Getting to the Bay of Islands

Let your indulgent escape start from Auckland – travel north with GreatSights®,New Zealand’s premier sightseeing operator.

Departing Auckland at 7.30am daily. Your return coach departs Paihia daily at 4.20pm, returning to Auckland at 7.50pm. Hotel pick-up/drop-off service available.

Extend your stay in the Bay of Islands We encourage you to stay and explore this stunning region. Your journey back to Auckland can be extended to suit your requirements.

Our rates page outlines a wide range of tour and cruise options for your convenience.

Travel options to Paihia

The Bay of Islands is a relaxing 3.5 hour coach journey or a 40 minute flight from Auckland, New Zealand’s main metropolitan city. Auckland is located in the North Island of New Zealand. Our recommended travel suggestions are as follows:

By Coach

Luxury Coach Travel with GreatSights

Let your indulgent escape start from Auckland – travel north with GreatSights, New Zealand’s premier sightseeing tour company. Our experienced and knowledgeable drivers will take you through rolling countryside, rural towns and past sandy beaches to the beautiful Bay of Islands, arriving in Paihia at around 11.30am with enough time for lunch before you board your overnight cruise.

After your Ipipiri experience concludes, explore the region in the afternoon before boarding the GreatSights coach back to Auckland at 4.15pm.

See our rate page for fantastic Coach package deals including an Ipipiri Overnight Cruise

For more information on GreatSights, please visit greatsights.co.nz

Multiday experience in the Bay of Islands – If you are travelling to Paihia on a GreatSights coach, and decide to extend your Northland experience, just let us know and we can arrange additional tours and cruises in Northland. Please click here to see full tour and cruise list.

By Air

Helicopter or Plane flights

Kerikeri, located 23 km northwest from Paihia is the region’s closest airport. Flights are a quick 40 minute journey from Auckland, making the trip to the stunning Bay of Islands quick and hassle free.

For more information about flying to the Bay of Islands, visit:

airnewzealand.co.nz
saltair.co.nz

If flying, please let us know when booking your Ipipiri overnight experience. We will organize for a shuttle vehicle to pick you up from the airport for $30pp.

By Car

Self Drive

Heading north from Auckland to Paihia is a 3.5 hour drive. If you are not used to traveling on New Zealand roads but wish to see this country’s beaches, rolling hills and picturesque landscape, we suggest you take a relaxing luxury coach journey with GreatSights from Auckland to the Bay of Islands.

If you do choose to drive, please click here to receive
up-to-date Auckland to Piahia driving directions

Accommodation Options

Your Accommodation Options

If you wish to extend your stay in the Bay of Islands before or after your Ipipiri Overnight Cruise, we have compiled a list of accommodation providers in the Bay of Islands region for your convenience. To view a list of accommodation providers please click here

Complimentary hotel pickups from local accommodation are provided.
Please let us know where you are staying when book your Ipipiri Overnight Cruise.