Water activity

From Paihia or Russell: Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

4.5 / 5

415 reviews

Activity provider:Explore Group New Zealand
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Water activity

From Paihia or Russell: Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Activity provider:Explore Group New Zealand

4.5

415 reviews

From US$ 88.89 per person

Eco-certified
This activity, attraction, or activity provider has been certified eco-friendly by a third-party agency. GetYourGuide works with organizations from all over the world to bring you tours and activities that support sustainable practices.

Take in the views of the Bay of Islands on a cruise to The Hole in the Rock from Paihia or Russell. Spot dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife, and enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop to swim and walk.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 3 - 4.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Optional audio guide
Chinese, French, German

Experience

Highlights
  • Say kia ora (Māori greeting) to dolphins, whales, and other wildlife
  • Learn about the area through engaging onboard commentary from the boat crew
  • Sail among the 144 Islands that make up the Bay of Islands
  • Cruise through the narrow Motukōkako (The Hole in the Rock)
  • Enjoy food and drink options for purchase at the cafes on board or at Otehei Bay
Full description

Embark on a catamaran tour of the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell. Enjoy guide commentary as you visit famous sights, including Piercy Island (The Hole in the Rock.) Look for Maeune Mammals and enjoy a 1.5-hour stop at Urupukapuka Island to swim, explore, or sunbathe.

Hop on board and take in sweeping views of the Bay of Islands as you cruise along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse watches over the famous Piercy Island or so-called Hole in the Rock (also known in Māori as Motukōkako).

Conditions permitting, travel through the Hole in the Rock and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife. Make a 1.5-hour island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to enjoy free time for a swim or walk around. On board, benefit from indoor and outdoor seating and large outdoor viewing decks. Sip on hot and cold refreshments available to purchase at the licensed small cafe on board or enjoy food and drinks at the fully licensed Otehei Bay Cafe and Bar during your island stopover.

Includes
  • Tour guide
  • Cruise
  • Urupukapuka Island stop
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Waterproof camera
  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Jacket

Know before you go

  • Snacks and a licensed bar are available onboard or enjoy our menu at the stunningly located Otehei Bar Café and Bar on Urupukapuka Island
  • This tour operator is licensed by the Department of Conservation to view marine mammals, including Bottlenose Dolphins
  • The trip through the Hole in the Rock may be not be possible due to weather conditions

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 415 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Service
    4.5/5
  • Organization
    4.6/5

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Star rating:

Wonderful tour of the islands and trip through the Hole in the Rock. Crew on the boat were friendly and gave lots of information during the trip. Loved seeing dolphins and the stop off to explore one of the islands, although it wasn’t long the views are well worth a walk up to a couple of the lookout points on top of the hills. And I even had time for a paddle and a drink before boarding the boat to head back to Paihia. Lovely afternoon out.

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March 31, 2023

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GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Great trip out around the bay, all the way out to Cape Brett! Such fun sailing through the hole in the wall and saw dolphins on the way back! The crew were helpful and knowledgable, and the stop over on the island was lovely. Would definitely do again!

March 3, 2023

G
GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

We were fortunate to have a morning with sunshine and light winds. Our captain was very informative telling good tales if early whalers, Captain Cook, and lighthouse keepers. Well done bursting through the hole in the rock. Enjoyed chance to stretch our legs and mingle with the sheep on the island.

February 20, 2023

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GetYourGuide traveler Verified booking

Helpful?

Product ID: 21028

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