Discover the Bay of Islands with the local experts. For over 100 years the team from Fullers GreatSights have been showcasing this amazing region to visitors from around the globe.
Dolphin Eco Experience - Swim with Dolphins
Swimming with dolphins can be a life changing experience - take this incredible opportunity to swim with dolphins in their natural environment.
This intimate half day cruise seeks out the many playful dolphins within the sheltered waters of the Bay. Join the crew in searching for those tell tale splashes as Tutunui (our wee boat) gets in really close; jump into the warmest waters in New Zealand and snorkel with these majestic and inquisitive creatures – an experience you will never forget!
Our purpose built dolphin vessel gets you closer – with a low viewing deck, water jet engines, underwater microphone and experienced crew with an intimate knowledge of dolphin behaviour. And with a maximum number of 35 passengers onboard it means that this is a very upclose and personal experience.
The Best Bits
· Dolphin swimming and viewing guarantees*
· Informative and educational commentary
· Department of Conservation dolphin & whale viewing and dolphin swim licence
· Swimming with dolphins in their natural environment (conditions permitting)
· View a wide range of marine & bird life
DOLPHIN SWIMMING GUARANTEE:
Should conditions prevent us from swimming with dolphins, a swim refund of $30 will be offered to those passengers who have paid to swim. This will be refunded at the Russell or Paihia sales office at the conclusion of your cruise.
LIFETIME DOLPHIN VIEWING GUARANTEE:
In the unlikely event we are unsuccessful in viewing dolphins or whales on your trip, we will offer you a ‘go again for free’ voucher for another swim with dolphins cruise (Subject to availability.)
* Swimming with dolphins is subject to Department of Conservation regulations and weather/sea conditions (Skipper's discretion)
Cape Reinga / 90 Mile Beach – Day Tour to the Tip of New Zealand via Ninety Mile Beach
A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Maori culture and tradition.
This journey will take you to Cape Reinga, where according to Maori legend, spirits depart on their journey to the homeland - Hawaiki. On your way, visit the ancient Puketi Kauri Forest, with a 20 minute boardwalk past 1,000 year old Kauri trees and native bush. Stop for morning tea (own expense) then later, enjoy a Buffet lunch at Houhora for $23. On arrival at Cape Reinga, stand on the northern most tip of New Zealand and watch the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea. Ask your driver guide about planting a native tree at Cape Reinga (additional cost).
Then take the opportunity to try sandboarding down the massive sand dunes on boogie boards at Te Paki Stream – try it if you dare! A fun experience that is available to all passengers. Your journey along the vast and empty Ninety Mile Beach will provide striking contrasts to the busy and populated East Coast. Feel the sand between your toes as you help your driver guide dig for shellfish (conditions permitting) on Ninety Mile Beach.
This is an action packed day with opportunities to take photos or simply enjoy this unique part of New Zealand.
The Best Bits
· Sandboarding down giant sand dunes
· Cape Reinga lighthouse
· Puketi kauri forest
· Historic commmentary and Maori legends
· Ninety mile beach
· Exclusive buffet lunch
Leave a living legacy by planting a native tree at Cape Reinga. Talk to your driver guide for more information
Discover Hokianga – uncover Maori mythology and Meet Tane Mahuta
Experience an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty of the Hokianga. Learn its history and here local stories & legends.
The Hokianga harbour is generally accepted as being the home of Kupe the very first voyager, and Maori, to discover New Zealand approximately 1,000 years ago. Later some of the earliest European settlers came to Hokianga and small communities were formed. These are amongst the oldest European settlements in New Zealand.
Through the stories and culture of your local Maori guide, we take you back to the days of Kupe, believed to be the first voyager and Maori to discover New Zealand over 1,000 years ago. Gain a unique and in-depth understanding of the many myths and legends of the local hapu (sub-tribe).
The WaipouaKauriForest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world. Meet a national icon, the mighty Tane Mahuta (the Lord of the Forest), the largest known kauri tree in the world. Estimated to be 2,000 years old his mighty girth is over 13 metres and he stands an impressive 51 metres tall.
The Best Bits
· Follow the original stagecoach trail
· Visit the Wairere boulders
· Meet Tane Mahuta, a 51 metre tall kauri tree, estimated to be 2,000 years old
· Learn the history & culture of the region
The Cream Trip - Day in the Bay - See the Best of the Bay of Islands in One Day
Designed for nature lovers and those wanting to see all the highlights of the Bay in one day. This day trip is the most extensive historical cruise offered in the Bay of Islands.
Island deliveries – This cruise follows the path of the original 1927 'Cream Trip' and will take you on a journey back in time as you cruise past the secluded islands of the Bay, delivering essential supplies and mail to island residents.
Dolphin viewing and swimming with the dolphins – See dolphins in their natural environment and if conditions are suitable, try swimming alongside these inquisitive creatures - a once in a lifetime experience. Alternatively try boom-netting.
Natural wonders and spectacular scenery – On arrival at Cape Brett Lighthouse, the farthest post of the 'original' mail deliveries, we take you through the stunning Hole in the Rock at Motukokako Island. Take in the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the sheltered waters of the Bay. Your journey also includes a visit to the Black Rocks and Marsden Cross (where in 1814 the first Christian sermon was held in NZ). While we stop for lunch, enjoy the opportunity to visit an island. Relax on the sandy beach or take a short walk.
The Best Bits
· Follow the Original Cream Trip Route
· Dolphin viewing and swimming
· Spacious viewing decks
· Visit Marsden Cross & the Black Rocks
· Island deliveries
· Island visit
· Boom-netting
