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Bay of Islands Scenic Tour

70 Reviews 4.80 out of 5 stars Based on 70 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This a very comprehensive tour of the Bay of Islands area and we pack a lot into the 3+ hours.
Visit the Waitangi area, Paihia, the Haruru Falls, Opua, and travel by vehicle ferry to the other side of the bay where we visit historic Russell, Long Beach, and enjoy fabulous views from the top of Flagstaff Hill.
You will get a real feel for the Bay of Islands area. It's geography, history and our way of life.

Benefit from an expert guide and a small group size.
Extensive, detailed commentary, delivered with a dose of humor. Spectacular scenic views. Free time in Russell to enjoy a glass of wine or lunch. Passenger ferry return to Paihia included. Hotel pick-up from the Paihia area or Cruise ship wharf.

Small group size limited to 11 people ensures a personalized
experience

What's Included

  • Passenger ferry from Russell to Paihia
  • Car Ferry from Opua to Okiato
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Gratutities
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Our main pick-up location for Cruise Ship passengers is from Waitangi Wharf. I'll e-mail you prior to the tour with a more detailed description and a map. We also pick-up from Maritime Building on Marsden Rd, next to the Paihia Wharf, but you would need to let me know. If you are staying in the Paihia area I also offer hotel pick-up. I'll e-mail you with a pick-up time.

OR
Meeting point
End point

27 The Strand
Russell 0202, New Zealand

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Waitangi Golf Club

Following pick-up, there is a short drive to our first stop of the day, close to the Waitangi Golf Course, where we enjoy a fabulous scenic view of the Bay of Islands.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Waitangi Treaty Grounds (pass by)

We drive past the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where our guide explains in detail the history and the importance to New Zealand.
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Haruru Falls

Next, it's a short drive the fabulous Haruru Falls where we stop for photos.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Paihia Harbour (pass by)

Paihia is the largest village in the Bay of Islands and most of the accommodation and shopping is in this area. We drive a circuit through the village. Our guide will give recommendations explanations and suggestions on the various restaurants, and shops. We continue along the waterfront with its beautiful beaches and picturesque Island views.
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Opua

From Paihia we enjoy a short scenic drive around the waterfront to Opua Marina, where we can stop for ice-creams, or coffees.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Okiato Vehicle Ferry Terminal

From Opua Marina we take our bus on the vehicle ferry for a scenic water crossing to Okiato on the other side of the bay.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Okiato (pass by)

Disembarking from the Vehicle Ferry we enjoy a short scenic past Orongo Bay to historic Russell township
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Flagstaff Hill

We drive to the top of Flagstaff Hill for expansive and spectacular views over the Bay of Islands. This is one of the highlights of the tour.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Long Beach Road

Next stop is beautiful Long Beach in Russell. Enjoy the views. Take your shoes off and get your feet wet in the sea.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Russell

We loop through the historic village of Russell, where historical sites, shops & eateries are described in detail.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Russell

Our tour concludes in Russell with as much free time as you want. Russell is a picturesque village with many stores. There's a point of difference here. Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the waterfront restaurants or have fish and chips on the beach. You will be given a passenger ferry ticket to return to Paihia. (free)
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Paihia (pass by)

If you prefer not to use the Russell/Paihia passenger ferry you have the option of returning to Paihia on the bus.
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Show 11 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • If you are unwell, please do not travel. I will refund you
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Bay of Islands Scenic Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-479840P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.80
70 reviews

Average 4.80 out of 5 stars based on 70 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
58
4 stars
10
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Passenger ferry from Russell to Paihia
  • Car Ferry from Opua to Okiato
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • In-person guide is included which is the driver
  • Gratutities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • If you are unwell, please do not travel. I will refund you
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

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