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Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary - 6 hr - Bay of Islands

Location Paihia, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand
$141.99
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

The Island Hopper Day Cruise in the Bay of Islands offers a magical sailing adventure across 144 stunning islands. Experience the beauty of the bay with a variety of activities tailored for all adventurers.

  • ⛵ Set sail on a modern catamaran, featuring bean bags and comfortable seating to relax as you cruise.
  • 🌴 Enjoy a 2-hour island stopover at a wildlife sanctuary, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, hike, or swim.
  • 🐦 Visit wildlife sanctuary islands to encounter native bush and rare bird species in their natural habitat.
  • 🍽️ Savor a delicious packed picnic lunch, morning tea, and a refreshing cold drink on the return journey.
  • 🚤 The catamaran pulls right up to the beach, allowing easy access for your island escapades.
  • 👨‍✈️ Benefit from live commentary by a friendly local guide, enhancing your understanding of the bay.
  • 🏖️ All activities, including the use of snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards, are included in the experience.
  • 🧳 Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for your convenience, ensuring a hassle-free day.
  • 💧 Bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated; refills are available on board.
  • 🌍 Suitable for all fitness levels, with a maximum of 16-20 people on board for a personalized experience.

Perfect for those looking to gift outdoor explorations, Tinggly offers an eco-friendly way to share this sailing adventure, with instant e-delivery, no expiration on vouchers, and a global freedom of choice.

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Island Hopper Day Cruise
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 6 hours

  • Full day sailing adventure (approx. 6 hours)
  • 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
  • - Morning tea — coffee, tea, hot chocolate, biscuits
  • Live crew commentary throughout — genuine sailing, not a tour bus on water
  • Snorkel equipment and paddleboard use
  • Island time - 2 hrs — water activities, bush tracks, beaching, exploring, picnic lunch
  • Cold drink on the return sail
  • Sail through the Bay of Islands to a remote wildlife sanctuary island
  • Live commentary throughout
  • Please bring your own water bottle, we can refill for you. Tea/coffee provided.

Meeting point
You will find the Barefoot sailing catamaran anchored close to the shore line about half way along the stretch of Paihia beach. It won't be hard to find, it has Barefoot Sailing Adventures footprint logo sign written along the side, and it is usually anchored at least 30 min prior to departure.
Return details
You will find the Barefoot sailing catamaran anchored close to the shore line about half way along the stretch of Paihia beach. It won't be hard to find, it has Barefoot Sailing Adventures footprint logo sign written along the side, and it is usually anchored at least 30 min prior to departure.

  • Enjoy a 6 hour sailing cruise in the Bay of Islands with a 2 hour island stopover at a stunning wildlife sanctuary island for activities like snorkelling, paddleboarding, hikes, and picnic lunch. Get to know your crew, and have a go at sailing or just kick back and relax. The choice is yours. (pass by)
  • Departing from Paihia beach at 10am, we set sail and make our way through the Paihia harbor, enjoying a cuppa tea/coffee/milo & biscuits during the start of the cruise. Get to know your skipper and crew, enjoy the sailing activity while it is happening all around you. (pass by)
  • If the wind direction is right, the engines go off, the sails fill, and the only sound is the water lapping the hulls. That's when the real magic begins. From here we sail the Bay of Islands inlet, then track north along the Russell peninsula, Tapeka point coastline and into the wider Bay of Islands with the outer islands opening up ahead. (pass by)
  • We sail on by Motuarohia Island, a picturesque island known for it's twin lagoons, and famous for Captain Cook's early arrival which early encounters with maori followed, making history which is talked about for years to follow. (pass by)
  • Our favorite choice for the lunchtime island stopover, Moturua Island is a predator free wildlife sanctuary island where the native bush grows right down to the beach and is abundant with New Zealand's unique wildlife species. Here we enjoy a 2 hour island stopover where the boat anchors in a sheltered bay for you to step ashore onto the beach and enjoy your choice of activities. Snorkel or paddleboard in the bay, relax on the beach or explore the beautiful bush tracks - a 15 min walk will have you in another secluded bay enjoying a picnic lunch. Home to rare bird species kiwi, kakariki, saddleback, robin, whitehead, ruru, as well as the giant weta and many other New Zealand's endangered species, you will hear the bird song even before the anchor drops. PLEASE NOTE - we can only make 1 stop at 1 island destination for the 2 hour island stopover for the optional activities. So we will choose from EITHER Moturua or Urupukapuka Island. (please see next destination on itinerary)
  • This is our next choice for the 2 hour island stopover. If wind & sea conditions dictate Urupukapuka is the best option for a sheltered anchorage then we will go where the wind takes us! Known for it's beautiful walking tracks and superb views, Urupukapuka is a stunning island destination. Although we don't visit Otehei Bay (where the big tourist boats go) we like to find a quieter haven on this island for more of a nature experience away from the crowds at Paradise Bay or Entico Bay - it as as beautiful as it sounds! Here you can also experience New Zealand's rare bird life on the walking tracks We enjoy a 2 hour island stopover where the boat anchors for you to step ashore onto the beach and enjoy your choice of activities. Snorkel or paddleboard in the bay, relax on the beach or explore the beautiful bush tracks. PLEASE NOTE - we can only make 1 stop at 1 island destination for the 2 hour island stopover. So we will choose from EITHER Moturua or Urupukapuka Island. (pass by)
  • Depending on the wind and swell that day, the skipper picks the best line for the return sail to Paihia, sometimes out towards Moturoa Island and tucking in close to the mainland cliffs at Waitangi where you will see the Waitangi flag post at the Treaty Grounds from the sea. Sometimes tracking in closer to Russell, and heading up towards the entrance to the Opua inlet before turning back in to Paihia. No two days run exactly the same route, which is really the beauty of sailing. (pass by)
  • Returning to Paihia beach at around 4pm. A beautiful relaxing place to end to a great day's sailing! (pass by)

  • 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.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This experience requires good weather.
    If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience 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.
  • How it works?
    01 — You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 — We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 — Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary - 6 hr - Bay of Islands

    Location Paihia, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand
    $141.99
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 — You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 — We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 — Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

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