Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Join this half-day tour of the wonderful Bay of Islands. Experience the spectacular scenery in an area rich in culture and history. Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings as we are licensed to view marine mammals iduring the cruise A tour you will never forget!

Includes a delicious Island BBQ Lunch at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island at your island stopover.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation

This trip is suitable for children

Life jackets will be supplied in the event of an emergency

Please note - this service is a code share with Fullers GreatSights and may operate on their vessel

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island

Cruising among the 144 islands with skipper's commentary

When conditions permit, get up close to Cape Brett and travel through the Hole in the Rock

Licensed by the Department of Conservation to view marine mammals

Knowledgeable crew on board to answer your questions and provide commentary

Includes an Island Lunch at Otehei Bay Cafe

Transportation to/from attractions

Snacks and Drinks available for purchase on board and at the Island Cafe

What To Expect

Paihia Harbour

Board the boat at Pier 5 from Paihia Wharf

Admission Not Applicable

Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, you can even travel through it.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

10.00am Cruise ex Paihia

Marine Mammals viewing: Licensed by the Department of Conservation to view and interact with marine mammals
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Includes Island Buffet Lunch
Bay of Islands Cruise: Cruise through the many Islands that make up Ipipiri - before we head out the majestic Motukokako ( The Hole in the Rock )
Starting point:
Paihia Wharf, Bay Of Islands, Paihia 0200, New Zealand

10.10am Cruise ex Russell

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Includes Island Buffet Lunch
Starting point:
Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Reviews

4.54

249 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

187

Great day
julieaF5379CT,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great day, our skipper was lovely very knowledgeable about the area and marine animals. A great way to see the Bay of Islands
Wonderful day cruising the Bay of Islands.
Troy D,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful day cruising the Bay of Islands with Discovery Cruises. The boat was modern, well kept and very stable, the crew was very informative and helpful. The skipper should rate a special mention for her ability to safely guide the boat through the hole in the rock on a day when conditions were not great. The lunch at Otehei Bay was very nice & relaxing. We would recommend this cruise to anyone visiting the North Island.
Fun day
Michelle W,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a great tour. Despite the weather our skipper did go through the hole in the rock. A real experience.
Bad weather
PetaRichelle E,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
I didn't see the whole in the rock due to weather. They did give the option to delay, but I opted to stay. The boat was heaving as were most people around me! So factor this in if they give the option to bale. Overall it was pleasant seeing the bays and the lunch was a very nice buffet.
Was a great tour. I would just bring your own lunch.
emj601,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
It was a great tour - knowledge tour guides, wonderful scenery. I would just bring your own lunch. For $30 meals from the cafe on the island, they have a lot to be desired.
Dolphins!
Freedom319967,
Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a blast - one of our favorite adventures in NZ! We made it to the hole in the rock despite the swells being big - our captain, Manny, was brilliant. He was clearly an expert navigator and was hilarious. The rest of the crew were awesome, as well. Loved the views and the hike on the island. We saw a pod of dolphins on the way back, which was amazing.
Worth the trip
travels2010C,
Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Went out with Tata and crew. Got to go through the rock on a day where the waves were a bit high. It was scary for me but glad I did it. The captain said his nerves were frayed! After heading away from the rock we turned around again without explanation...it was to see a pod of dolphins near the rock! We also saw sea lions and large schools of large fish near the surface. Stunning views all around.
Weather issues
V2254KSruthf,
May 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
Weather was windy so seas were choppy preventing us from getting to the Hole on the Rock. Didn’t see any marine life either. To their credit the company gave everyone the opportunity to a free ticket for another tour. Great if you’re staying in the area for a while. Not so good if that’s the only time you can do it.
Lucky enough to see dolphins!
Robert B,
May 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Unfortunately it was a bit rough and windy to sail through the hole but we got a bonus with four frolicking dolphins who approached our boat and put on a show! The tour was just the right length of time with lunch thrown in. Would recommend to others.
Exploring the Bay of Islands
lachlantm,
May 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome Discover the Bay trip - a great cruise out to the Hole in the Rock and back through the islands, then a wonderful buffet lunch and exploring on Urupukapuka - great cruise and awesome experience!

From NZ$190.00