My fantastic Day on the Cream Trip, Bay of Islands cruise starts in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. It’s time to explore the diverse sea life that abounds in these waters and discover the area’s rich history. It’s best to be at the dock before you’re told, as you’ll want a good seat on the boat to see all the life in the Bay of Islands.
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Contents
- 1 A Day Cruising – Cream Trip, Bay of Islands
- 2 The History of the Cream Trip
- 3 Wildlife on the Cream Trip, Bay of Islands
- 4 The Hole in the Rock
- 5 Urupukapuka Island
- 6 On the Way Back to Paihia – Ending the Cream Trip, Bay of Islands
- 7 Where I Stayed
- 8 Links
- 9 Travel Resources
- 10 Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!
A Day Cruising – Cream Trip, Bay of Islands
The History of the Cream Trip
The Cream Trip Cruise in the Bay of Islands dates back to 1927. Albert Fuller began delivering essential supplies, such as coal, to farmers living on the Islands in the Bay.
As locals and visitors began to participate in the experience, it became a must-do activity, and it remains so to this day.
Wildlife on the Cream Trip, Bay of Islands
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 fantastic to watch the speed and agility of these birds as they dive beak-first into the water like a missile locked onto its target.
We encounter our first pod of Bottlenose Dolphins not long into the trip, which includes babies. Unfortunately, there is no swimming with dolphins if juveniles or babies are present 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 about all the birds and sea life we have seen so far, as this isn’t seen daily. We seem to be surrounded by so many Common Dolphins. They demonstrate their agility both 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, also known as Piercy’s Rock.
This Hole in the Rock near 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. Our Captain then decides to go to the other side of the Rock and back into the Hole for a different experience.
This was 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 headed around the Rock and spied Wahine Moana’s profile on the Rock. High on the cliff, she was watching over the explorers of the Pacific Ocean.
All the while, not only is the Captain steering our vessel expertly, but also gives 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 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 – Ending the Cream Trip, Bay of Islands
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 December 1814. We then dart about the islands and basalt rocks, learning about the people who lived there in the past 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. Everyone still had a good time, 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 is the cheaper option and combines the Cape Reinga Tour with Cream Trip, Bay of Islands Cruise. You can read about my tour to Cape Reinga by clicking on 1 Amazing Trip to Cape Reigna.
Everyone had a great day, and I highly recommend the Bay Cream Trip, Bay of Islands cruise to everyone.
If you want more information on what to do in Russell, you can read my blog, Visit Historic Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. In Kerikeri, you can read my blog on 6 Top Attractions in KeriKeri, New Zealand, or visit Waitangi and learn about the history of New Zealand by reading my blog, A 1-Day Trip to Waitangi, New Zealand.
Where I Stayed
I stayed in the Paihia YHA, Bay of Islands Lodge, which is close to everything in Paihia.
This sustainable youth hostel features solar power, private and dorm rooms, and a large courtyard with picnic tables where you can swap stories with fellow travellers at the end of the day.
It’s a short walk to the shops in Paihia, cruises, or the beach, and Waitangi is only three and a half km away.
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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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them at the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.
Travel Resources
- Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
- Car Hire— In New Zealand, you can use Apex Car Rentals New Zealand, Avis New Zealand or Budget New Zealand for all your travelling and exploring needs.
- Camper & RV Rentals—Want a quieter pace exploring Australia and New Zealand in your own accommodation? Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals will give you an unforgettable experience travelling.
- Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
- Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting is a great way to save on accommodation, and Trusted Housesitters offers house sittings worldwide.
- Photo Editing is a great way to bring your photos to life, and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
- Power Stations—Bluetti and EcoFlow Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.
- For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources page.
Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!
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.