Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 52 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise worth booking?
Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise is a 36-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $369 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 52 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (52)
- Duration
- 36 hours
- From
- $369 per person
Experience the best of Northland with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on this fully guided Bay of Islands Small Group Overnight Tour, showcasing the region’s stunning scenery, rich Māori heritage, and coastal charm. Designed for flex
What you get
About this experience
Experience the best of Northland with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on this fully guided Bay of Islands Small Group Overnight Tour, showcasing the region’s stunning scenery, rich Māori heritage, and coastal charm. Designed for flexibility, choose to have accommodation in Paihia included (single occupancy surcharge will be applicable to solo travelers) or book your own stay, the choice is yours. Travel in comfort with a small group and enjoy a relaxed pace, personal attention, and the chance to explore hidden gems that larger tours miss. Our passionate guides bring each stop to life with engaging stories, local insights, and a touch of Kiwi humour. Highlights include: a Bay of Islands Cruise to the world-famous Hole in the Rock, visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waipoua Forest & Tāne Mahuta, and The Kauri Museum. Discover the very best of the Far North with a fun, flexible, and premium Cheeky Kiwi experience.
What's included
Included
- Small Group and Fully Guided Tour
- Booster seat
- Complimentary pickup & drop off (select locations only)
- Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
- 1 Night Accommodation in Paihia (if accommodation option chosen )
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Entry to Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Hole in The Rock Cruise
Not included
- On-board restrooms
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Auckland Central
Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Pass by without stopping
The Kauri Museum
Exiting Auckland, we travel west and follow the road through the kumara capital of New Zealand, Dargaville. Our first stop sees us visiting the Kauri Museum, to understand the remarkable story of New Zealand’s largest and most famous native tree.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Tane Mahuta Walk
Visit the breathtaking Waipoua Forest, where you can enjoy its serene beauty and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect these natural wonders for future generations.
15 minutes here
Opononi
Enjoy a lunch break at your own cost in the beachside settlement of Opononi with views over the Hokianga Harbour. Opononi was made famous in the mid 1950s by the tame dolphin Opo, who delighted visitors with its friendly antics.
30 minutes here
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
After enjoying the Hokianga Harbour, we journey further north towards the ‘birthplace of our nation’, Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Here we will be treated to a complete guided tour and cultural performance at Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important historic site. Explore New Zealand’s Māori heritage through interactive museums, traditional performances and historic buildings, including the Treaty House and the beautifully carved Whare Rūnanga.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Paihia
Arrive in the beachside town of Paihia and check into your hotel, before taking a relaxing walk along the beach and ending the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
840 minutes here
Bay of Islands
After breakfast, we embark on a magical cruise to explore the area’s extensive islands. During the cruise, the guides will share the rich history and natural beauty of the Bay of Islands while we search for the marine life that makes these cruises so famous. With a bit of luck, we might spot some playful doplphins and whales for you to enjoy! The cruise runs for 4.5 hours, taking your on a scenic journey through the Bay of Islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula.
240 minutes here
Urupukapuka Island
No Bay of Islands cruise is complete without spending some time at the beach on one of the islands. We’ll be stopping at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, stroll along the white sand beach, hike to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands, or simply relax at the island’s fully licensed bar and café.
60 minutes here
Paihia
Sadly after this day in paradise we must start to head south again but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip to Auckland with secret stops along the way.
300 minutes here
Auckland
As we arrive back into Auckland, our guide will drop you off to your hotel, marking the end of your Bay of Islands tour with us.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Accommodation - Solo Upgrade
Single Share Upgrade : Upgrade to single share if you are travelling solo (required) Entry & Tours: Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise Duration: 2 days: Overnight in Paihia, return to Auckland the following day Minibus Pickup included
Excluding Accommodation
Entry & Tours: Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise Duration: 2 days: Self booked accommodation in Paihia. Overnight in Paihia, return to Auckland the following day Minibus Pickup included
Accommodation (2+ Guests)
Accommodation in Paihia: Please select if two or more guests are travelling Entry & Tours: Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds & Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise Duration: 2 days: Overnight in Paihia, return to Auckland the following day Minibus Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 52 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
52 verified traveler reviews for Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommended 2-day Bay of Islands Tour
Cheeky Kiwi Travel provides an excellent travel adventure to the Bay of Islands. Each stop was exceptional. The Kauri Tree Museum and the Waitange Treaty Grounds were informative and extremely well executed. Our Scenic Hotel Stay was comfortable and the dinner buffet delicious. We had some rough water at the Hole in the Rock and didn't go through but certainly experienced some crashing waves viewed from a distance instead. Also included was a stop for lunch and hiking which was a real treat! All around an exceptional tour!
via Tripadvisor
Book it now!
This was an excellent tour and I would highly recommend taking it. It showed us the highlights of the beautiful Bay of Islands and our guide Jeff was excellent. We’ve done a couple of tours with Cheeky Kiwi now and they’re a brilliant company who offer brilliant experiences.
Response from the operator: Hi Lydia, thrilled to have you back with Cheeky Kiwi Travel again! Jeff will love the shoutout. Hugely appreciate the loyalty and the brilliant review.
via Tripadvisor
Spectacular!
If you ever want to spend a couple of days exploring the north of New Zealand, this is the tour to book! It was jam packed with activities (watching a cultural performance and learning the history behind the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, hiking around Urupukapuka island and cruising to the hole in the rock) while being incredibly well-paced and thought out. Despite the rainy weather predicted for the weekend, our tour guide Mark did his best to make the trip just as worthwhile. He was incredibly friendly and helpful, providing ample snacks and water for the trip, and was also super knowledgeable about the sights we were set to see. The accommodation was very spacious, with two double beds, an en-suite bathroom and amenities such as a TV (provides YouTube and Netflix), a mini fridge and toiletries. As a vegetarian, there were some lovely restaurants around the hotel in Paihia, so I was not short on food to eat! The only disappointment is that we didn’t manage to spot any dolphins and couldn’t go through the hole in the rock due to rough weather, but that isn’t always guaranteed due to ever changing weather. Nonetheless, this tour was fabulous - I learnt so much about the history of New Zealand and saw some beautiful landscapes, all the while meeting wonderful people. I would do this tour 10 times over. Thank you very much Cheeky Kiwi for making it so memorable!
via Tripadvisor
A great insight into the Bay of Islands.
Excellent experience. Ark looked after us every well. He knew so much about the area. Nice small group. Good accommodation. Of concern was a lady who was sick at the beginning of the tour. We were likely to catch something, which I did and now I am sick on my next tour. We should have been told she was ill, and we could have cancelled, or she should have not travelled with us.
via Tripadvisor
We couldn’t do the whole...
We couldn’t do the whole tour because of a storm and a lot of rain. But John did manage everything and brought us back to Auckland savely.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 36 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $369 to $1099
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $369 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise take?
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Plan for about 36 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 52 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 36-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise?
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Around 18 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 36-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bay of Islands 2-Day Small Group Tour from Auckland with Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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