Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Stopover (Half Day)
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Stopover
Escape the crowds and discover the Bay of Islands
Locally owned and operated, with a passion for sharing our beautiful area.
Suitable for all ages, families, solo travellers and couples...experience it all!
• Cruise among 144 Subtropical Islands
• Visit the Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave
• Lookout for unique Marine Wildlife throughout the day
• Interactive commentary and information
• Stopover at Roberton Island and the Twin Lagoons / Otehei Bay **
• Walk to the island lookout point for stunning views over the Bay of Islands
**Route subject to change depending weather and wind directions
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Suitable for all ages
Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers
Minimum passenger numbers apply; if not met, we reserve the right to upgrade to our 4.5hr Tour (at no extra cost) or refund your tickets
The "Hole in the Rock" section of the tour is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable to travel to The Hole in the Rock, an alternative route within the sheltered inner islands will be used.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Check-in at PIER 10 on the Paihia Wharf. Please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.
Motu Kokako, often referred to as "the Hole in the Rock," is a stunning natural rock formation located in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. This iconic geological wonder features a distinctive, perfectly round hole that has been carved through the middle of the island by the forces of wind and water over thousands of years. Visitors on a boat cruise are treated to the unique opportunity to sail through this picturesque opening in the rock, creating a memorable and breathtaking experience amidst the pristine beauty of the Bay of Islands. ***Cruising out to The Hole in the Rock is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable, an alternative route will be taken within the shelter of the inner islands
What‘s Included
Small group tours
* Stopover location is determined on the day, depending on the wind direction, swell & availability
Possible Fish Feeding at our Voluntary Marine Reserve*
Visit the Hole in the Rock
Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
Stopover at Urupukapuka or Roberton Island*, and take a short walk to the island lookout point
Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Cape Brett Peninsular
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Paihia Wharf Departure
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Engineered for tourists - better ways to see the Bay of islands
ALH2025,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00This trip is incredibly weather dependent. On the trip,out to the hole in the rock (which is a frankly grossly overrated tourist trap) it rained which meant everything was viewed from inside largely negating the sights we were travelling through. The hole in the rock is uninspiring especially if like today it was too rough to actually cruise thorough (and it really was it that rough today). A whale was briefly sighted (briefly, like 4 seconds) if you were lucky enough to be at the front of the scrum to witness it. The island stopover was too brief to be of any use other than to sell you food from a basic range at the island cafe - definitely a trip manufactured for tourists. The trip back to Paihia was so cut better as the sun shone and outside seating was possible. If you want to see the Bay of Islands skip the boats and go for the fly drive half day where you will actually see a large number of the islands and their magnificent white sand beaches and turquoise seas rather than just bob past a few.
A must do. Half day on the water!
Stephanie L,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip. Even though we had rainy weather it was still fantastic. The boat ride out to the hole is beautiful. They also stop on an island. It has a restaurant and bar. You can take a short hike up and see the sheep. Staff were great. Highly recommend this trip.
Hole in rock trip
teenyr2023,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip. Very friendly crew and a huge thanks to Captain Blair and Audrey. Very kid friendly and made the trip well worth it. We felt safe the whole time and learnt a lot about the Bay of Islands. We also got to feed the huge Snapper and have a swim off the wharf. Very good half day tour indeed.
Blaine was excellent skipper and commentator. . Island stops were easy and fun. The Hole in the Rock was the best.
Tim P,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Blaine was excellent as skipper and commentator. Island stops were easy and fun the Hole in the Rock was the best.
Awesome experience
Lori S,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We spent three weeks in North Island, and this was my favorite activity. We lucked out with calm waters, and went through the hole in the rock and into a sea cave. All the staff were friendly, and knowledgeable.
Great excursion in the Bay of Island
michellela68,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00To get an overview we booked the shipping to Hole in the Rock and Bay of Island with stopover on Roberto Island with Senic Lookout . We liked it very much, were well looked after and had fantastic weather . Just perfect 🤗🤩
Trip was perfect! Nick...
Lovleen A,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Trip was perfect! Nick managed to get us in one of the caves as far as possible and was very knowledgeable.
The boat and skipper were both great
815neala,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zac, the skipper was a true professional. How he does and delivers the commentary over and over agin several times a day yet makes it sounds as tough we were all special is beyond me. The boat we went on was in immaculate condition.
An awesome experience! Highly recommend!
Wanderer19389339993,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time. The staff went out of their way to make this outing memorable. Very friendly and knowledgable team. Highly recommend!!
A Great Day Out!
Aziz M,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience! The captain was very well informed and knowledgeable about the area and history.
From NZ$145.00
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Operated by Island Getaway Tours