Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary - 6 hr - Bay of Islands
Overview
Most visitors see the Bay of Islands from a crowded deck. Our guests see it from the secret local spots that are not on the standard tourist circuit. The Island Hopper cruise takes you to a wildlife sanctuary island, by sail. It's a side of the Bay most tour boats never reach.
Board straight from Paihia beachfront — the catamaran pulls up to the beach, kick off your shoes and you're on the water within minutes.
As you sail, the crew will keep you entertained, and give you live commentary — coastline, history, the native wildlife that calls this special place home.
At the island, the boat anchors for two hours where you can go ashore to swim, snorkel, paddleboard in the sheltered bay. Walk the native bush tracks through a working wildlife sanctuary. Take a packed picnic lunch to a spot of your choice.
The sail home is where everything slows down, this is where the bliss factor kicks in, kick back relax. Or if you’re a keen sailor - help hoist the sails and join the crew at the helm
What's Included
- Tea and coffee - Morning tea — coffee, tea, hot chocolate, biscuits
- Lunch Packed Picnic Lunch— Deli sandwich, fruit, cake/muffin, nut bar & chips. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, or Dairy Free option available - please make a note in the comments section when booking
- Carbonated beverages Cold drink on the return sail
- Live commentary throughout
- Sail through the Bay of Islands to a remote wildlife sanctuary island
- Island time - 2 hrs — water activities, bush tracks, beaching, exploring, picnic lunch
- Snorkel equipment and paddleboard use
- Live crew commentary throughout — genuine sailing, not a tour bus on water
- Full day sailing adventure (approx. 6 hours)
- Bottled water Please bring your own water bottle, we can refill for you. Tea/coffee provided.
Meeting Location
Marsden Road
Paihia Beach, Paihia 0247, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Bay of Islands (pass by)
Paihia Harbour (pass by)
Russell (pass by)
Motuarohia (Roberton) Island Track (pass by)
Moturua Island
2 hours Admission Ticket Free
Urupukapuka Island (pass by)
Waitangi (pass by)
Paihia Beach (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for people with poor mobility
- If you're unsure whether this works for you, please contact us before booking. We'd rather help you to make the right choice, than have you find out at the water's edge.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Boarding is from the Paihia beach — which requires you to be steady on your feet and able to manage using a boarding ladder without physical assistance. You will step from the sand into shallow water, then onto a boarding ladder to get onto the catamaran. In some conditions (such as a very low tide) a dinghy may be used to get from shore to the boat.
- This cruise includes optional activities - Walking on bush tracks of moderate grade, walking on uneven natural terrain (footwear recommended). To join the water activities, guests must be able to swim in open water unassisted.
- Non-swimmers are very welcome onboard. We have lifejackets if you wish to wear one during the sailing time.
- CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMERS please check the arrival & departure time of your ship BEFORE you book this cruise. We advise a 1.5 hour window either side of cruise ship anchor/departure is recommended to allow time to get to and from our departure point. The ship arrival point is not the same as the departure point for tours in the Bay of Islands (we are happy to help you with directions - please message us ship/date details) PLEASE don't make a booking as a "placeholder" while you consider your options, check your itinerary first, please. We do not make allowances for a change in ship schedule. Normal terms and conditions apply.
- Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free lunches are available- please request in the notes during the booking process. LUNCHES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR FOOD ALLERGIES as we can't guarantee there is no cross contamination of allergens. If you have a food allergy please bring your own lunch for your personal safety and satisfaction.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 (including infants) require a child ticket to board.
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately, and be prepared for a day in the great outdoors
- Refunds will not be issued if you miss the boat due to late or non-arrival. The boat departs on time without exception to stay on schedule so please ensure you have allowed ample time for travel & parking.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary – 6 hr – Bay of Islands?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-60061P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 305 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 (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- 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.
- Tea and coffee. - Morning tea — coffee, tea, hot chocolate, biscuits.
- Lunch. Packed Picnic Lunch— Deli sandwich, fruit, cake/muffin, nut bar & chips. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, or Dairy Free option available - please make a note in the comments section when booking.
- Carbonated beverages. Cold drink on the return sail.
- Live commentary throughout.
- Sail through the Bay of Islands to a remote wildlife sanctuary island.
- Island time - 2 hrs — water activities, bush tracks, beaching, exploring, picnic lunch.
- Snorkel equipment and paddleboard use.
- Live crew commentary throughout — genuine sailing, not a tour bus on water.
- Full day sailing adventure (approx. 6 hours).
- Bottled water. Please bring your own water bottle, we can refill for you. Tea/coffee provided.
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 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. 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 Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary - 6 hr - Bay of Islands is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for people with poor mobility
- If you're unsure whether this works for you, please contact us before booking. We'd rather help you to make the right choice, than have you find out at the water's edge.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary – 6 hr – Bay of Islands 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
- Tea and coffee- Morning tea — coffee, tea, hot chocolate, biscuits
- LunchPacked Picnic Lunch— Deli sandwich, fruit, cake/muffin, nut bar & chips. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, or Dairy Free option available - please make a note in the comments section when booking
- Carbonated beveragesCold drink on the return sail
- Live commentary throughout
- Sail through the Bay of Islands to a remote wildlife sanctuary island
- Island time - 2 hrs — water activities, bush tracks, beaching, exploring, picnic lunch
- Snorkel equipment and paddleboard use
- Live crew commentary throughout — genuine sailing, not a tour bus on water
- Full day sailing adventure (approx. 6 hours)
- Bottled waterPlease bring your own water bottle, we can refill for you. Tea/coffee provided.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for people with poor mobility
- If you're unsure whether this works for you, please contact us before booking. We'd rather help you to make the right choice, than have you find out at the water's edge.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Boarding is from the Paihia beach — which requires you to be steady on your feet and able to manage using a boarding ladder without physical assistance. You will step from the sand into shallow water, then onto a boarding ladder to get onto the catamaran. In some conditions (such as a very low tide) a dinghy may be used to get from shore to the boat.
- This cruise includes optional activities - Walking on bush tracks of moderate grade, walking on uneven natural terrain (footwear recommended). To join the water activities, guests must be able to swim in open water unassisted.
- Non-swimmers are very welcome onboard. We have lifejackets if you wish to wear one during the sailing time.
- CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMERS please check the arrival & departure time of your ship BEFORE you book this cruise. We advise a 1.5 hour window either side of cruise ship anchor/departure is recommended to allow time to get to and from our departure point. The ship arrival point is not the same as the departure point for tours in the Bay of Islands (we are happy to help you with directions - please message us ship/date details) PLEASE don't make a booking as a "placeholder" while you consider your options, check your itinerary first, please. We do not make allowances for a change in ship schedule. Normal terms and conditions apply.
- Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free lunches are available- please request in the notes during the booking process. LUNCHES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR FOOD ALLERGIES as we can't guarantee there is no cross contamination of allergens. If you have a food allergy please bring your own lunch for your personal safety and satisfaction.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 (including infants) require a child ticket to board.
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately, and be prepared for a day in the great outdoors
- Refunds will not be issued if you miss the boat due to late or non-arrival. The boat departs on time without exception to stay on schedule so please ensure you have allowed ample time for travel & parking.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
