Bay of Islands: Day Trips and Tours from Auckland

Day trips from Auckland to the Bay of Islands are one of the most spectacular trips to take in New Zealand. In fact, the islands are famed for being one of the country’s most sought-after summer destinations.

Visitors flock here in large numbers to marvel at its stunning natural beauty and discover its Maori history. If you’re a beach lover, water-sports enthusiast, and wildlife fan, then a day trip to the Bay of Islands from Auckland promises to be your version of paradise on earth.

You will find below everything you need to know before a Bay of islands tour, one of the most mesmerizing destinations for day trips from Auckland.

How to get to the Bay of Islands from Auckland?

The Bay of Islands is around 16 kilometers wide located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. There are several ways to travel to the Bay of Islands from Auckland including by car, plane and public transportation.

From Auckland to the Bay of Islands by car

This is a popular mode of transportation to the Bay of Islands as many visitors like to have a car on hand to explore the islands on arrival. However, renting a vehicle can be costly. Visitors should also bear in mind that the route involves a ferry crossing.

If you do choose to drive to the Bay of Islands, it’s a mere 230 kilometers from Auckland, or an approximately 5-hour drive, allowing for enough time to explore the islands on a day trip if you set off early.

On the most common driving route, you’ll head off from Auckland to the Rangiora Ferry terminal for a 15-minute car ferry to Rawene. Once there, it’s around an hour's drive to the Bay of Islands.

From Auckland to the Bay of Islands by airplane

The Bay of Islands trips that venture into the sky are the fastest way to get to the islands from Auckland as it cuts off considerable time from the land journey.

Flights depart from Auckland to Kerikeri airport and take around 50 minutes. If booked in advance, flights can be fairly reasonable in price.

However, travelers taking a flight should remember that they will still have to complete an approximately 1-hour journey drive which involves a ferry crossing to reach the islands after landing in Kerikeri.

Guided tour to Auckland from the Bay of Islands

Choosing a Bay of Islands guided tour is one of the most popular options as it saves a lot of the hassle of having to navigate this short, yet fairly complex journey yourself. Most tours arrange collection and drop-off from your accommodation in Auckland for added comfort and ease.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Bay of Islands from Auckland?

A Bay of Islands day trip typically starts with an early morning collection from your hotel or accommodation where you’ll meet your expert guide. Cruising in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, you can expect to pass a number of important cultural and historical sights in Auckland.

From Auckland, you’ll travel north as you admire the beautiful craggy coastal countryside, before making a stopover at Whangarei where you’ll visit the magnificent Whangarei falls for an incredible photo opportunity.

Continuing north towards Paihia, you’ll forget about the long journey as your knowledgeable guide keeps you entertained with insightful information and fascinating tales about the region against a backdrop of stunning natural scenery.

After a drive along the north coast of New Zealand, you’ll arrive at Paihia, the ferry terminal, where you’ll have some time to explore this charming town that is filled with quirky boutiques, art stores, and lovely cafes.

Then, hop onto a magical boat cruise from Paihia to the Bay of Islands where you’ll explore the extensive islands of the region and learn about the area’s rich history and nature. Keep an eye out for marine life, with any luck you may spot the Bay of Island’s famous dolphins or whales.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Bay of Islands?

There is a range of day trips and tours to the Bay of Islands available depending on how much time you have on your hands and how many sights you would like to visit during your excursion.

Small-group guided tours to the Bay of Islands from Auckland

Small-group organized tours are a fantastic way to explore the islands in depth with a knowledgeable guide who can offer insight into the historical and cultural significance of the region, as well as point out the area’s most important sights and wildlife

.These include a visit to the Waitangi treaty grounds, a cruise around the islets and the famous Hole in the Rock, and a traditional Maori cultural performance.

The tours are limited to a small number of guests for a more intimate experience. Your guide will be on hand to answer any questions or queries that may arise along the way.

Group guided tours typically last a full day, from 10 to 12.5 hours, and include collection from your accommodation in Auckland.

Private tour to the Bay of Islands from Auckland

Private tours are more costly than group guided tours but visitors are guaranteed VIP treatment and a more tailored experience. Tours of this nature include a personal driver guide, round-trip transportation by a private vehicle, refreshments, and hotel pickups and drop-offs from Auckland.

On a private full-day trip, you’ll embark on your adventure from Auckland in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle just for your party and have your personal guide all to yourself. You will get to see New Zealand’s awe-inspiring hidden gems that only locals know about.

Multi-day trips to the Bay of Islands from Auckland

Want to explore more of what the Bay of Islands has to offer? Then choose a multi-day tour from Auckland to discover the highlights, as well as hidden spots on New Zealand’s breathtaking coastline.

On overnight tours you’ll be able to spend from 3 to 5 days savoring the area’s top attractions at a more leisurely pace. Explore the island’s pristine beaches, rocky islets, the Hobbiton movie set and majestic caves, and visit important historic institutions where you’ll discover the Maori’s fascinating past.

Multi-day tours of this nature usually include a knowledgeable guide, a boat cruise around the islands, some meals, as well as pickup and drop-offs from a centrally located hotel in Auckland.

These types of tours typically include 2 to 4 nights in a high-end hostel, a guided tour of Northland’s top sights, comfortable air-conditioned bus transportation, and a number of meals during your stay.

Day trip to the Bay of Islands plus Waitangi and Cape Reinga from Auckland

Take in the most treasured sights of the Northland on a multi-day tour that will give you plenty of time to explore the islands thoroughly.

You’ll venture to Waitangi where you will visit the Waitangi Treaty grounds – New Zealand’s most important historic site and a champion of the Maori culture.

From there, you’ll explore Cape Reinga and the Ninety Mile beach where you’ll arrive at the northernmost point of the country. You can also expect plenty of dolphin sightings on this tour.

How much does a tour to the Bay of Islands from Auckland cost?

Small group guided tours are the most popular day trips to the Bay of Islands and start at NZ$ 360 (US$215) per person.

A private tour and transfer to the Bay of Islands from Auckland costs between NZ$570 (US$335) to NZ$2,535 (US$1,500) per person. The price varies according to the number of days you wish to explore the island, with the cheaper tours lasting a full day and the more expensive lasting a whole 3 days.

The multi-day trips to the Bay of Islands from Auckland cost between NZ$700 (US$415) and NZ$1,820 (US$1,075) per person depending on whether you choose a 3 or 5-day tour.

A day trip to the Bay of Islands plus Waitangi and Cape Reinga from Auckland costs NZ$240 (US$140) per person. Lunch, air-conditioned vehicle transportation, tour commentary and a visit to the island’s most treasured sights are included.

What will you see and do on a Bay of Islands day trip from Auckland?

The Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is famed for its crystalline, turquoise waters and undeveloped islands that are a popular attraction come summertime.

The region has immense historical value, being home to New Zealand’s first permanent British settlement and the location where Maori settled here during the early ages of migration. Today, it’s a popular destination for an array of water activities, including yachting, kayaking, and diving.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are sure to introduce you to the history of the Maori culture and the cultural significance they hold today. It was at this exact location that the first Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British Crown.

The entry includes a guided excursion and a once-in-a-lifetime display of a Maori cultural performance.

Cape Reinga

In Maori culture, Cape Reinga is believed to be the Heartland’s most sacred sight from where, according to the Maoris, the dead depart from. This enchanting headland gathers flocks of visitors who come here to reach the northernmost tip on State Highway 1.

Cape Reinga is also a popular destination at sunset, where you can witness dramatic vistas from its lighthouse.

The Cape Brett Hole in the Rock

This natural rock tunnel is a remote and wonderful part of New Zealand’s coastline. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the famous Hole in the Rock makes for a popular stopover on a number of tours to the Bay of Islands.

You can opt to cruise or speedboat to the tunnel for a stunning photo opportunity and memorable experience.

Visit the Hobbiton film locations

On some tours, you’ll have the opportunity to step right inside the movie set of Hobbiton. The movie set is an importation destination that features in the “Lord of the Rights” sequel and makes for a truly special day trip in New Zealand.

On your tour, you can also expect to learn film secrets that only the producers and actors know about and bonus points if you spot any hobbits along the way.

When is the best time to visit the Bay of Islands?

The Bay of Islands is home to a sub-tropical climate and boasts warm weather year-round. The summer season is from December to February and is when most tourists visit the islands. Given this, it’s also the time of the year that has the most crowds.

If you’re looking to beat the peak summer crowds, then choose spring from March to May when the weather is still generally pleasant and there are fewer visitors around the main sights.

Travel tips

• If you choose to book a multi-day trip, remember to bring your ID for checking in to your accommodation. This also applies to the ferry crossing and flight.
• Pack comfortable walking boots and warm, long-sleeve layers for the boat tour and for exploring the rugged terrain.
• Make sure you bring sunscreen, especially if you are visiting the Bay of Islands during the balmy months.