Bay of Islands Discovery

Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands has a sub-tropical resort ambience, with island-influenced architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds and light airy rooms.

Situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihia, it's a pleasant stroll into town to access the main wharf, visitor activities, fine dining and shopping.

There are two dinners included in your package at Nikau Restaurant at the Scenic Hotel. A full buffet breakfast is also included each morning.

Nikau Restaurant

The Nikau Restaurant offers casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with the Lounge bar complete with large screen TV an ideal place to catch up with friends and unwind before and after dinner.

Enjoy local cuisine from a three course set menu, offering a choice of starter, main and dessert. For something very Kiwi, look out for the country’s national dessert, the pavlova, topped with fresh kiwi fruit.

Nikau Restaurant is open for a la carte and buffet breakfast from 6.30am until 9.30am and a la carte and buffet dining from 6pm until 9pm . Relax in the lounge bar from 4.30pm.

Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the top of the North Island – Cape Reinga. Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Maori culture and tradition.

This journey will take you to Cape Reinga, where according to Maori legend, this is the place where spirits depart on their journey to the homeland - Hawaiki. On your way, visit the ancient Puketi Kauri forest, with a 20 minute boardwalk past 1,000 year old Kauri trees and native bush. Stop for morning tea (own expense) then later, enjoy a BBQ lunch at Houhora for $23. On arrival at Cape Reinga, stand on the windswept tip of New Zealand and watch the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea.

Then take the opportunity to try sandboarding down the massive sand dunes on boogie boards at Te Paki Stream – try it if you dare! A fun experience that is available to all passengers. Your journey along the vast and empty Ninety Mile Beach will provide striking contrasts to the busy and populated east coast. Feel the sand between your toes as you help your driver guide dig for shellfish (conditions permitting) on Ninety Mile Beach.

This is an action packed day with opportunities to take photos or simply sit back and enjoy this unique part of New Zealand.

It is recommended that you bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, walking shoes, camera and a change of clothes for sandboarding.

Includes: BBQ lunch, tour pick up and return to hotel.

Dolphin Cruise To The Hole In The Rock

A half day cruise designed for both nature lovers and those wanting to visit one of the Bay of Islands most iconic landmarks - the Hole in the Rock. Experience the region’s natural wonders, breathtaking scenery and learn about the cultural significance of this unique part of New Zealand.

Take a glimpse into New Zealand’s earliest European history as your luxury catamaran passes by the township of Russell (Kororareka) and many of the historic and culturally significant islands in the Bay, before heading out into open sea.

Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the stunning Motukokako Island, home of the majestic Hole in the Rock. As we venture into the dramatic Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting) – hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space and admire the rock walls which soar above you. Watch out for water drops if you’re seated on the top deck! Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the sheltered waters of the Bay. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins along the way.

As your catamaran docks at the historic Otehei Bay, on Urupukapuka Island, enjoy the white sandy beach, picturesque views and its rich archaeological landscape.

On this cruise, make sure you keep a look out for playful dolphins, ocra whales, penguins, seals and birdlife as these are commonly found within the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. Bottlenose and common dolphins take great delight in gliding alongside the catamaran and showing off their acrobatic flips. If conditions permit, try swimming with these inquisitive creatures – an experience you will never forget.

Dolphin viewing Guarantee

In the unlikely event we are unsuccessful in viewing dolphins or whales on your trip, we will offer you a ‘go again for free’ voucher for another Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock (valid for three months, subject to availability).

Dolphin Swimming Guarantee

Should conditions prevent us from swimming with dolphins, a swim refund of $30 will be offered to those passengers who have paid to swim, or alternatively receive a 'go again for free' voucher for another Dolphin Eco Encounter cruise (subject to availability and valid for three months).

Tour starts at the Paihia Wharf (walking distance to the hotel).