Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary - 6 hr - Bay of Islands
5.0 / 5 · 319 traveler reviews
Most visitors see the Bay of Islands from a crowded deck. Our guests see it from the secret local spots that are not on the standard tourist circuit. The Island Hopper cruise takes you to a wildlife sanctuary island, by sail. It's a side of the Bay most tour boats never reach. Board straight from Paihia beachfront — the catamaran pulls up to the beach, kick off your shoes and you're on the water within minutes. As you sail, the crew will keep you entertained, and give you live commentary — coastline, history, the native wildlife that calls this special place home. At the island, the boat anchors for two hours where you can go ashore to swim, snorkel, paddleboard in the sheltered bay. Walk the native bush tracks through a working wildlife sanctuary. Take a packed picnic lunch to a spot of your choice. The sail home is where everything slows down, this is where the bliss factor kicks in, kick back relax. Or if you’re a keen sailor - help hoist the sails and join the crew at the helm
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
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.
Stop 3
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.
Stop 4
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.
Stop 5
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)
Stop 6
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.
Stop 7
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.
Stop 8
Returning to Paihia beach at around 4pm. A beautiful relaxing place to end to a great day's sailing!
What’s included
- Live commentary throughout
- Sail through the Bay of Islands to a remote wildlife sanctuary island
- Carbonated beverages
- Island time - 2 hrs — water activities, bush tracks, beaching, exploring, picnic lunch
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Live crew commentary throughout — genuine sailing, not a tour bus on water
- Tea and coffee
- Lunch
- Full day sailing adventure (approx. 6 hours)
Not included
- Bottled water
Meeting and pickup
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.
Before you go
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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