Dolphin and island cruises in the Bay of Islands leave from Paihia, and some also pick up at Russell. Bookably lists 9 places to stay in the area around Paihia.
Operators for dolphin and island cruises in the Bay of Islands
- Carino Wildlife Cruises A day cruise under sail on a catamaran with wildlife watching and an island stop, from Paihia Wharf.
- Explore Group Cruises to the Hole in the Rock with a lunch stop at Otehei Bay, and a seasonal dolphin cruise, from Paihia or Russell.
- Fullers Bay of Islands Cruises to the Hole in the Rock with an island stop at Otehei Bay, from Paihia or Russell.
- Island Getaway Tours Cruises to the Hole in the Rock with island stops, from Paihia Wharf.
- Rock The Boat Overnight cruises on a houseboat with kayaking, snorkelling and island walks, boarding by shuttle boat from Paihia Wharf.
Listed in alphabetical order. Bookings are made with each operator, not through Bookably, and this list may not be complete.
Good to know about dolphin and island cruises in the Bay of Islands
- The Bay of Islands is a marine mammal sanctuary, with Department of Conservation rules on how close boats and people may come to marine mammals.
- The same rules say nobody may be in the water within three hundred metres of a marine mammal, which covers swimming and snorkelling at island stops.
- Explore Group and Fullers Bay of Islands say that passing through the Hole in the Rock depends on conditions on the day.
- Fullers Bay of Islands and Explore Group share a booking office in the Maritime Building in Paihia.
- Carino Wildlife Cruises runs its day cruise from September to April.
Details checked October 2026. Confirm with the operator before you book.
Places to stay near Paihia
A Cut Above Lodge - Gateway to the Bay of Islands
Kerikeri
Sleeps: 6
Beds: 4
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Where to stay for dolphin and island cruises in the Bay of Islands
Places to stay near Paihia are in Paihia, Haruru, Russell, and Kerikeri.