My 1 Fantastic Day on the Bay, Cream Trip cruise starts in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. It’s time to see all the sea life that abounds in these waters and learn the history of the area. Although the time to be at the dock is 9.15 am, it’s best to be there before as you’ll want a good seat on the boat.
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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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A Day on the Bay Cream Trip Experience
The History of the Cream Trip
The Cream Trip Cruise in the Bay of Islands dates back to 1927. Albert Fuller started taking supplies like cream and other supplies to farmers who lived on the Islands in the Bay.
As locals and visitors started coming along for the experience, it’s not only become a must-do experience then but a must-do experience now.
Wildlife on the Bay
For our day on the Bay Cream Trip Cruise, we leave for Russell, where we pick up a couple more people, before heading out into the Bay. Our Captain first spots a flock of Gannets feeding just off Russell, and we go closer to watch them dive into the waters for their catch. It’s amazing watching the speed and agility of these birds as they dive beak-first into the waters like a missile locked onto its target.
We come across our first pod of Bottlenose Dolphins not long into the trip with babies, so, unfortunately, there is no swimming with dolphins if there are juveniles or babies in the pod. This is what a day on the Bay of Islands is all about. We stay with them for a while, but they’re more interested in finding fish than us, so we head further into the Bay.
It’s not long after that we come across not only two or three Bryde’s Whales. One was a juvenile, and not long after, the Common Dolphins came to join in. Once again, swimming is out as you can’t swim with Whales in the area. We stay with them for a while. Our Captain is excited at all the bird and sea life we have seen so far as this isn’t seen every day. We seem to be surrounded by so many Common Dolphins. They demonstrate how agile they are in and out of the water.
The Hole in the Rock
Once again, it’s time to move on to our day on the Bay Cream Trip cruise. This time, we head straight for the Hole in the Rock, otherwise known as Piercy’s Rock.
This Rock standing at the end of Cape Brett takes a battering from the wind and sea. Today, we won’t be going through the Hole, as it’s too dangerous. The wind and currents push the boat onto the rocks that protrude from the water on the right-hand side. It’s then decided to go to the other side of the Rock and back into the Hole.
I found this more exciting and unique than my last day on the Bay. We were still affected by the undertow in the cave, but our experienced Captain steered us in and out without any incident. We then head around the Rock and spy Wahine Moana’s profile on the Rock. High on the cliff, she is watching over the explorers of the Pacific Ocean.
All the while, not only is the Captain steering our vessel expertly but also giving a history of the land around us, especially our next stop, Cape Brett Lighthouse. A lonely and isolated spot, you can spend the night in the Cape Brett Hut, but you have to walk the 16 km there to enjoy this experience before walking back the next day.
Urupukapuka Island
Our lunch stop for our day on the Bay Cream Trip cruise is on Urupukapuka Island, the largest of the Islands in the Bay. You have time to walk to the top of the hill next to Otehei Bay, enjoy the views and enjoy an ice cream or eat in the Café before it’s back on board. We head to the Western side of the Bay of Islands to learn more about its history.
On the Way Back to Paihia
Back on the boat for our day on the Bay Cream Trip Cruise, the first stop is the Marsden Cross, where Rev. Samuel Marsden conducted the first missionary service on 25th Dec 1814. We then dart about the islands and basalt rocks, learning about the people who lived there before and now.
A boom net was set up on the side of the boat for those who wanted to try boom netting. Many brave people endured the cool waters (20 degrees) and the strong wind that sent them shivering back onboard. A good time was still had by all, though.
Back to Paihia and the end of our day on the Bay Cream Trip Cruise. From here, it’s back to Paihia, and for those who want to head over to Russell, it’s the last port of call.
I travelled with Fullers Great Sights, taking The Combo tour, which combines the Cape Reinga Tour with a Day on the Bay Cream Trip Cruise and is the cheaper option. A great day was had by all, and I can highly recommend having a Day on the Bay Cream Trip cruise to everyone.
Where I Stayed
I stayed in the Paihia YHA, Bay of Island Lodge, which is close to everything in Paihia.
This sustainable youth hostel has solar power, private or dorm rooms, and a large courtyard with picnic tables, where you can swap stories with your fellow travellers at the end of the day.
It’s a short walk to the shops in Paihia, cruises or the beach and only three and a half km to Waitangi.
Facilities
- Solar Powered
- Free Wifi
- Free Onsite Car Parking
- Communal Kitchen (with food storage area), Dining and Lounge Rooms
- Recycling Stations
- Herb Garden
- Outdoor area with BBQ
- Games and Book Exchange
- Laundry Facilities
- Wheelchair Accessible
- 24-Hour Guest Access and After-hours Check-in on Request
- Hair Dryers
- Towel Hire
- Hot Water Bottles
- Travel and Activity Bookings
I have stayed here twice now and would highly recommend it. You feel as though you have a home away from home.
How To Get Here
The Bay of Islands Lodge is at 11 MacMurray Road, Paihia.
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Amazing! i live in New Zealand now (since end of 2016) and have not made it to the North Island to explore yet! I love seeing things from the water, especially any sort of wildlife. I’m certainly going to bookmark this to plan a trip up there 🙂
Thanks, Lauren. I hope you get up to the North Island and explore soon. It’s so different from the South.
Oh the dolpins!
A long time ago I visited Israel and we went on a boattour to Egypt. As we were hearing to shore on a smaller kind of lifeboat that was always attached to the boat, dophins appeared. The dolphin always came to visit the lifeboat, always befriending the people. Really cute 🙂
I always love seeing animals in their natural habitat when I can, and Dolphins are undoubtedly high on the list.
Great way to spend a day and a lovely sight to see both dolphins and whales and of course the birds. Lovely scenery in the bay too.
Thanks, Alma. It is a great day when you spend it amongst nature.
What a magical trip. We didn’t get that far north and the dolphin boats we tried in the south were thwarted by the weather. Sounds like the right thing to do to stop the swimming though if numbers are threatened.
It’s so beautiful there! Dolphins, whales, and birds–what a perfect day.
It certainly is, Lisa.
What a wonderful place to explore. Being a diver, I appreciate the fact that the government is working to protect marine life. Many people don’t realize that they should not touch marine life, no matter how close they come. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful day on the water.
You would love this area, Lynette. I’m not a diver, but there are so many dive sites in Northland for you to explore. Tutukaka and the Poor Knight Islands are amazing places to dive from what I’ve seen.
Sounds like a magical day trip. So glad to hear that the skippers are abiding by the rules with the dolphins and whales. Great photos, especially of the dolphins!
It was a great day out and we not only had a fantastic female Captain but the whole crew was female. Very law-abiding and friendly.
As a Kiwi, I have done this trip many times in the past. Makes me homesick for NZ – we are heading there in less than two weeks time for the summer months. Thanks for sharing.
I will hopefully be going to the South Island in 2020, so I hope you get to enjoy your summer in New Zealand.
Great stuff – brought back some memories. . . . I didn’t do this particular trip, but did a couple of other boat trips to sea whales, dolphins and seabirds while I was in New Zealand for our honeymoon.