Cruise to Bay of Islands

Aerial shot of harbour with large cruise ship surrounded by smaller boats

New Zealand Cruises: Your guide to cruising the Bay of Islands

  • Aerial shot of clear water up against rock face
  • Dolphin jumping out of water
  • Mountainous range with lake in the distance

Anchor down our most popular cruise deals

See all
  • Cruise ship passing white Santorini clifftops at sunset for a Big Red Sale with up to $1125 bonus value on local and up to 60% off Europe cruises
  • Hammock between palms on a white sand beach with turquoise water for a Big Red Sale 15-night Fiji and Vanuatu fly stay and cruise from $5990 per person
  • Big Red Sale - ends 31 May | Cruises - save up to 60%*| *terms & conditions apply. Carnival Cruise ship
  • Brand New Adventures from Australia 2027-28 | Royal Beach Club Lelepa | Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship next to Lelepa Island
  • River cruise ship at golden sunset passing a turreted Rhine castle for a 14-night luxury Viking Europe cruise saving $5100 from $5695 per person
  •   Luxury river cruise ship on turquoise tropical waterways lined with palms for a 10-night Vietnam and Cambodia cruise saving 50% from $3745 per person
  • Carnival Encounter cruise ship sailing the open ocean at dusk for an 8-night South Pacific cruise with $400 onboard credit from $1149 per person
  • Silver Muse luxury cruise ship sailing calm blue waters for a 14-night Japan to Korea cruise saving up to $11000 from $9599 per person
  • Colourful Bryggen wharf buildings reflected in Bergen harbour for a Big Red Sale 11-night Norway cruise saving up to 30% from $2889 per person
  • Flight Centre consultant and pilot smiling together promoting 100% holiday with 0% interest for 24 months using a humm90 Mastercard credit card
  • Reward store deals. Stays from 15,000 points. Flights from 67,200 points. Cruises from 103,718 points

Frequently asked questions

We hope you’re got a few days up your sleeve! Spend your time in Bay of Islands exploring the stunning scenery of over 140 subtropical islands, visiting historic sites, and enjoying water activities like dolphin watching and kayaking. 


Yes, cruises stopping in Bay of Islands are great for families, offering activities and sights that appeal to all ages.


Yes, of course! There are options for different budgets, including more economical sightseeing cruises.


The summer months, from December to March, offer the best weather for cruising and outdoor activities. This also happens to be the best time to see pods of orcas cruising past your boat.


Some cruises may cater more to adults, offering a more relaxed and quiet experience. Chat with your Flight Centre cruising expert for more details.


Cruise durations vary, and can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the itinerary and destinations included.


A range of vessels stop in Bay of Islands' port, from medium to larger cruise liners.  Chat with your Flight Centre cruise expert to find the right ship for you.


Yes, check out itineraries that focus on wildlife and nature, cultural heritage tours, and adventure activities like diving, snorkeling and hiking.


Yes, last-minute bookings are often possible. However, if you’ve got your heart set on a particular itinerary or ship, we recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out.


Unique experiences include up-close encounters with marine life, visiting historical landmarks, and enjoying the tranquil natural beauty of the bay.