Best Auckland Island Hopping Tours — Our Top 7

1.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 292 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $92Our pick

Spend 6 to 8 hours cruising Tikapa Moana from Auckland, with dedicated time to find whales and dolphins, live commentary, and a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard. Choose wildlife walks and a swim, or wine and lunch. A marine mammal guarantee offers a return voucher if nothing is seen.

“Wow, wow, wow, what a fabulous day and so lucky😎 Even the guys running the boat said we saw a lot more than is usual and in perfect weather too. Loads of Gannets that gave away the positions of the feeding Common Dolphins and Bryde's Whales😎 These whales are quite common here but considered as critically endangered generally🙄 Brutus" is a nickname for the Bryde's whale, that is pronounced "Broodus"🐳”

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2.3-Day Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · from $785

This three-day Northland tour links Auckland with Paihia, Russell, Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach, Puketi Kauri Forest, and Waitangi Treaty Grounds. You travel with local guides, stay two nights in Paihia, and join separate coach and boat operators along the way. Expect an early start, long day to the far north, and weather-dependent cruising.

“We had a great day today on the trip up to the top of New Zealand. Particularly fascinated by the drive on the beach”

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3.3 Day Bay Of Islands Tour from Auckland including Waitangi and Cape Reinga

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · from $772

Travel from Auckland to Paihia for three busy days of Māori heritage, coastal scenery, Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach and a Bay of Islands cruise. You get two nights’ accommodation, a Waitangi tour, Cape Reinga excursion, Hole in the Rock cruise and return transport. Some sections use public InterCity buses, not one private coach.

“Great experience to join this tour as it includes all the major spots in the NZ's northern area. Bus drivers are very professional and polite. Regarding to the hotel accommodation, the room is quite good. The location is very convenient. It takes about 5 minutes to reach a supermarket. One minor thing is that the kettle in the 3 star hotel is dirty and old. Paihia is definitely the place you have to go if you would like to take a break in a small town/village for few days.”

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4.Bay of Islands Day Tour with Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 13 hours · from $283Top rated

Spend 13 hours traveling from Auckland to Paihia in a comfortable minibus, then cruise the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Look for dolphins, whales, and other marine life, with 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay for swimming, walking, or a café stop. Guide Karthik has earned praise for making the long drive engaging.

“Our Driver/Tour guide Karthik was very knowlegable and kept us all interested on the long journey to the Islands. The boat trip was great, amazing views and time out on an island for food, drink & relaxation. The Bay of islands is a very beautiful place and well worth a visit. I wish I could have stayed for longer.”

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5.Private Tour: Bay of Islands Day Trip from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 6 reviews · from $578

You’ll travel from Auckland to Paihia in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Parry Kauri Park, Whangarei Falls, Haruru Falls, and Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The day can include a three-hour Hole in the Rock cruise, though tickets cost extra. Guides such as Bobby, Mike, and Trevor have each led this route.

“Bobby was excellent, due to the weather cruise ran longer but worth every minute of it!! Highly recommend!”

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6.Bay of Islands Tour & Cruise 2Day Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $439

Travel from Auckland in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with an English-speaking guide and up to 16 people. Visit the Kauri Museum, Waipoua Forest, Opononi Beach, and Waitangi Treaty Grounds, then cruise the Bay of Islands for 4.5 hours with a stop at Otehei Bay and a possible visit to the Hole in the Rock.

“The tour was fantastic. The itinerary was a perfect mix of culture and NZ countryside. The driver was excellent, he was respectful and passionate about his country and nothing was too much trouble. We enjoyed a full 2 day itinerary in the Bay of Islands on an excellent value tour.”

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7.Auckland Region | Island Hopper Package Tour (2 Guests Minimum)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $614

You’ll fly from Auckland over the Hauraki Gulf to Great Barrier Island for a guided island tour, then continue by air to Waiheke. At Batch Winery, enjoy premium tastings and a three-course lunch with views toward Rangitoto. Chris, Linda, and the pilot add a personal touch, while ground transfers keep the day moving.

“Absolute incredible experience,,. So much fun learning about how Chris became a pilot and his story! Linda was absolutely delightful! She truly does it all!!! And the pilot was fun as well! Highly recommend this tour and would do it again if we come back to area! I have recipes for Linda to try out!”

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