Fast Boat Rides in the Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands jet boat tours run on the open water of the Bay of Islands, the sheltered stretch of Northland’s east coast with 144 islands, secluded coves and clear subtropical water. Like Auckland harbour rides, they’re an open-water experience, not the river-canyon jet boating of the South Island. The scenery is islands, headlands and coastline, and the thrill comes from speed across wide water and the spray off the swell.
The current option is a high-speed speedboat ride, not a true jet boat. It leaves from Paihia, runs about an hour with suspension seating and local commentary on the bay’s history and landscape, and returns to Paihia. There’s an optional stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for swimming or relaxing, with the return on a later ferry. This turns the ride into a half-day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Paihia waterfront, the main tourism hub of the Bay of Islands. Paihia is about three hours’ drive north of Auckland, and the ride heads out across the bay towards the outer islands.
About 1 hour on the water. If you choose the optional Otehei Bay stopover, you come back on a later ferry, so allow extra time.
The ride currently available is a speedboat with shock-absorbing suspension seats, not a jet-propelled boat. It still delivers high speed on open water, but without the 360-degree spins of a river jet boat. It’s the closest experience to jet boating in the Bay of Islands.