Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

The best part of this Bay of Islands outing is the boat itself. Gungha II is a 65-foot ocean-going yacht, so you get a proper sailing experience rather than a quick harbor cruise. You can help with the sailing if you wish, or stretch out on deck while Captain Mike and his crew guide you past lava cliffs, sea caves, islands, and possible dolphins.

I like the small, informal feel and the fact that the day includes both sailing and time ashore. Fresh fruit and vegetables appear early, sandwiches come at lunch, and the island stop gives you a real choice: walk, swim, snorkel, or do nothing but enjoy the beach. Captain Mike, David, Mike’s grandson Byron, and other crew members have all been praised for their warmth and local stories.

The main consideration is that this is an active day on a yacht, not a sit-back sightseeing bus. You must go barefoot aboard, manage a transfer to the island, and cope with changing wind and weather. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility, and those with heart problems should choose another outing.

At a glance

• A real sailing boat: Spend much of the six-hour trip aboard the 65-foot Gungha II, the Bay of Islands’ largest and most capable ocean-going yacht.
• A flexible island stop: Walk through native bush, comb the beach, swim, snorkel, or mix all four.
• Food is part of the experience: Fresh morning snacks, a sandwich lunch, drinking water, and soft drinks are included.
• Wildlife comes naturally: Keep watch for dolphins, penguins, seabirds, and other marine life along the route.
• Relaxed crew style: Captain Mike and crew members such as David, Byron, Melissa, Marley, Elias, and Mischa are known for friendly service and local stories.
• Barefoot sailing: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, rain gear, and a camera, but leave your shoes off once aboard.

Setting out from Paihia on Gungha II

You meet the boat at Paihia Wharf, directly in front of the i-SITE on Marsden Road. There is no hotel pickup, so plan to reach the wharf on your own. Free parking is available farther up Bayview Road on the left, according to one local tip, though you should allow time to walk back to the waterfront.

Once aboard, the crew gives a safety briefing. You then decide how involved you want to be. Some people enjoy taking part in the sailing, while others prefer to sit back and watch the scenery. That choice matters because the day is designed to feel informal, not like a fixed performance where everyone must follow the same routine.

You go barefoot on board. This is practical on a sailing yacht, but it can catch you by surprise if you arrive in heavy shoes and expect to keep them on. Wear something comfortable for the wharf and island walk, then be ready to leave footwear aside on the boat.

Gungha II has clean toilets and a hot outside shower. Those details may sound minor, but they are useful after a swim in salt water or a sandy walk. The boat is large enough to provide room to move around, yet the experience remains personal. One outing had a group of 12, and another had only four people plus the skipper, so the exact feel may depend on the day.

Sailing past caves, lava, and marine life

The first part of the trip is a scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands. You see unusual rock formations, ancient lava flows, and wave-cut caves along the shore. These features give the sailing some shape and interest, especially when the wind is light and the boat moves at a gentler pace.

Wind controls the rhythm of the day. On one outing, the morning started slowly because the breeze was weak, then picked up on the way back. That is not a flaw in the tour. It is simply how sailing works. If you want a guaranteed fast ride, choose a powered boat. If you want the real feel of a yacht responding to the wind, Gungha II offers the better match.

You can watch the crew handle the boat and, when conditions allow, take part in the sailing. The amount of hands-on involvement can vary, so do not book this expecting a formal sailing lesson. Some people get a chance to help, while others spend most of the time listening, looking out to sea, or relaxing on deck.

Keep your camera ready, but do not treat wildlife sightings as guaranteed. Dolphins have appeared alongside the boat, including on the return journey, and penguins and seabirds may be seen around the islands. A dolphin encounter can become the highlight of the day, but the scenery and sailing still make sense if the animals keep their distance.

Fresh snacks and an easygoing crew

The food is a real strength. Fresh fruit and vegetable snacks are served during the morning, so you are not left waiting for lunch while the boat is underway. Later, you get a fresh sandwich lunch, with vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options available.

Drinking water and soft drinks are offered with lunch. The food is simple rather than fancy, but that suits the setting. A fresh sandwich eaten on an island beach feels more memorable than a larger meal in a waterfront café. One particularly appealing version of the stop included lunch at Stingray Beach, with the group eating beside the water.

Captain Mike is a major part of the experience. He is described as funny, welcoming, and full of stories about the Bay of Islands, Paihia, Kerikeri, sailing, and New Zealand. David, Melissa, Marley, Byron, Elias, Mischa, and other crew members have also helped create the warm family feel that makes the trip different from a large sightseeing boat.

You should sit near the stern if you want to hear more of Mike’s commentary, according to a useful local tip. The boat’s layout and wind can make it hard to hear every word from every position, especially when the group is full. That is a small tradeoff for the open-air setting.

The island stop: walk, beach, or water

The island stop is what gives this outing more variety than a standard sail. You are taken ashore for time to explore, and you can choose your own pace. Walk through native bush, search the beach, swim, snorkel, or combine the options.

If you want the best views, take the island walk. A climb to higher ground has produced wide views across the bay, though you should expect uneven ground and some effort. If you prefer a quiet break, stay close to the beach and enjoy the water.

Snorkel masks and snorkels are supplied. You can swim ashore with the equipment if you wish, or stay dry and be transferred to land. That flexibility is helpful because the water temperature, weather, and your energy level may change during the day.

The island stop is not a private wilderness experience in every case. Other boats may also use the beach, particularly during busy periods. Even so, the combination of a short walk, open views, and a chance to swim gives the day a much more active shape than a cruise where you remain aboard from start to finish.

You may also get a hot hose-off shower after swimming. It is a simple but welcome feature, especially if you have sand on your feet or salt water on your skin. Bring your own towel and swimwear. The provided snorkeling equipment does not remove the need to pack those basics.

What the $104 price really covers

At $104 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Bay of Islands. The value comes from how much is bundled into six hours. You get a full sailing experience, a large ocean-going yacht, morning snacks, lunch, snorkeling equipment, an island visit, toilets, water, soft drinks with lunch, and an outdoor shower.

A short scenic cruise may cost less, but it will not necessarily give you time ashore or use of snorkeling gear. A separate boat trip and island activity could also add up quickly. Here, the food and water are already handled, which makes the price easier to justify.

The strongest value is for people who want variety without changing boats or booking several activities. You sail, look for wildlife, hear local stories, eat aboard, and spend time on an island in one relaxed day.

The value is weaker if you dislike open water, have no interest in swimming or walking, or mainly want a fast trip to a single destination. Sailing time depends on wind, and the island stop may be shared with other boats. You are paying for the whole experience, not just transport.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend Gungha II to couples, families with active older children, solo visitors, and anyone who prefers small-group outings to large commercial cruises. It works especially well for people who want to see the bay from the water but also need a break on land.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy informal guides. Captain Mike’s stories and conversation are part of the day, and the crew takes care of food, drinks, equipment, and transfers without making the experience feel stiff.

You should think twice if you need fully accessible transport or have trouble stepping aboard, moving around a yacht, or reaching a beach. The tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility, wheelchair users, or people with heart problems.

This is also not a party cruise. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. The tone is relaxed, but the focus is sailing, nature, food, and time outdoors.

How to prepare for six hours on the water

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and rain gear. A jacket is wise even on a warm day because wind on the water can make the trip feel cooler than Paihia’s waterfront.

Use sunscreen early and reapply it. Much of the day is spent outdoors, and reflective water can catch you out even when the air feels mild. Keep your camera secure and be ready for spray.

You do not need to bring lunch or snorkeling equipment. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan sandwich options are available, but it is sensible to state your dietary needs when booking rather than waiting until boarding.

Arrive ready for a barefoot boat day. The island may involve a beach landing, a walk, and swimming, so practical clothing is more useful than anything formal. Rain gear matters because the tour runs in a coastal environment where conditions can change.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Should you book the Bay of Islands sailing tour?

Book it if you want a full day on the water with a genuine sailing feel, a friendly captain, good food, and a useful island stop. The combination is hard to beat for the price, especially when dolphins or penguins appear along the route.

I would choose this over a larger sightseeing boat if you value conversation, flexibility, and a more personal atmosphere. I would choose another activity if you need guaranteed speed, step-free access, or a completely dry day.

For most able-bodied visitors staying in Paihia, this is a strong choice. Bring a jacket, accept that the wind sets the pace, and leave room in your day for the unexpected. That is where the best part of this sailing trip often comes from.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

You board Gungha II at Paihia Wharf, in front of the i-SITE on Marsden Road in Paihia.

How long does the sailing tour last?

The tour lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What boat is used?

The tour uses Gungha II, a 65-foot ocean-going yacht described as the Bay of Islands’ largest and most capable ocean-going yacht.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A fresh sandwich lunch is included, with vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options available.

Are snacks included?

Yes. Fresh fruit and vegetable snacks are served during the morning.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included for the island stop.

Can I swim at the island?

Yes. You may swim or snorkel at the island, and you can swim ashore with snorkeling equipment if you wish. People who prefer to stay dry are transferred ashore.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, rain gear, and a jacket.

Do I have to help sail the yacht?

No. You may take part in sailing or simply relax and enjoy the trip.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility. It is also not recommended for people with heart problems.