Water activity

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise

4.6  / 5573 reviews
Activity provider:Explore Group New Zealand
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Water activity
Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock and Bay of Islands Cruise
Activity provider:Explore Group New Zealand
4.6  / 5573 reviews

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.
Duration 4.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Optional audio guide
Chinese, French, German

Experience

Highlights

  • Say kia ora to dolphins, whales, and other wildlife (Marine Mammal Permitted)
  • 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 cafe 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 Marine 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 and knowledgeable crew
  • Cruise on purpose built vessel
  • Urupukapuka Island stop
  • Visit Motukōkako (The Hole in the Rock)
  • 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

4.6 /5

based on 573 reviews

Review summary

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

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C
Cliff – United KingdomFebruary 23, 2024  – Verified booking
Fantastic half day trip to the Hole-in-the-Rock. The boat had plenty of space, inside and out, great for taking photos and viewing the scenery. We were thrilled to be able to sail through the rock on our day and even more so when a pod of dolphins joined us on the way back to port. It was nice to have the break on the island too so that we could take a dip and enjoy a cold beer! Crew and skipper were great, very informative and friendly. I would highly recommend this trip and company.
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S
Sharon – New ZealandFebruary 8, 2024  – Verified booking
this was great way to spend the afternoon. Loved the commentary form the captain. Loved spending time on Motu Urupukapuka. Just wish it was more affordable for NZers. Tourists are going to pay the price but most Kiwi families would struggle so hey miss out
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C
Carole – United StatesJanuary 25, 2024  – Verified booking
Fun cruise around the islands. Once we left the protected waters of the bay to get to the Hole in the Rock, the ocean got quite rough. Too rough to go through the hole, but we had a good view anyway— and saw some dolphins in the water. Boat returned to Paihia wharf 30 minutes late, so our booked taxi already left and we had to walk back to hotel.
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Product ID: 21028

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