Activities
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s great holiday destinations and presents endless opportunities to soak in natural beauty to calm your soul. As one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Bay of Islands is enjoyed by ‘Kiwis’ and international visitors alike. This is authentic New Zealand – stunningly beautiful and historically significant.
Explore the Bay of Islands
Well-formed tracks make exploring the islands found throughout the Bay a pleasure. Project Island Birdsong (in conjunction with the Department of Conservation) has eradicated invasive pests and predators from the islands so native plant and bird life are prolific. Bucket List can take you cruising to the famous “Hole in the Rock” and beyond to explore the Bay of Islands. There are various options north and south to capture the imagination of the intrepid explorer. If the tide is right, Bucket List can even take you were no other charter boat in the Bay of Islands will go – on a journey up the narrow channel of the Kerikeri River to the Kerikeri Stone Store, the oldest stone building in New Zealand.
Marine Encounters
Bucket List is the favoured boat for the Bay of Island’s dolphins. They love to swim with us, race ahead, alongside, under and between the hulls providing one of the best dolphin watching experiences available. From the bow of Bucket List you are truly in the best position for a close encounter! On days when the dolphins are not too busy with “dolphin business” they can put on a show, leaping, plunging and splashing. Sometimes they will be happy for you to swim with them. Orca also frequent Bay of Islands waters and often provide a magical whale watching experience. Orca are a magnificent spectacle if you are lucky enough to witness a family group making their way through the bay or chasing prey into the shallows.
Fishing
Bucket List Charters is not a “fishing” boat as such, however if the weather and sea conditions allow we can provide some fun fishing for you. Often the “big ones” are found more in the outer bay where the water is not so calm and our priority on Bucket List Charters is the comfort and wellness of our passengers and guests. There is an option for up to 4 people to take the Bucket List tender out to a suggested fishing spot to try your luck and maybe catch some breakfast whilst you explore the Bay of Islands. Although we are flexible, Bucket List Charters provides comfortable luxury yacht cruises first and foremost. There are several fishing charter boats we can recommend if you desire a “fishing trip” and we can work this into your charter*.
Diving
The Bay of Islands sea life is abundant and the diving opportunities are some of the best in New Zealand. From the inner bay to the Canterbury wreck at Deep Water Cover; Cape Brett to the world-renowned Poor Knights marine reserve – Bucket List can put you in the perfect spot.
Let us know if you would like us to include a diving experience on your charter. We can arrange all the equipment you need in conjunction with Paihia Dive. They can arrange a dive guide if you wish to explore some of the more adventurous destinations. Skin diving/snorkeling is also an option.
Water Sports
Bucket List has a 4.6M tender powered by a 50hp outboard motor that is ideal for towing water skiers. We have “wake-snake” on board for children (and young at heart), a set of water skis, a knee board and a wake board. We also have 2 single seat person kayaks and a stand up paddle board.