The best boat tours in Whangarei range from a short harbour cruise out of the Town Basin to full days at the Poor Knights Islands, taking in sea caves, island scenery and snorkelling stops along the way. Some trips leave from the city, while the Poor Knights sailings depart from Tutukaka on the coast about 30 minutes east. Whangarei Harbour Cruises and Perfect Day Ocean Cruise cover both ends of that range.
1Whangarei Harbour Cruises
Whangarei Harbour Cruises is the one sightseeing boat operating from the Town Basin itself, running a weekend harbour cruise on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Trips take in the harbour and the waterfront from the water, and sailings run subject to numbers and conditions. It suits visitors and locals wanting a short trip without driving out to the coast.
Services
- Weekend harbour cruises departing Saturday and Sunday mornings
- Scenic cruising of Whangarei Harbour and the Town Basin waterfront
- Group bookings on the scheduled weekend sailings
Highlights
- Departs from the Town Basin, in central Whangarei
- Regular 11am sailings on Saturdays and Sundays
- One of the few boat trips leaving from the city rather than the Tutukaka Coast
- Sailings depend on numbers and weather, so it pays to confirm before travelling
Location & Contact
Name: Whangarei Harbour Cruises
Address: 14 Quayside, Town Basin, Whangarei
Phone: 021 145 0082
Website: Not publicly listed
2Northern Chartered Adventures
Northern Chartered Adventures runs island tours and private charters departing from either Parua Bay or Marsden Cove, working Bream Bay and the Hen and Chicken Islands. Trips are capped at four people, so it is closer to a private boat day than a scheduled cruise. Skipper Josh runs both sightseeing tours and fishing trips, and groups can combine the two.
Services
- Island tours around Bream Bay and the Hen and Chicken Islands
- Private charters for up to four people
- Shared charters for individuals and pairs
- Combined sightseeing and fishing trips
Highlights
- Capped at four people, giving a private-boat feel rather than a group cruise
- Choice of departure from either Parua Bay or Marsden Cove
- Covers the Hen and Chicken Islands, which most Tutukaka trips do not visit
- Bookings handled through Newman Marine
Location & Contact
Name: Northern Chartered Adventures
Address: Departs Parua Bay or Marsden Cove, Whangarei
Phone: 0800 262 878
Website: Not publicly listed
3Perfect Day Ocean Cruise
Perfect Day Ocean Cruise runs the non-diving trip to the Poor Knights Islands from Tutukaka, about 30 minutes east of Whangarei. The day combines sightseeing with kayaking, snorkelling, swimming and exploring the sea caves, with commentary on the islands and their history. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating plus an upstairs viewing deck.
Services
- Full-day sightseeing cruises to the Poor Knights Islands
- Kayaking from the boat around the island coastline
- Snorkelling and swimming stops
- Sea cave and arch explorations
- Onboard food and commentary on the islands
Highlights
- Built specifically for non-divers, so no diving experience is needed
- Purpose-fitted boat with indoor seating, outdoor deck and upstairs viewing
- Visits the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve
- Combines several activities in one trip rather than cruising only
Location & Contact
Name: Perfect Day Ocean Cruise
Address: Tutukaka Marina, Tutukaka
Phone: 0800 288 882
Website: aperfectday.co.nz
4Poor Knights Boat Hire and Charter
Poor Knights Boat Hire is a self-drive option rather than a guided tour, hiring out a Stabicraft 1850 Supercab from Ngunguru on the Tutukaka Coast. The boat is delivered and launched at Tutukaka boat ramp, or you can tow it yourself, and it is rated to operate up to five nautical miles offshore plus a corridor out to the Poor Knights. It suits confident boaties who want to set their own route.
Services
- Self-drive hire of a Stabicraft 1850 Supercab
- Delivery and launch at Tutukaka boat ramp
- Tow-away hire for those with a suitable vehicle
- Handover in Whangarei by arrangement for Auckland travellers
Highlights
- Self-drive rather than skippered, so the day is entirely yours
- Rated to five nautical miles offshore plus a corridor to the Poor Knights Islands
- Flexible pick-up, including the night before by arrangement
- Person in charge of the boat must be at least 25 years old
Location & Contact
Name: Poor Knights Boat Hire and Charter
Address: Ngunguru, Tutukaka Coast
Phone: 020 469 2628
Website: poorknightsboathire.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Whangarei
- Check where the boat actually departs from. Harbour cruises leave the Town Basin in the city, while Poor Knights trips go from Tutukaka, roughly a 30 minute drive east.
- Match the trip length to your day. A harbour cruise is a short morning outing; a Poor Knights trip is a full day on the water.
- Decide whether you want a scheduled sailing with other passengers or a private charter where the boat is yours.
- Look at what is included, since some trips add kayaking, snorkelling and food while others are sightseeing only.
- Consider whether you want to be skippered or to drive yourself, as self-drive hire needs someone confident on the water and aged 25 or over.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whangarei Boat Tours
Where do Whangarei boat tours depart from?
It depends on the trip. Harbour cruises leave from the Town Basin in central Whangarei, and charters run out of Parua Bay and Marsden Cove on the harbour. The Poor Knights Islands trips depart from Tutukaka Marina on the coast, about 30 minutes drive east of the city.
What is there to see on the water around Whangarei?
Close to the city you get the harbour, the waterfront and the surrounding hills from the water. Further out are the Hen and Chicken Islands off Bream Bay, and the Poor Knights Islands with their sea caves, arches and clear water.
Do I need to be able to swim or dive?
No. The Poor Knights day trips are built for non-divers, and snorkelling and swimming are optional rather than required. Harbour cruises and island tours involve no water entry at all unless you choose it.
Can I visit the Poor Knights Islands themselves?
You can cruise the coastline, enter the sea caves and swim or snorkel in the water, but landing on the islands is not permitted. They are a nature reserve and the surrounding water is a marine reserve, with the rules set by the Department of Conservation.
When is the best time of year to go?
Trips run year round, but the settled weather from late spring through to autumn gives the best conditions and the clearest water. Winter sailings still happen, though they are more likely to be moved for weather.
Are boat tours suitable for children and older passengers?
Generally yes, particularly the harbour cruises and the larger Poor Knights boat, which has indoor seating and facilities. Smaller charters cap numbers and can be a livelier ride, so mention who is coming when you book.
What should I bring?
Warm layers and a windproof jacket even on a fine day, sun protection, soft-soled shoes, a camera, and swimwear and a towel if you plan to get in. Take seasickness tablets well before departure if you are prone to it.
How do I know the operator is safe?
Commercial passenger vessels must run under a maritime transport operator plan with certified safety equipment, overseen by Maritime New Zealand. Self-drive hire is different, as you take responsibility for the boat, so check what safety gear is aboard and what the hire terms cover.