From Paihia: Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

Traveling through New Zealand’s North Island often brings to mind images of lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, and wildlife encounters. While many visitors flock to major sights, this scenic cruise from Paihia offers a quieter, more personal way to explore the Bay of Islands. With a high rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 280 reviews, this tour seems to hit the sweet spot between stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and small-group intimacy.

What makes this trip stand out? First, it’s the small-group experience, ensuring you avoid the crowds and get a more relaxed, engaging day. Second, the stopover at Roberton Island offers a short hike with panoramic views of the bays and lagoons. Third, the chance to see iconic sights like the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse, coupled with opportunities to spot dolphins, penguins, and other wildlife, makes this a well-rounded adventure.

One possible drawback? The cruise to the Hole in the Rock is weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t perfect, you might experience an alternative route within the sheltered inner islands. Still, this doesn’t seem to mar the overall positive reviews and the reputation for personalized, engaging guides.

If you’re after a balance of scenic beauty, wildlife, and authentic small-group interaction, this cruise is well suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to escape the busy tourist crowds for a few hours of discovery.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy means more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Wildlife sightings are common, with dolphins, penguins, and sometimes even whales.
• The Roberton Island stopover offers a scenic walk and panoramic viewpoints.
• The tour’s flexible itinerary adapts to weather, with alternative routes offered.
• Live commentary enhances understanding of the area’s history and geography.
• Priced at $79 per person, it offers good value considering the inclusions and guides’ expert insights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the Paihia Wharf, this 3-hour cruise is designed to give you a taste of the Bay of Islands without the long day commitment or the crowds that sometimes flock to more popular tours. The journey begins with a gentle cruise among 144 islands, showcasing the area’s diverse marine environment and lush coastlines.

Roberton Island (Twin Lagoons)

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the stop at Roberton Island, also known as Twin Lagoons. Here, you’ll get a chance to stretch your legs with a short nature walk that leads to a lookout point offering 360-degree views. From this vantage point, you’ll see the lagoons, inlets, and surrounding islands that Captain James Cook once named the Bay of Islands for their natural beauty. Several reviewers have praised this part of the trip, describing the views as “amazing” and noting the hike as a highlight. One guest shared, “Views from Robertson Island were absolutely breathtaking.”

Visiting the Hole in the Rock

No trip to the Bay of Islands is complete without seeing the iconic Hole in the Rock. The boat navigates through the narrow passage, offering a photo opportunity and a sense of adventure — weather permitting. An alternative route is available if conditions aren’t suitable, ensuring safety and a still memorable experience. Multiple reviews mention the thrill of seeing this natural wonder, with some lucky travelers even spotting wildlife like dolphins and penguins nearby.

Cape Brett Lighthouse

At the end of the cruise, the guide points out the Cape Brett Lighthouse, which adds a touch of maritime history to the scenic tour. The lighthouse, perched on the Cape Brett Peninsula, offers a rugged backdrop to the coastline and enhances the sense of exploration.

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Wildlife Encounters

Throughout the trip, keen-eyed travelers often catch glimpses of dolphins, and some reviews even mention seeing orca whales, blue penguins, and eagle rays. The guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, with one reviewer noting their crew as “friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable.” This wildlife spotting isn’t guaranteed, but the frequent sightings elevate the experience into something truly special.

The Guides and Commentary

Guests consistently mention the live commentary from guides like Nick, Bluebell, and Roberta as a standout feature. They share not only facts about the area’s natural features, but also fun stories and historical tidbits. One reviewer, Jason from the U.S., said, “All three crew members were so kind and knowledgeable. I would recommend this to everyone.”

The guides also adapt the tour based on weather conditions and group preferences, which adds a layer of flexibility that many travelers appreciate. Their approachable manner creates a friendly atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and the trip feels more like a day out with friends rather than a rigid tour.

Value for Money

At $79 per person, this cruise packs a lot in: scenic views, wildlife spotting, island walks, and expert guides. Considering that many larger tours might cost more for similar experiences, the value here is hard to beat. The inclusion of a stopover on Roberton Island and the cruise through the islands means you’re getting a comprehensive taste of the region in just three hours.

While food and drinks aren’t included, you can contact the provider to add a packed lunch — which is ideal if you want to make the most of your day. The tour also offers free cancellation with 24 hours’ notice, providing peace of mind.

Comfort and Group Size

The vessel used for this tour is described as comfortable, with a marine toilet onboard, which is a thoughtful touch for a short cruise. The group size is limited to 49 guests, ensuring everyone has space and opportunities to ask questions. This smaller size contributes significantly to the personalized experience and allows for better wildlife spotting opportunities.

Weather Considerations

Since the trip to the Hole in the Rock is weather-dependent, it’s wise to keep an eye on the forecast. Some reviews mention overcast days and rough waters, which can impact the visibility and the route taken. However, the alternative sheltered route still offers stunning scenery and wildlife encounters, so you won’t miss out entirely if the weather isn’t perfect.

Reviews: What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a picture of consistent satisfaction. Many describe their guides as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, with some calling them “exceptional.” Several guests mention upgrading their experience — such as the person who was upgraded to a 4.5-hour cruise — and all agree that the trip is well worth the price.

Multiple reviews highlight dolphins, penguins, and even whales as highlights, with one guest remarking, “We saw Orcas, Bottlenose dolphins and Little blue Penguins — it was so amazing.” Others appreciate the small-group feel, the scenic hikes, and the friendly crew.

Practical Tips

• Bring a camera and binoculars for wildlife and scenic views.
• Consider packing a light jacket or layers, especially if the weather looks overcast or windy.
• If you plan to snorkel or paddleboard, bring your swimsuit and towel (gear is provided).
• Contact Island Getaway directly if you’d like to add food or drinks to your experience.
• Confirm your departure time and check-in at Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf.

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed experience in the Bay of Islands. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers eager to spot dolphins and penguins, and for those wanting to enjoy a scenic walk with panoramic views. Because of its small group size, it’s a good choice for families, couples, or solo travelers who prefer a more intimate adventure.

If you’re after a quick, memorable trip that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and friendly guides, this tour ticks all those boxes. However, those who prioritize guaranteed weather-dependent sights like the Hole in the Rock should keep their plans flexible or consider alternative tour options during poor weather.

This scenic cruise from Paihia offers a superb way to explore the Bay of Islands without the crowds. The combination of island walks, wildlife encounters, and iconic sights like the Hole in the Rock makes it a well-rounded experience. The small-group setting ensures a more personal and engaging adventure, thanks to knowledgeable guides who genuinely care about sharing their enthusiasm.

The tour’s excellent value is evident in the inclusions, especially given the high-quality commentary and the chance to see some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery and wildlife. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic experience that captures the essence of this stunning region.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone wanting a peaceful escape to enjoy the natural beauty of New Zealand’s north, this cruise is likely to leave you with plenty of wonderful memories.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s small-group, relaxed atmosphere makes it suitable for families, and children will enjoy wildlife sightings and island walks.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a camera, binoculars, layers of clothing, and swimsuit/towel if you plan to snorkel or paddleboard. Gear for water activities is provided.

Can I buy food or drinks on board?
Food and drinks aren’t included, but you can contact the provider to add a packed lunch option.

What happens if the weather isn’t suitable for the Hole in the Rock?
The cruise will follow an alternative route within the sheltered islands, so you’ll still enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, with options sometimes available for longer cruises of up to 4.5 hours.

Is the tour walk included?
Yes, there’s a short walk on Roberton Island leading to a scenic viewpoint.

What is the maximum group size?
Limited to 49 passengers for a more intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: