Island Hopper- Sail to wildlife sanctuary - 6 hr - Bay of Islands, Paihia

About this activity

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

Day Cruises Sailing Day Trips Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Lunch Cruises Eco Tours Catamaran Cruises

At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Barefoot Sailing Adventures

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Live commentary throughout
Included: Sail through the Bay of Islands to a remote wildlife sanctuary island
Included: Carbonated beverages: Cold drink on the return sail
Included: Island time - 2 hrs — water activities, bush tracks, beaching, exploring, picnic lunch
Included: Use of snorkeling equipment: Snorkel equipment and paddleboard use
Included: Live crew commentary throughout — genuine sailing, not a tour bus on water
Included: Tea and coffee: - Morning tea — coffee, tea, hot chocolate, biscuits
Included: Packed Picnic Lunch— Deli sandwich, fruit, cake/muffin, nut bar & chips. Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, or Dairy Free option available - please make a note in the comments section when booking
Included: Full day sailing adventure (approx. 6 hours)

Not included

Not included: Bottled water: Please bring your own water bottle, we can refill for you. Tea/coffee provided.

Itinerary

Bay of Islands

Passing by

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.
Paihia Harbour

Passing by

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.
Russell

Passing by

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.
Motuarohia (Roberton) Island Track

Passing by

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

2 hours

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

Passing by

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.
Waitangi

Passing by

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

Passing by

Returning to Paihia beach at around 4pm. A beautiful relaxing place to end to a great day's sailing!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

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.

Using your ticket

Thanks for booking your cruise with Barefoot Sailing Adventures, we're looking forward to sailing with you!

Please contact us if you have any questions phone +64 (0) 274784234 or DIRECT email [email protected]

It's a good idea to confirm your booking 24 hours in advance by phone, we will inform you of weather conditions, what to expect etc. A phone call is the best form of contact for any last minute info

Wear comfortable practical clothing (jeans not recommended) and something warm even during summer. BE SUN SMART. Bring a hat & sunblock, you will be outside on deck for the duration of the trip (although you can go inside the boat). Bring a towel for swimming and walking shoes for the tracks. Don't forget your water bottle! Keep hydrated.

Please inform us in advance if you have special dietary requirements.

We can cater to Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free. Please note that all food is made in the same kitchen so we can't guarantee food products are 100% free of any allergens etc. NOT SUITABLE FOR ALLERGIES. If you have any serious food allergies or preferences, please cater for your needs to ensure your personal safety and satisfaction.

If you have any serious medical conditions, please inform us when you arrive.

A maximum of 20 people per booking

A moderate amount of walking is involved if you choose to do the island walks, please wear appropriate footwear

THIS TOUR IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WITH WALKING DISABILITIES OR UNSTABLE IN THE LEGS - Due to uneven surfaces, sea conditions, moving boat

Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately, and be prepared

Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival

CRUISE SHIP CUSTOMERS be advised that 1.5 - 2 hours either side of cruise ship anchor/departure is recommended to allow reasonable time to get to and from our cruise. We do not make allowances for a change in ship schedule or late arrivals.

Normal terms and conditions apply.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.