Explore the bay of islands with a full day coach tour departing auckland combined with a fullers greatsights bay of islands dolphin watching cruise to the famous hole in the rock. In the bay of islands youll most likely see bottlenose. Skydiving over the bay of islands is arguably one of the most scenic and picturesque skydives you can do in new zealand, letting you experience the 144 islands that make up the bay of islands from the air. Dolphin jump in the bay of islands nz stock photo download. Dolphin nature cruise encounter and learn about these intelligent and playful mammals in their natural habitat on our dolphin nature cruise.
Youll glide through this scenic region to remote islands where you can hop in the water to snorkel and swim near. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and orca on your bay of islands cruise. Beautiful coastline, forgotten beaches, and endless wildlife the bay of islands is a family holiday treasure, where spot, culture and scenery combine in a heady mix. Places to see bay of islands travel guide new zealand. There are nine different species of dolphin found around new zealands coast. Bay of islands dolphin nature cruise paihia, new zealand. Golden beaches, secluded coves, tranquil harbours, warm waters, dramatic coastlines and spectacular forest, northland is also rich in a unique history. The bay of islands is a great place for swimming with dolphins because the water is quite warm compared with the rest of new zealand. Bay of islands new zealand is found in an area called northland, and even though it is one of new zealands most popular tourist destinations, it also has a strong historical significance. Make a difference help protect bottlenose dolphins. Yesterday, the same thoughts came flooding back as i watched dolphins jump out of the waves in the bay of islands in new zealand a place i may somehow love even more. Whale watching, fur seals, penguins and wildlife, bay of islands.
The bay of islands is one of the best places in new zealand to view wild dolphins and migratory whales yearround. Top things to do in bay of islands, northland region. And the cruise operators take extraordinary care to make sure that the dolphins are not harmed. Find and book dolphin cruises in the bay of islands, new zealand. And search more of istocks library of royaltyfree stock images that features. Further west is the waipoua kauri forest, home of tane mahuta often described as the 2,000 year old lord of the forest. This will be the first time cavallo is available for charter in the pacific. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its biggame fishing since american author zane grey publicised it in the 1930s. This area was first inhabited by polynesian settlers in the early 1200s, who are now known as new zealands. Swimming with dolphins bay of islands, new zealand hey nadine. Bay of islands dolphin cruise from paihia or russell. Board your cruise in paihia or russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the rakaumangamanga peninsula to cape brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and piercy islandmotukokako, or as it is popularly known the hole in the. We are a small, local family owned and operated wildlife cruise.
With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, standup paddleboard, and spot marine life. Options to swim with the dolphins or just watch from the boat. Download this dolphin jump in the bay of islands nz photo now. Dolphins at the bay of islands new zealand trip youtube. Whale watch is located in the small coastal town of kaikoura on the east coast of new zealands south island a scenic two and a halfhour drive north from christchurch and two hour drive south from picton. Mar 01, 2017 bay of islands new zealand is found in an area called northland, and even though it is one of new zealands most popular tourist destinations, it also has a strong historical significance. Hectors dolphin cephalorhynchus hectori is the bestknown of the four dolphins in the genus cephalorhynchus and, along with its subspecies mauis dolphin, is the only cetacean endemic to new zealand. Im staying in paihia until friday with a few activities planned. We had it all perfect weather, plenty of dolphin action, blue penguins, landing on motuarohia island it was just a perfect way to get a bay of islands experience.
The island was gorgeous, framed by deep blue water and the rich marine life of the california coast. Prices are calculated as of 16032020 based on a checkin date of 29032020. New zealand bans swimming with dolphins in bay of islands. The 10 best things to do in bay of islands updated 2020. Bay of islands new zealand activities activities in bay of. The bay of islands ranks as one of nzs top summertime destinations. While cruising the famous bay of islands youll see dolphins, whales, birds and other wildlife. Youll glide through this scenic region to remote islands where you can hop in the water to snorkel and swim near these freeswimming dolphins conditions permitting. Jan 23, 2012 swimming with dolphins bay of islands, new zealand hey nadine. The bay of islands, new zealand was given its name when captain james cook stopped here on his round the world journey in 1769. Surrounded by deep blue waters, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife, sailing on carino nz our 50ft catamaran is the best way to experience the stunning bay of islands. Island bay is a coastal suburb of wellington, the capital of new zealand, situated 5 km south of the city centre island bay lies on the bay which shares its name, one of numerous small bays off cook strait and west of lyall bay.
Bay of islands new zealand travel bay of islands nz information. The bay of islands is a great base for exploring all of the far north. You can travel north to cape reinga the lighthouse where the pacific ocean and the tasman sea are in collision the place the spirits in maori. Located just over three hours from auckland by road, in the winterless north, the yearround warm weather makes it. Known as the highlight of northland, new zealand, the bay of islands is an outdoor lovers paradise. By supporting a wide range of research from carino nz we can contribute to the marine mammal sightings database and in doing so better protect the marine environment of the bay of islands maritime park. Hole in the rock cruise and waitangi day tour from auckland. Heres a list of the top ten places to see dolphins in new zealand. The bay is home to 144 islands, ranging from rocky outcrops to large inhabited islands with private farms. Bay of plenty dolphin swimming and watching overview take advantage of our stable and highspeed vessel guardian, a cuttingedge luxury 50 ft.
Youll also have the opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts being made in the bay of islands and spend time on urupukapuka island. Our tours focus on flexibility and adventure you choose how to spend your day and your expert guides arrange everything for you. Our tours focus on flexibility and adventure you choose how to spend your day. The new zealand government has banned visitors from swimming with bottlenose dolphins off the bay of islands as research shows that. Most of the action here is out on the water, whether that be yachting, biggame fishing, kayaking, diving or cruising around in the company of whales and. This area was first inhabited by polynesian settlers in the early 1200s, who are now known as new zealands maori people. Birthplace of a nation the bay of islands is the ultimate place to begin your cultural and historical journey in nz food and wine. Bookme 50% off deals things to do in paihia, russel, bay of. The bay of islands is a island paradise comprising of 144 islands and a handful of historic towns.
It is illegal in new zealand to get into the water with a dolphin pod that contains juveniles both for the mammals safety and your own. These distinctive black and whitetoothed mammals are actually part of the dolphin family. The bay of islands is known as one of the best places to see dolphins in northland. They have dark or light grey backs, with paler underbellies. Being situated in the winterless north of new zealand, the bay of islands enjoys mild winters and hot summers. Marvel as wild dolphins frolic near you during a halfday dolphin watching cruise in the bay of islands. Kawau island super cruise royal mail run return cruise. Small independent tours of the bay of islands and northland with a wide range of activities.
Today, i went on an early morning boat trip to spot dolphins at the bay of islands in new zealand. Thanks to its subtropical climate and pristine, sheltered waters, the bay of islands is a haven for new zealand wildlife. For those that love beaches and water activities, its paradise. This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the bay of islands, and for good reason. Bottlenose dolphins are larger than common dolphins, with a relatively short beak and a hooked, prominent dorsal fin. Towns in and around the bay of islands include paihia, russell, kerikeri, opua and kawakawa. Fullers dolphin watching cruise bay of islands travel guide. The bay of islands was the site at which the earliest contact between the maoris, the indigenous population, and european settlers took place. Dolphins in the bay of islands fullers greatsights. Island stop at otehei bay urupukapuka island and lifetime dolphin. Flying kiwi adventure tours have been operating award wining tours since 1988. The stunning scenery, golden beaches and fresh seafood make it one of the most prominent tourist destinations in new zealand. Bay of islands in new zealand things to see and do in new.
Waitangi treaty grounds is a half hour walk along the beach from paihia. Find your perfect hotel or other accommodation for your stay, or book something to do in the tours or activities section. This return tour from auckland gives you the chance to get into the water with these amazing creatures and swim alongside as they play in their natural. See all the top bay of islands attractions, like the famous hole in the rock, beautiful islands and the cape brett peninsula, as well as dolphins, whales and other marine life. Anchoring at roberton island, captain cook made contact with the local maori people and immediately started trading with them. They are all different but the encounters are never less than special. Fullers greatsights bay of islands offers the most extensive range of bay of islands cruises. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in bay of islands, new zealand on tripadvisor. Stunning wedding venue dolphin bay beachfront venue. The 10 best things to do in bay of islands 2020 with. Dolphin discoveries whats hot new zealand destination nz.
There are a number of dolphin watching and swimming tours in the bay of islands. Dolphin bay is a spectacular beachfront wedding venue, perfect for the kiwi beach wedding you have always dreamed of. Swimming with dolphins bay of islands, new zealand. Know your dolphins bay of islands dolphin and sailing. Dolphins are wonderful but a 200kilo mother protecting her youngster from a perceived threat is not something id like to face. Lingering shots of its turquoise waters and 150 undeveloped islands feature heavily in the countrys tourist promotions. Encounter these intelligent and playful mammals in their. Explore the warm waters in the bay of islands by highspeed catamaran on a dolphin nature cruise. Whale watch is located in the small coastal town of kaikoura on the east coast of new zealands south island a scenic two and a halfhour drive north from christchurch and.
A small population of less than 200 animals call new zealand home, orca visit the bay of islands in pods of 2 15 animals on average. Let seafaring experts show you the best of new zealands bay of islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. Marvel as wild dolphins frolic near you during a halfday dolphinwatching cruise in the bay of islands. Dolphin nature cruise bay of islands marine wildlife. Native new zealand fur seals and penguins can often be spotted bobbing about in the water or basking on some. Set on 10 acres of beautiful and secluded coastal property with access to two private beaches, you can have your ceremony down on the absolute beachfront or up on the clifftop with panoramic sea views, both have their own unique magical feel. Explore the beautiful bay of islands on a cruise and swim with dolphins if conditions permit on this full day sightseeing tour.
Things to do in bay of islands new zealand activities. Find out more about bay of island cruises with dolphin encounters here. Bay of islands bottlenose dolphin catalogue photos. The bay of islands is one of new zealands great holiday. Bay of islands is often visited by these gentle, intelligent creatures.
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