Bay of Islands Cream Trip Cruise – Full Day Adventure with Fullers

Explore the Bay of Islands on the Iconic Cream Trip Cruise

Follow the Iconic Fullers Cream Trip Island Route – A Must-Do Cruise Since 1927

Discover the best of the Bay of Islands with the original Fullers Cream Trip, a full-day adventure steeped in history and breathtaking scenery. Operating since 1927, this iconic cruise follows the traditional route of delivering goods to the islands while showcasing the highlights of this magnificent region.

If you’re looking to experience all the Bay of Islands has to offer in a single day, this is the cruise for you. Journey through the stunning waters, visit the awe-inspiring “Hole in the Rock,” and enjoy an extended stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Here, you can step ashore and explore secluded coves, take scenic walks to 360-degree lookouts, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, seals, and pelagic birdlife.

New for This Season – Extended Island Stopover at Otehei Bay!

This season’s itinerary has been enhanced to offer even more time to enjoy the pristine beauty of Urupukapuka Island. The Cream Trip now includes a 3-hour island stopover, giving you plenty of time to:

Hike to secluded beaches or explore longer island trails.
Paddleboard or kayak, with discounted rentals available exclusively for Cream Trip passengers.
Savor delicious lunch and beverages at the café, or browse local arts and crafts at the new Providores Gallery.
Relax in a beachfront bean bag with a good book and a glass of wine.

Whether you’re an adventurer, nature enthusiast, or just looking to unwind, this extended stopover offers something for everyone.

The Super Cream Trip Fullers Original - Cruise The Bay of Islands

Book online and save 10%

Price: $195.00 per adult – Children $97.50 pp Family (2Ad, 2Ch) $487:50
Departs: 10:00 am Paihia – Russell 10:10 am
Returns: 6:30 pm
Duration: 8.5 Hours

For over 125 years, the name “Fullers” has been synonymous with unforgettable tourism experiences in the Bay of Islands. It all began with Ernest Albert Fuller, who combined delivering supplies and collecting cream from island farmers with showcasing the stunning landscapes to early tourists.

Today, the Cream Trip Cruise stays true to its origins, delivering mail and supplies to island residents while treating passengers to a full day of spectacular scenery, fascinating history, and abundant wildlife. This is the perfect cruise for nature lovers and remains the most extensive historical tour in the Bay of Islands.

Highlights of the Cream Trip Cruise

Marvel at 144 Islands
Cruise through the stunning Bay of Islands aboard a comfortable catamaran, weaving among secluded bays and breathtaking vistas.
Cape Brett Lighthouse & the Famous Hole in the Rock
Reach the outermost point of the Cream Trip route at Cape Brett Lighthouse, then sail through the dramatic Hole in the Rock at Motukokako Island, one of New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks.
Unique Volcanic Formations – The Black Rocks
Discover these rare volcanic formations, found in only two places in the world, and learn about their fascinating geological history. Nearby, visit the site of New Zealand’s first Christian sermon in 1814.
Close Encounters with Wildlife
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, whales, and abundant birdlife. An onboard underwater camera provides a glimpse of marine life, from schools of fish to graceful eagle rays.
Explore Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
Enjoy an extended stop at this pest-free island sanctuary. Swim in crystal-clear waters, explore scenic walking trails, or relax on the beach with a drink or meal from the island café.

Why Choose the Cream Trip?

For over 90 years, the Cream Trip Cruise has been the best way to explore the Bay of Islands. This leisurely journey combines history, nature, and adventure, all at a relaxed pace that allows you to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the region.

Meals and drinks are available for purchase on Urupukapuka Island, or feel free to bring your own refreshments.

Handy Information

BRING: Your hat, sunscreen, camera, walking shoes and a jacket. If you plan to swim, bring a towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothes for convenience.
HEAR: A full commentary provided by the skipper. Printed multilingual maps are available in Chinese, Japanese and German.
EAT: You can buy hot and cold drinks and limited cold food on board, and grab a snack at the cafe on Urupukapuka Island. You can also bring your own.

The Cream trip is one of the Bay of Islands most popular cruises

and is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment

Book online and save 10%

Price: $195.00 per adult – Children $97.50 pp Family (2Ad, 2Ch) $487:50
Departs: 10:00 am Paihia – Russell 10:10 am
Returns: 6:30 pm

Return to Bay of Islands Page

The History of the Cream Trip – A Scenic Journey Through Time

The Cream Trip is much more than just a cruise; it’s a journey through the rich history of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Operating since 1927, this historic tour retraces the original route used to deliver cream and supplies to the remote islands of the Bay. The name “Cream Trip” comes from the days when dairy farmers would send their cream to Paihia for processing, and the boat would deliver it to the mainland, along with other essential goods.

A Lifeline for the Islands

The Cream Trip began as a vital service connecting the islands to the mainland. At the time, the Bay of Islands was home to several dairy farms, and the only way to transport the cream was by boat. The trip provided an essential lifeline, ensuring the farms could continue producing and sending goods, despite the challenges posed by the region’s remoteness.

From Supply Runs to Scenic Cruises

Over the years, as the Bay of Islands became a popular tourist destination, the Cream Trip transformed into a scenic cruise, offering visitors a unique way to experience this stunning part of New Zealand. Today, it combines the historical route with beautiful natural landscapes, making it a perfect way to immerse yourself in both the past and the present.

A Glimpse Into the Past

As you sail through the waters of the Bay of Islands, you’ll be following the same path once used to deliver supplies to the islanders. You’ll pass iconic locations like Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock, while learning about the early settlers and their lives on these islands. It’s a living history lesson on the water, where the present meets the past.

Fun Facts About the Cream Trip

The Cream Trip has been running for nearly 100 years, offering an authentic glimpse into New Zealand’s maritime history.
The route originally started as a supply run, with the ferry making stops on islands like Urupukapuka and Motukōkako (the island with Hole in the Rock).
It’s still a popular tour, not only for its historical significance but also for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife, with opportunities to spot dolphins and whales along the way.
The modern-day Cream Trip operates from Paihia and Russell, but it now includes stops for swimming, sightseeing, and a visit to Otehei Bay, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the islands.