10 Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, Best Day First

1.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111Our pick

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Help with the ropes, steer the ship, climb the rigging, swim or walk on an island, and enjoy scones, tea, and a chicken BBQ lunch. Captain Magnus and the crew keep the day friendly and active.

“This was an amazing day out. The crew are very welcoming and inclusive. We were all encouraged to participate.”

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2.Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $139

Spend six relaxed hours with Barefoot Sailing Adventures, sailing from Paihia among the Bay of Islands before a two-hour stop at a wildlife sanctuary island. Luke and the crew provide live commentary, lunch, tea, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and time for a beach visit or bush walk. The small group, capped at 20, keeps the day personal.

“Very enjoyable day out on a catamaran with Luke and Kate who not only were great hosts but had that sense of humour that makes the day all the more fun Picnic was great Wind was strong so sailing out to the island was good but necessarily on way back had to use motor”

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3.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $121

Join sailors Rick and Robin aboard Phantom for about five and a half hours in the Bay of Islands. From Russell, you’ll sail among the islands, stop for a one-hour walk and swim, enjoy a homemade lunch, and hear local stories. The small group, limited to 10 people, keeps the day personal and relaxed.

“Wow! What an absolutely wonderful day we had sailing with Rick & Robin. We sailed through many incredible places, and the knowledge and experience that was shared was second to none. Everything was just amazing! The lunch also was beautiful, all home made and delicious. Highly recommend you go with this company above others. Even my aged parents, with Dad over 80 felt safe and comfortable. Sailing with Rick & Robin is a day our family will never ever forget!”

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4.Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 6 hours · from $134

Join Barefoot Sailing Adventures in Paihia for six hours aboard a comfortable catamaran. Captain Luke and his crew guide you through the Bay of Islands, with time to sail, spot wildlife, picnic, hike, swim, snorkel, or paddleboard at a remote sanctuary island.

“We had a great time. The crew were awesome and friendly. I would recommend it to anyone.”

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5.Bay of Islands: Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 147 reviews · 5h 30m · from $107

Spend about five and a half hours aboard the locally built R. Tucker Thompson, a working-style schooner in the Bay of Islands. Help raise sails, take the helm, climb the rigging, swim from the ship, and walk to a viewpoint on Motuarohia Island. Cream tea and BBQ lunch are included, with ferry transfers from Paihia to Russell.

“Great day. Couldn’t be better. Admittedly the weather was great and we saw a load of dolphins but .. the crew really knew their stuff”

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6.Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 6 hours · from $128

Join Brad and Monique aboard the Bayscapes catamaran for six hours around the Bay of Islands. Sail from Paihia, stop at a quiet island for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a short walk, then enjoy a catered lunch onboard. The spacious boat has beanbags, an indoor saloon, blankets, and a small-group feel.

“The activity was fantastic. We loved it all . The hosts were great ;the catamaran was great; the food was great . No drinks ( alcoholic) included. Just a shame that the cost is quite high to cover the agents fees”

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7.Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 6 hours · from $104

Join Captain Mike and crew aboard the 65-foot Gungha II from Paihia. Sail past lava formations, caves, penguins and possible dolphins, then stop at a beautiful island for walking, swimming or snorkeling. Fresh snacks, lunch, drinks, equipment and a hot shower are included. Expect an informal day, with the option to help sail or simply enjoy the ride.

“A beautiful and relaxed scenic trip through the Bay. Mike is a well informed, warm and friendly Captain & tour guide. Be sure to sit at the stern of the boat, if you want to hear more about Pahia/Keri Keri. Mike has no shortage of stories and invaluable historical information about the Bay of Islands. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, myself in particular getting to connect with a fellow Canadian (Mike) living abroad.”

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8.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $61

Join the crew of the R. Tucker Thompson in Russell for a relaxed 1-hour-50-minute sail through the inner Bay of Islands. You can help raise the sails, steer, climb the rigging with a harness, or simply enjoy the antipasto platter and a drink from the cash bar. Paihia visitors receive return ferry tickets.

“Fabulous experience from start to finish. My husband got to play a small role in the sail and also a chance to climb the mast. A fantastic experience”

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9.Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 90 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Best value

Spend two hours sailing the inner Bay of Islands aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, Northland’s traditional tall ship. You can help raise the sails, steer under supervision, or climb the rigging with safety equipment. The fare includes an antipasto platter and ferry transfers between Paihia and Russell. A cash bar is available.

“Excellent way to spend the afternoon, especially with good wind. Most relaxing.”

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10.Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 36 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Step from Paihia Beach onto a modern catamaran at 4:45 PM for a two-hour sail through the inner Bay of Islands. Your English-speaking crew guides you past Paihia, Opua, Russell, and Waitangi, with a sheltered swim stop, complimentary drink, blankets, and sunset views before returning at 7 PM.

“Even though there was not any wond until the second hour we had a great time cruising the bay and watching the sun going down. Great skipper and co.”

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