About Island Getaway Tours
We’re Island Getaway Tours, and we’re passionate about sharing the stunning beauty and rich history of the Bay of Islands with you! From our beginnings as Sea Shuttle Bay of Islands in 2016, focused on water taxis and shuttles, we’ve grown and evolved. In 2018, we rebranded to Island Getaway Tours to reflect our wider range of experiences, including captivating island tours and our renowned Hole in the Rock Cruises.
What started with our 20-seater vessel, Astrolabe II, has blossomed into a modern fleet. We added a second 22-seater in 2019, and in 2022, we proudly launched our largest vessel, Arataki, a spacious 49-passenger power cat. Most recently, in 2024, we introduced another fantastic addition, Matarua, a 12m, 40-passenger power cat, ensuring comfort and incredible views for all our guests.
Our most popular adventure is our 4.5-hour Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour. We’re incredibly proud to be the only cruise company endorsed by the Motu Kokako Ahuwhenua Trust to authentically share the Māori history of the iconic Hole in the Rock, offering you a truly unique and meaningful experience.
Our Community
We live, work, and play right here in Paihia, and the Bay of Islands community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in supporting local, which is why we partner with fantastic local businesses like High Tide Cafe for our delicious lunch packs.
Being an active part of our community is important to us. We’re dedicated to various initiatives, including:
Project Island Song: We’re proud to be involved with this vital biodiversity protection effort, helping to restore and protect the precious wildlife of the Bay of Islands.
Conservation Efforts: We regularly donate to conservation initiatives, contributing to the long-term health of our beautiful natural environment.
Motu Kokako Ahuwhenua Trust: We work closely with the Trust, respecting and sharing the cultural significance of this special place.
Local Fundraising Events: We’re happy to lend a hand and support various local fundraising events, helping our community thrive.
Our Commitment to the Environment
At Island Getaway Tours, we’re deeply committed to protecting the beautiful Bay of Islands that we call home. We believe in operating responsibly to ensure this incredible place thrives for generations to come. Here are some of the initiatives we’ve taken to minimise our environmental impact:
Supporting Local Biodiversity: We proudly support local biodiversity protection initiatives like Project Island Song, helping to restore and preserve the native wildlife and ecosystems of the islands.
Responsible Waste Management: We implement waste recycling on all our vessels and at our Paihia office, ensuring as much waste as possible is diverted from landfills.
Minimising Discharges: Where possible, we prioritize pumping effluent from our boats at land-based facilities rather than at sea.
Fuel Efficiency and Vessel Technology: We focus on efficient operations for our fleet. Our newer power cats, Arataki and Matarua, are designed with modern, fuel-efficient engines to reduce emissions.
Education and Awareness: Our team is continually educated on the region’s natural and cultural history. We integrate this knowledge into our tours, helping to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Bay of Islands among our guests.
Local Partnerships: We actively seek to work with like-minded sustainable businesses in Northland, strengthening a network of environmentally conscious operators.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing the magic of the Bay of Islands with you!
