Things to do on (and under) the water

There are various options for water trips ranging from large cruise launches to yachts.

Sailing

This is the most personal way to see why the Bay of Islands are rightly famous. Just you and eight to ten other like-minded people going where the wind (and your captain) takes you. Chances are you'll even have dolphins for company on the way.

Phantom Yacht Charters www.yachtphantom.com
Kingfisher Yacht Charters www.kingfishercharters.co.nz

Tall ship

The square rigger R Tucker Thompson looks magnificent in full sail and gives you an idea of what it was like on ships like the Bounty or Endeavour and for the early settlers coming to New Zealand. You can help sail her or just sit back and watch the crew do the work.

R Tucker Thompson www.tucker.co.nz

Cruises

If you want to see the bay and the hole in the rock in one go take one of the cruise boats which offer half and full day cruises through the islands to Cape Brett. They give you a commentary on interesting aspects of geography and local history.

Fullers / Great Sights www.dolphincruises.co.nz

Explore NZ / Dolphin Discoveries www.explorenz.co.nz

Awesome Adventures www.awesomenz.com

Dolphins

The bay is home to several pods of dolphins. Orcas and whales sometimes come into the bay as well. There are several specialist dolphin watching and swimming options, either on a motor launch or sail boat.

To see or swim with dolphins by yacht there's Carino Sailing and Dolphin Adventures.

Carino www.sailingdolphins.co.nz

For the dolphin boats it's Great Sights, Awesome Adventures and Explore NZ as above.

Diving

Three diving companies can take you out for reef dives or wreck dives at the Canterbury or Rainbow Warrior.

Paihia Dive www.divenz.com

Dive North www.divenorth.co.nz

DiveOps www.diveops.co.nz

Maori Canoe

For something completely different you ca learn to crew and paddle a tradiional waka (canoe) wih tuition by traditionally clad Ngapuhi toa (warriors).