Cruises The Cream Trip
Available until 30 April 2018

The Cream Trip

Follow the original Cream Trip route and see the best of the Bay. A must-do since 1927.

The Cream Trip

Adult ($ nz)

129.00

Child ($ nz)

64.50

Duration

Full Day

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Overview

Explore the Bay of Islands on the cruise that started it all! Stop on a secluded island and travel to the famous Hole in the Rock. View and swim with the dolphins or boom net alongside the vessel. The Cream Trip is the perfect cruise for nature lovers, and the most extensive historical cruise in the Bay. 

Marine mammal licence
Fullers GreatSights is licensed by the Department of Conservation to interact with marine mammals.

Tour description

In 1927, Albert Ernest Fuller acquired a delivery route around the Bay of Islands known as the Cream Trip. Locals and visitors began to come along for the ride, and tourism in the Bay of Islands was born.

Today we still follow the original Cream Trip route, delivering mail and supplies to island residents and showing you the best of the Bay on a relaxed day-long cruise. This is the perfect cruise for nature lovers, and the most extensive historical cruise offered in the Bay of Islands.

Highlights
Dolphin viewing and swimming
See the Hole in the Rock
Island stopover
Island deliveries
Boom-netting
The Black Rocks and Marsden Cross

Enjoy stunning views of the islands as we travel out through the islands on our new vessel Te Maki, making deliveries on our way. On arrival at Cape Brett Lighthouse, the farthest post of the original Cream Trip, we take you through the stunning Hole in the Rock at Motukokako Island. You’ll also see the impressive Black Rocks and Marsden Cross, where the first Christian sermon in New Zealand was held in 1814.

See dolphins in their natural environment and if conditions are suitable, go swimming alongside these inquisitive creatures – it’s a life-changing experience! Please pre-book for this experience as there are limited swim spots available at a cost of $30 per person. Alternatively try boom-netting, hanging on to the net as we glide through the water.

We’ll also choose a secluded island where you can stop off to explore, go for a swim or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty around you. Ninety years on, the Cream Trip cruise is still the best way to see the Bay.

Useful Info

  • BRING:

    Your hat, sunscreen, camera, walking shoes and a jacket. If you plan to swim, bring a towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothes for convenience.

  • EXTRA:

    Wetsuits and snorkelling gear available free of charge. Swimming with the dolphins costs an extra $30 per person (limited spaces available – please pre-book to avoid missing out).

  • HEAR:

    A full commentary provided by the skipper. Printed multilingual maps are available in Chinese, Japanese and German.

  • EAT:

    You can buy hot and cold drinks and limited cold food on board. You can also pre-book a lunch through us, or bring your own.

Timetable

  Departs Returns
Paihia 9:30 am 4:30 pm
Russell 9:40 am 4:20 pm

Please report 15 minutes before departure.

Easy Cancellation

Cancel or change your booking any time before 6pm on the day before departure  - no cancellation fees!

See full booking terms

Reviews

"It was a great experience to swim with the dolphins! A nice and friendly crew and a wonderful day in the Bay of Islands! Our stop at Motuarohia Island was also very beautiful!"

A Dream Trip

November 2017
Bauerco, Tripadvisor

"Had a wonderful time. Got to swim out in open water with the dolphins. Our tour guides were very well educated on their surrounds and were very concerned with their environment and protecting the dolphins. Warm and friendly crew."

Cream Trip

May 2017
Jo P, Tripadvisor

"Combines all the cruise options in one full day. We managed to tick most of the boxes: saw a pod of dolphins, Cape Brett lighthouse and Hole in the Rock, delivered mail, spent a relaxing hour on an island, and some boomnetting for the young at heart."

The Cream of the Crop

April 2017
Joanna K, Tripadvisor

"Thoroughly enjoyed the Cream Trip day cruise. A trip to Cape Brett on the bow viewing deck was definitely fun and exhilarating, then a slow meander through the Hole in the Rock was not only mind blowing, it was exceptionally well done as there was a wee bit of a swell."

Dolphins galore and the Cape Brett Hole In The Rock

October 2017
Damissinlynx, Tripadvisor

Experience more with a great value combo

  • Day 1

    The Cream Trip

    Follow the original Cream Trip route and see the best of the Bay on the most comprehensive cruise in the region. Enjoy an island stopover, cruise through the Hole in the Rock and if conditions permit, jump into New Zealand's warmest waters to swim with do

  • Day 2

    Cape Reinga

    Discover the wild beauty of Northland on an action-packed tour Cape Reinga. Enjoy the thrill of driving along the surf on Ninety Mile Beach, speed down the giant sand dunes and stand at the very top of New Zealand.

    • See all combos
The Beginnings

Combo Deal

The Beginnings

Combine two unforgettable full-day experiences with our action-packed Beginnings combo. Enjoy a day on the water with the most comprehensive boat cruise in the Bay of Islands, soaking up the surrounding beauty and history of the area. Take to the roads and discover the Far North on an exciting day tour to Cape Reinga.

The Cream Trip + Cape Reinga + Russell Passenger Ferry

Adult

$291.5

$225.00

Child

$145.7

$112.50

Save

$66.5

Book now

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