Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock cruise includes Island Lunch
Overview
Available languages
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 To Expect
Paihia Harbour
Board the boat at Pier 5 from Paihia Wharf
Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and when conditions permit, you can even travel through it.
What‘s Included
Licensed by the Department of Conservation to view marine mammals
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
Includes an Island Lunch at Otehei Bay Cafe
Knowledgeable crew on board to answer your questions and provide commentary
Transportation to/from attractions
Snacks and Drinks available for purchase on board and at the Island Cafe
Options
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
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
Reviews
276 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It's a must do...
Paul B,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It's a must do experience, crew was great and the free dolphin show was spectacular. I would recommend this activity to anyone.
Enjoyable in spite of awful weather.
Nicola M,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Inspite of really poor weather we really enjoyed the trip. Experienced and knowledgeable skipper meant that even though the sea was rough we were able to reach the hole in the rock even if we could not go through. Sadly no marine life was seen that day but we enjoyed a nice lunch and walk on the island before heading back to Russell
Great day out
SimonM P,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Be on time as it leaves on time bring the camera for sure, we had lunch on the island that was very good as well
Great way to spend a day
Jennifer S,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day on the Harbour with a wonderful experience. Lunch was very good too. Had an excellent day.
Do it… !!
Mark G,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Outstanding… highlight of our NZ trip! Our skipper provided excellent commentary. She took us through the “hole in the rock” and we saw a huge pod of dolphins!
Return visit 25 years on and still great.
chessybear,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome experience. Highly recommend. The boat was very comfortable and clean toilets. We were not full so loads of inside and outside seating. Leftside is best side to sit on. The island stop over was great, time for a swim or hike up the hill for even better views. Lunch included was ok but you can buy hot food etc at the restaurant. The captain was excellent his commentary was very informative and we went looking for dolphins on the way back which we found. A wonderful end to a great excursion. Thankyou Fullers.
Wonderful day on the water.
rosemaryl557,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was excellent had the most wonderful dolphin encounter. Lady skipper was excellent.
Beautiful Bay of Islands
Rowena J,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a awesome day cruising the Bay of Islands such a stunning place the water is just gorgeous. Very well organised, the bit going out to the hole in the rock was rougher than expected. Lunch was really yummy. Very enjoyable
Awesome Experience!
Linda P,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative. Lunch was delicious and plenty. What a fabulous experience!
Super day out on the water with family
Carol P,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A really long half day out mainly on the water in the beautiful bay of islands plus a great beachfront lunch
From NZ$190.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Explore Group Limited