F.A.Qs
Where do I hop on?
All our shared charters leave from Paihia Wharf, look for the Bayscapes Catamaran. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your departure time.
Parking in Paihia is limited so please ensure you come early enough to find a park and meet us.
Parking in Paihia is limited so please ensure you come early enough to find a park and meet us.
What do I bring/wear?
Bring weather appropriate clothing, remember the breeze gets stronger when you are sailing. In any case we have a indoor saloon for your comfort.
For day trips; If you want to go swimming bring togs and a towel. You are welcome to bring your own snorkel gear or you can use our masks provided.
Shoes are to be taken off upon boarding but do bring some sneakers if you are planning on doing our island walk.
Bring some sunglasses and any drink/snacks you wish.
For day trips; If you want to go swimming bring togs and a towel. You are welcome to bring your own snorkel gear or you can use our masks provided.
Shoes are to be taken off upon boarding but do bring some sneakers if you are planning on doing our island walk.
Bring some sunglasses and any drink/snacks you wish.
Will it be bumpy?
Most of the time no, our catamaran has two hulls which means that it stays relatively flat when we are sailing. Most people can move about the boat without much trouble, however if you'd rather we have a lovely indoor saloon you can relax in as well.
If you are nervous about being seasick please email us close to departure date and we can give you the swell/sea state forecast.
If you are nervous about being seasick please email us close to departure date and we can give you the swell/sea state forecast.
Can I wear shoes?
When onboard shoes are taken off to reduce damage on the boat. You will be able to take them ashore to wear for the walk if you choose.
What island will we go to?
We will choose from one of the Bay Of Islands main 6 islands. These include; Okahu, Waewaetorea, Urupukapuka, Moturua, Motukiekie and Roberton (Motuarohia) Island. Each island is unique and have some amazing beaches and stunning walks. We will usually decide on the day what island will be the most sheltered to sail to. You can find more about our islands here; https://www.bayscapescharters.co.nz/the-bay-of-islands
Will I get wet?
If you do not wish to get wet our boat will keep you nice and dry. However we do recommend bringing togs and a towel so that you can enjoy the full experience of the Bay of Islands by swimming or snorkeling in its beautiful waters.
Do I need to be able to swim?
There is no requirement for you to be able to swim. However if you are not confident in the water we ask that you inform one of our crew when you are on board.
Are your charters kid friendly?
Absolutely! Bayscapes can provide lifejackets for kids if required, just let us know on board.
How do I cancel my booking?
Please email us for any cancellations or amendments.
What happens if my booking gets cancelled?
If we have to cancel your booking for any reason you will be notified and receive a refund or have the option to re-book a later date.
Why was my booking cancelled?
There are a two main reasons why we might cancel your charter. These are;
Bad Weather- If the weather forecast shows high swells or heavy winds we may cancel your charter to ensure your safety.
Minimum Passenger Not Met- On our shared charters we have a minimum passenger requirement of 4 people. If this number is not met we may cancel your charter or ask if you are available to book on another confirmed day.
If we do need to cancel for any reason we will let you know prior to the day.
Bad Weather- If the weather forecast shows high swells or heavy winds we may cancel your charter to ensure your safety.
Minimum Passenger Not Met- On our shared charters we have a minimum passenger requirement of 4 people. If this number is not met we may cancel your charter or ask if you are available to book on another confirmed day.
If we do need to cancel for any reason we will let you know prior to the day.
Can I book on the day?
Online bookings close 12 hours before departure for our Shared Charters. If you would like to book after this please call us.
Why is my order pending?
We require a minimum of 4 guests before we can set sail. If this number is not reached yet your order will show as pending. A confirmation email will be sent to you as soon as this number is reached.
If you would like to sail with less than 4 guests please look at our private escape options.
If you would like to sail with less than 4 guests please look at our private escape options.
What is in the Packed Lunch?
Included in our packed lunch is a sandwich item (croissant, panini, bun or wrap), a piece of fruit, cookie/slice and scone/muffin. The packed lunch is an individual lunch and is included in the base price of all of our day charters.
All of our food is catered from the lovely team at Cake In The Box Kerikeri.
All of our food is catered from the lovely team at Cake In The Box Kerikeri.
How many people does your boat take?
Our maximum passenger limit is 19.
Do you go to Hole in the Rock?
No, the Hole in the Rock is further out than we go.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes we can, just make a note when booking or email us for any dietary requirements
What is the Upgraded Lunch?
Our upgraded lunch can be added to our Private Charters only. It is a bit more substantial with a buffet style lunch with; Specialty Breads and Rolls, Selection of Cold Cut Meats, Fresh Salads, Relishes & Dressings , Assorted Savouries and Sweet Slices & a Fruit Platter.
Can you pick up from Russell Wharf?
Yes! We can pick up from Russell Wharf, just let us know when you book.
Do you offer more catering options?
Yes! Our standard pricing includes an individual packed lunch but this can be upgraded to our buffet style lunch which is a bit more substantial and great for large groups.
We can also do charcuterie boards and cakes on request. If you'd like something extra special just let us know.
We can also do charcuterie boards and cakes on request. If you'd like something extra special just let us know.
How many can the boat hold?
Our maximum passenger limit is 19 people. This includes children and infants.
Are babies/infants free?
Unfortunately we can only offer discounted rates for infants as they are still counted towards our passenger limit (19).
Is there alcohol on board?
There is no alcohol available for purchase on board. We do however allow BYO (Bring Your Own) alcohol. There is chilly bin and fridge available to keep things cold once you are on board.
How long is a Private Charter?
Our Private Charter is for maximum 6 hours with the earliest departure being 8:30am and latest return time being 5pm.
Following our recommended itinerary we leave at 9.30am and return at 3.30pm
Following our recommended itinerary we leave at 9.30am and return at 3.30pm
Can I Play My Own Music?
Yes! We have a indoor and outdoor bluetooth speakers for you to crank your tunes!
Is there alcohol on board?
There is no alcohol available for purchase on board. We do however allow BYO (Bring Your Own) alcohol. There is chilly bin and fridge available to keep things cold once you are on board.
Are there food/drinks on board?
There are snack foods and non alcoholic drinks available onboard to purchase. We also have an eftpos machine for your convenience. Please bring your own alcoholic drinks if you wish.
Are there are vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free lunch options?
We have lunch options for all dietary requirements. If you would like this please state in the special requirements box when making your booking.
Please note that for any allergies or special diets we recommend you bring your own food as we cannot guarantee our food will be 100% free of allergens etc..
Please note that for any allergies or special diets we recommend you bring your own food as we cannot guarantee our food will be 100% free of allergens etc..
What is in the Packed Lunch?
Included in our packed lunch is a sandwich item (croissant, panini, bun or wrap), a piece of fruit, cookie/slice and scone/muffin. The packed lunch is an individual lunch and is included in the base price of all of our day charters.
All of our food is catered from the lovely team at Cake In The Box Kerikeri.
All of our food is catered from the lovely team at Cake In The Box Kerikeri.
I am on a cruise ship, will I have time to do your charter?
This depends on your cruise ships arrival and departure time.
As Bay of Islands is a tender port. You will need to check with your cruise ship where you are tendering in to. Most cruise ships will tender into Waitangi Wharf, from here there is a 10 minute shuttle bus into Paihia. This shuttle bus arrives right next to the Paihia Wharf where we depart from.
As a general rule allow 1.5 hours between when your cruise ship arrives and departs from Bay of Islands and our shared charter timings. Alternatively as we can not guarantee we will wait for cruise ship passengers, get a group together and book a private charter where we can fit better into your time schedule.
If you are on a cruise ship and are worried about your timings please send us an email so we can do our best to accomodate you.
As Bay of Islands is a tender port. You will need to check with your cruise ship where you are tendering in to. Most cruise ships will tender into Waitangi Wharf, from here there is a 10 minute shuttle bus into Paihia. This shuttle bus arrives right next to the Paihia Wharf where we depart from.
As a general rule allow 1.5 hours between when your cruise ship arrives and departs from Bay of Islands and our shared charter timings. Alternatively as we can not guarantee we will wait for cruise ship passengers, get a group together and book a private charter where we can fit better into your time schedule.
If you are on a cruise ship and are worried about your timings please send us an email so we can do our best to accomodate you.