Island Gateaway Tours surprised me by contacting me weeks ahead of my tour date via both Whatsapp and e-mail, keeping me informed of any possible changes to the tour schedule due to any delays reported by my cruise line. They also were very responsive to any questions that I replied back with. Most other tour companies would never spend that much time or staffing to make guests feel comfortable and supported. The boat/cruise tour itself was excellent. They had several cruises setting off from the same pier at Paiha that day, but the staff was organized and checked in each guest and assigned them to their correct boat quickly. The highlights were definitely Motuarohia/Roberton Island with its Twin Lagoons Bay (you must be in good physical condition to make the arduous 15-minute hike up to the look-out on top, regardless of how easy the young captain makes it sound; otherwise, the beach itself is very scenic to spend time at) and Motukokako/Piercy Island with its famous Hole In The Rock sea arch (the captain safely checked the waves before guiding the ship through it). Absolutely beautiful scenery at both places! The second half of the tour was a lunch/rest stop at a rocky beach. The tour provides snorkeling equipment but other guests I talked to didn't recommend the murky water. Alternatively, there were walking trails to the Urupukapuka viewpoint, although my travel partner preferred to eat lunch instead. The Bay of Islands area is quite idyllic, with crystal light blue waters, similar to parts of the Caribbean. A true gem in New Zealand.

Superb trip to the Hole in the Rock with 2 island stopovers. The crew were fabulous- Cooper, Renate and the Captain were so informative and attentive to all on board. The Captain gave us so much information about where we were and he pointed out wildlife including dolphins, brown fur seals and little blue penguins. This is a must-do and we totally recommend booking with Island Getaway! Thank you all so much for such a memorable and special day.

Cas JT and Jack were our guides. Very informative, well paced day, great weather and beautiful islands, swam with a manta ray!

Cass and Skipper Zack were very friendly and informative, great cruise, highly recommended!. We even saw seals, one of which put on a show for us!

The cruise and the crew were fantastic! It was very enjoyable and we highly recommend it. Even had a pod of dolphins swim with the boat.

We joined at Russel. The boat was already busy with no seating on top deck but we still enjoyed the freedom to wander on the bottom deck for best views and photos. The Skipper's short briefs on the different islands and the local history were informative and fun. We stopped and got off at 2 lovely islands with opportunity to stretch our legs, swim and eat. We got our own lunch from a bakers in Russel before departure and we were glad we did - more choice and able to eat and drink when it suited us. So take water as a minimum. We had a great time and would recommend it.

Beautiful scenery! We went right through the Hole in the Rock! The crew was very friendly. The captain was flexible in adjusting for the weather conditions. We were so glad we did this excursion when we saw other boats that were completely packed with people.

Awesome afternoon. Skipper Zac and guide Blue were great and very knowledgeable. We made it to the Hole in the rock but too rough to go through. Stopped at 2 islands and saw some seals on bird island. We didn't see any dolphins but did see a flying fish. Wonderful would recommend 😁

In the morning 🌄 on 04/02/2025, we went on a 4.5 hours cruise 🛳 in the Pacific ocean from Paihia. It was a scenic journey with cool breeze blowing across the sea 🌊. We saw common dolphins 🐬 & the popular hole in the rock. We had an hour long stoppage at the beautiful Urupukapuka island 🏝 where we had our breakfast & I had my beer 🍺. The almost turquoise water at the island brought back the memories of Maldives. The calm, peaceful, serene, island made me recall an island in Pattaya, where similar water-sports activities took place but the beach ⛱️ was terribly noisy & overcrowded.

What a great 4.5 hours this turned out to be, exceeding expectations. Beautiful weather, fine crew and itinerary. Saw seals and dolphins out at the Rock and captain skillfully and safely steered us through the Hole. Opportunities for photos were allowed for all on board. Highly recommended

Excellent commentary. Very friendly helpful staff.Lovely afternoon on the Bay with a couple of great stops that gave us time on two of the islands. Would highly recommend this locally owned and run company .

A truly memorable experience. A great route, an excellent crew and an opportunity to savour one of New Zealand’s gems, the Bay of Islands. No hesitation in giving this local company’s tour a 5 star rating. Bravo and thanks

Great experience and highly recommended. Island Getaway's boat appeared to be the only boat with a covered top deck which was great to escape the sun (you'll get enough sun during your stops). The staff were friendly and informative, making the day special.

So amazing the whole trip to bay of islands cruise. Stoped at two islands, saw captain cooks view point where he named the bay of islands. And the best part we sailed through the hole in the rock !

Really outstanding half day. A stop on the island that was Cook's landing place, going through the famous 'hole in the rock', and a second stop for a swim and a snorkel. Personally I though the last was a waste of time; there's basically nothing to see - so perhaps stick with the swim. The Captain gave us a bit of a commentary and found some gannets and seals for us to look at. The staff were attentive and professional. All round, a great four-hours plus. Highly recommended.