The boat ride is enjoyable and the boat crew are friendly but If you’re a serious bird photographer this tour is not for you, it departs at 9am but by the time you arrive and the ranger gives his briefing it is 10:30 giving you 4 hours to explore but by then the golden hours of photography are over and it is harsh light (on a sunny day) with really bad heat distortion even on a mild temperature day. The feeding stations on the Island are almost all on the side of the trails where the sun rises so you are shooting directly into the sun. It would be much better to stay overnight on the Island or arrive on a private charter. This tour is really bad for bird photography and mostly intended for casual explorers. If it departed at 7:30am it would be perfect

We had a wonderful time on our sailboat. The skipper and his crews of one other person did a fantastic job of caring for us. It was so much fun being able to steer the ship. Our weather was a bit overcast, but perhaps better than a strong hot sun.

We had a wonderful time and would do it again. The crew, food and weather were wonderful. We had never been on a sailboat again.

Nice and relaxed cruise along the harbor and coast. Friendly skipper. We enjoyed. Only one thing was missing: the promised Complimentary tea, coffee or hot chocolate and cookie

A fabulous, full day (9:30am to 5:30pm out on the water. Couple of hours at Man ‘o War island (where lunch is surprisingly good at the winery!) Had a full day at our disposal before flying out late at night, so a highly recommended way to pass the time!

What an absolute privilege to be able to visit the beautiful island of Rotorua. Our ferry from Auckland was comfortable and right on schedule. Plenty of time to enjoy the island and its beaches. Take a picnic (remember to take all your rubbish off the island with you! ) and plenty of water. There is a small shop on island but it’s only open for a short amount of time and has some souvenirs and a small selection of juice/ice lollies. Would definitely recommend this trip!

You can buy round trip ferry ticket for $60 NZD and then bus to a vineyard easily ...how is this offering anything more?? If I'm wrong correct me but this is just an overpriced ferry that doesn't even offer food or drinks.

I Had a excellent experience on dinner cruise. Captin Brad, with deckhands Emily, and Jonah? (Really Sorry, about remembering name, lol you are still unforgettable), are entertaining and knowledgeable crew. The views and sunset are amazing. Good food, great company, Thank You

Very disappointing experience. The captain didn’t say anything about Auckland, the history, the Harbor, etc. He was silent most of the time. He’s a nice guy and when you ask him questions, he would answer them, but we didn’t know what to ask. One of the appetizers served had diced beet in juices. They served that without napkins in your hand and people were spilling it on them themselves. Beats of course stain clothes and I’m sure some won’t be able to get those stains out. Napkins came out too late. In the future hand out the napkins first! The chicken Caesar was terrible. The lamb was very good. Everything else served was average at best.

18 guess crammed onto a 51 ft sailboat does NOT mean much elbow room!! The details available beforehand were sketchy in the extreme- half the group were expecting a motorised cruise under cover. It turns out this was true both ways as the captain and crew manfully tried to cope with a lack of info ( who ordered which meals etc) and proper supplies. Very disappointingly given the supposedly premium nature of the trip, only the first drink was included, with everything chargeable thereafter. Within 30 minutes the rosé was finished with nothing else half drinkable for the rest of the two and a half hours! We were last to be served food and found someone else had taken our order. The sailing itself was fun , with plenty of 45degree list in a strong breeze; the tack back was enjoyable. Good, long suffering skipper and crew let down by very poor logistical support.

The skipper was totally detached from the passengers. The boat ride was so slow it was at walking speed. The sights of Auckland were lovely, though!

My cousin and I are not at all bird watchers, but this trip was breathtaking and is not one to be missed. The island is stunning, the volunteer guides are so knowledgeable not only about the birds but able the trees and the land itself, and it's a lovely hike to the top to see gorgeous views of the water and surroundings islands. This was one of our favorite unexpected adventures booked for us through FirstLight Travel.

Pleasant crew and lovely evening for a sale I have limited mobility in regard to going up and down steps and everyone was very helpful and considerate

Great trip around the harbour on the Sail boat. Peter the Skipper was fantastic and very informative. Thoroughly recommend it and good value. Great views of Auckland

A beautiful, scenic ferry ride with comfortable seats and friendly staff. Highly recommend seeing this island, very quiet and freely :) we had a lovely day