Your Overnight Experience

With over 123 years of local knowledge and experience, our passionate crew is looking forward to sharing with you the breathtaking and historical region that is the Bay of Islands.

Your overnight cruise will take you back to the roots of New Zealand human history. Northland (Te Tai Tokerau), is regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand. Your cruise will follow this historical and cultural path from the arrival of Maori and Europeans to the region, to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between Maori and the British Crown.

With 144 islands and abundant marine and bird life, the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s finest sub-tropical maritime parks - stunning during the day, and unforgettable at night.

If relaxation is more your style, then you can choose to soak up the views from the sundeck, read a book, play a board game or chat with our knowledgeable crew.

Ipipiri offers a relaxed environment, where you can do as much or as little as you like.

The following activities are complimentary and are available to all guests:

Kayaking Tour

Discover the secluded beaches, caves, peaceful birds and marine wildlife on an intimate kayaking tour.

Snorkeling Tour

With some of the warmest waters in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a haven for sub tropical fish.

Beach Walks

A leisurely stroll on a secluded beach is a great way to unwind and take in the sights and sounds of the Bay. Weather permitting; this is also a great opportunity for swimming.

Complimentary coffee and tea is available throughout the day.

As the sun sets behind the islands of the Bay and your cruise ship finds a sheltered cove to moor overnight, the ambience transforms aboard Ipipiri. New Zealand wines, local cuisine and knowledgeable crew help create the perfect setting... Immerse yourself into the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands at night.

Enjoy a Buffet Dinner in the dining room featuring local produce and traditional kiwi dishes. Starters will be plated and served to your table. Guests are invited to help themselves from the buffet for the main course and dessert.

Sample Dinner Menu

Ipipiri features 30 identical ocean view cabins, spread over two decks. All cabins include full sized ensuites and panoramic sea views so that you can watch the sun rise and set from the privacy of your cabin.

Watch the world wake-up around you as you enjoy a cooked and continental breakfast in The Dining Room.

Sample Breakfast Menu

Sit back and enjoy the views from the top deck as Ipipiri meanders past a few of the 144 islands of the Bay as she heads back to the mainland. Ipipiri will arrive back into Opua at 10.00am, and coaches will transfer you back to Paihia for 10.30am.

Make the most of your time on the water and book yourself onto one of the following optional extras that commence at the conclusion of your cruise. These extra activities depart from either Russell or Paihia and can be booked onboard Ipipiri for your convenience.

Swim with dolphins in their natural environment, a once in a lifetime experience. This is done onboard Tutunui, a vessel especially designed for dolphin viewing and swimming.
A four hour fishing trip ... an opportunity to try your hand at catching New Zealand Snapper. Morning adventure, departs vessel at 8.30am.
The Original Cream trip - follow the path of the original Cream Trip with island deliveries, Hole in the Rock, dolphin viewing, dolphin swimming. Full day trip, departing at 9.30am from Ipipiri and returning to Paihia at 4.15pm. Picnic lunch can be provided at an extra cost,must be pre booked
R Tucker Thompson a unique tall ship cruise built by local Northlanders in tradition of an 18th century working ship. Full day. Departs from Ipipiri at 9.30am, returning to Paihia at 4pm.
Discover Russell by foot or the 1 hour Russell Mini Tour and see the sites of this historic township.
Cape Brett Afternoon Cruise – a four hour scenic cruise out to the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse
Discover Kerikeri afternoon Tour a fully guided tour of Kerikeri, showcasing the finest local arts and crafts
Scenic Helicopter Flight see the 144 islands of the Bay from the air on a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight
Scenic Cape Reinga Fly/Drive - Take a magnificent scenic flight to Waitiki Landing where you will be transferred to a waiting 4 wheel drive to continue your journey to the top of NZ, cape Reinga
Parasailing - try flying behind a jet boat as it pulls you through the sheltered waters at 1200ft of the Bay
A four hour fishing trip ... an opportunity to try your hand at catching New Zealand Snapper

Click here to view your overnight cruise itinerary

"I just wanted send you a belated Thank You for the great experience you gave me on the Ipipiri. My mom and I had a fantastic time on the cruise. The captain was funny and informative; the kayaking was fun; the food was great (especially the muffins for afternoon tea!) and everything was just wonderful. We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. It was a surprise bonus to see Orcas feeding in the late afternoon as well – a once in a lifetime sight! It was an all-around wonderful experience," Mandy from Auckland Nov 2010