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
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.
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
283 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Paihia Cruise Bay of Islands
118kerryo,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip around the Bay of Islands was wonderful. The crew were friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. It wasn't too crowded, probably due to the time of year, and the lunch at the cafe on Urupukapuka Island was delicious. It really was a fun day out and a most enjoyable experience. Totally recommend booking directly with the provider (Fullers or Explore) as Trip Advisor take payment in US dollars converted to NZ, so that took us by surprise, and also they take a substantial cut from what the cruise company is making. Let's keep NZ money in NZ firms!
A great way to see the beautiful Bay of Islands
Jocelyn R,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A really lovely trip with a great skipper and crew. Very comfortable, stunning scenery, nice lunch - so glad we did this tour. We were very lucky with the weather and were able to go through the rock. Saw some seals, sea birds and loads of fish.
Wonderful experience.
948malcolmh,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day. Exceeded our expectations. Great commentary, good lunch. The weather and a large pod of dolphins contributed nicely. I recommend.
Totally worth it!
Bill W,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great tour, totally enjoyed it! It was awesome to see two separate pods of dolphins up so close. And riding through the hole in the wall was a blast. Thank you!
Lovely trip with added dolphins!
rosiebee2018,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a little bit blustery, but that's expected at this time of year. Sunny and dry, though. Skipper was giving a running commentary, and we were all pleasantly surprised when she pulled up for a few minutes to watch a pod of dolphins who stayed with us for a good while. She managed to steer us through the hole in the rock. Quite a test, in the conditions. Lovely scenery at every turn.
Stupid question
65juttaf,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience, very prudent crew, great skipper (brought us very close to the hole in the rock despite the heavy seas) good info from the management during the trip👍
A great day on the water!
jennygsanders,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock cruise! Even with the slight 1m swell it added to the adventure! The buffet lunch was excellent, and staff in office, on board and on the island were friendly and professional.
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
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Operated by Explore Group Limited