria Park];
8 Customs Street East
Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Auckland Central
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
La nonna Italian Bakery
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Hundertwasser Public Toilets
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
4 hours Admission Ticket Included
Auckland Central
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Easy and good fitness level required.
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
- The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
- A full commentary is provided by your skipper onboard the cruise. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese.
- A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation.
- You will be able to purchase lunch or dinner, depending upon the sailing time, from the café at Otehei Bay.
- Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel.
- Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.
- You are welcome to bring your own food. There is also hot and cold food available for purchase on board.
- Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-168163P64
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 26 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more.
- Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch stop at Otehei Bay.
- Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas (at mother nature's discretion).
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus.
- Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise.
- All Fees and Taxes.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide.
- Discover self-guided bush walks for spectacular views over the Bay of Islands.
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland.
- Witness the iconic Hole in the Rock.
- Engaging and informative commentary in English.
- Journey by boat across the pristine Islands.
- Complimentary refreshments and water onboard.
- WiFi on board.
- Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise.
- Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus.
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour.
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD.
- Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax.
- Breakfast.
- Dinner.
- Lunch.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Easy and good fitness level required.
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
- The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Bay of Islands Explorer Experience Small Group Tour From Auckland will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
- Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch stop at Otehei Bay
- Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas (at mother nature's discretion)
- Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
- Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide
- Discover self-guided bush walks for spectacular views over the Bay of Islands
- Fully guided return transfers from Auckland
- Witness the iconic Hole in the Rock
- Engaging and informative commentary in English
- Journey by boat across the pristine Islands
- Complimentary refreshments and water onboard
- WiFi on board
- Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
- Complimentary High-Speed Internet onboard the minibus
- A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
- Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland CBD
- Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Easy and good fitness level required.
- You must be able to climb and descend stairs and walk on unpaved or uneven terrain.
- The site is wheelchair accessible but please be prepared for uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for those with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
- Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.
- A full commentary is provided by your skipper onboard the cruise. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese.
- A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation.
- You will be able to purchase lunch or dinner, depending upon the sailing time, from the café at Otehei Bay.
- Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel.
- Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.
- You are welcome to bring your own food. There is also hot and cold food available for purchase on board.
- Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
