Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise Discount Tickets

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

Meeting and Pickup

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

Inclusion

Live commentary throughout

Sail through the Bay of Islands to a remote wildlife sanctuary island

Carbonated beverages

Island time - 2 hrs — water activities, bush tracks, beaching, exploring, picnic lunch

Use of snorkeling equipment

Live crew commentary throughout — genuine sailing, not a tour bus on water

Tea and coffee

Lunch

Full day sailing adventure (approx. 6 hours)

Exclusion

Bottled water

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
• 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

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.

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.