Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Escape the crowds and discover the Bay of Islands on our 4.5 hour personalised and interactive Island Cruise & Tour.
Locally owned and operated, with a passion for sharing our beautiful area.
Suitable for all ages, families, solo travellers and couples...experience it all!
• Scenic cruise among 144 sub-tropical Islands
• Two remote island stopovers
• Native bush walks and 360 degree views from the island lookout points
• Visit the famous Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse
• Snorkel untouched island reefs
• Lookout for unique wildlife throughout the day
• Interactive commentary and information
• Scenic cruising among 144 subtropical islandsThere's no better way to spend the day....join us on our Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS: If you are arriving in Waitangi Wharf, the cruiseship provides FREE shuttle buses for cruise ship guests to transfer you into Paihia (5 minute bus ride)
The bus will drop you off outside the Paihia Wharf. Check-in at PIER 10
Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers
Suitable for all ages
Please bring a swimsuit & towel, and appropriate clothing for the day
Please bring lunch& drink for the day
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
No-show will forfeit 100% of the ticket cost
Cruise-ship guests need to insure their travel insurance covers them in the unlikely event that the cruise-ship does not stop in port, as we are unable to refund in these situations.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Swim, Snorkel and relax (Mask, Snorkel and fins provided)
Cape Brett Lighthouse
Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
Smaller group tours
Two remote island stopovers
The Famous Hole in the Rock
Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
What To Expect
Island Getaway Tours
Check in at Pier 10, on the Paihia Wharf. Please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time
Bay of Islands
This Cruise and Island Tour promises an unforgettable experience, with highlights including 2 island stopovers (the enchanting Roberton Island) and a second location determined on the day. Marvel at the breathtaking natural wonder known as the "Hole in the Rock" and the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this pristine marine playground as you explore secluded coves, witness rich marine life, and soak in the picturesque landscapes. A perfect blend of relaxation and exploration awaits on this Bay of Islands excursion.
Options
Paihia Wharf Departure
Starting point:
Paihia Wharf, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
Russell Wharf Departure
Starting point:
Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand
Reviews
605 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was a fantastic trip. The crew were brilliant and extremely informative throughout the trip. The cruise met our expectations
Christopher H,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the cruise, especially the wildlife and scenery seen. As the weather was so good, we were able to go through the hole in the rock. It was spectacular. We also walked on two islands and climbed to cooks view point.
Great Experience and on time
Jazzed7060,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our day tour was terrific! We booked it through trip advisor and on board the ship they had a talk about different excursions, and warned us not to book this tour outside the ship because we wouldn't make it back on time, which made us nervous. We almost always book through trip advisor rather than through the ship, but we confirmed upon arrival to our meeting place what time we would return. Upon return, I saw as i stepped off the boat that we had arrived ONE minute before the time we were scheduled. We were also with another couple that had a few health issues and they had booked on their own so we were worried we would be on different boats, but they got us together and we had a fabulous time seeing amazing scenery and we actually had good weather so we were able to go right through the hole in the rock! The crew were helpful, friendly, and skilled! It was a Great day for us! Thanks
Great Tour - must do
ELdicko,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic crew and awesome tour. It was a misty cool day for our trip but still a great tour. Staff provided us with blankets to keep warm. The walk was definitely worth it to see Captain Cook’s landing. The island atop over for. Lunch there is a cafe to purchase food. We pre ordered our lunch through their website and die $20 it was a good option for us. Highly recommend. Staff very attentive and helpful.
One of the best...
Chintan P,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best attractions in New Zealand. Very vibrant deep blue color of the water makes the overall experience unforgettable.
Definite must-do
InLondonAgain,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly, knowledgeable, humorous skipper and crew. Did a great job of describing local history and nature. Also dealt excellently well with a passenger who strangely forgot her English vocabulary when it came to boarding on time and not asking for a late diversion to Russell
We had a great day on...
Melinda A,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great day on this tour, would highly recommend to visitors to Paihia. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the region/islands.
Money Well Spent!
Alicia R,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff were very knowledgeable and friendly. The views were epic - book this trip! Our favorite part was traveling through the hole in the rock.
Great Tour Made Even Better by Perfect Weather Conditions
Greg C,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The cruise was an amazing experience made even better by perfect weather conditions. The seas were calm enough to allow the boat to cross through the hole in the rock. We were able to see a sea lion sunning on a rock nearby. Both island stops were very scenic.
A 5 star experience.
Steve777-58,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zack and Bell were excellent skipper and hand. When we stopped at the first island Bell went with the passagers to help them with photos and at the second Zack did the same. During the cruise Zack was very informative especially about the history of the area and Moari culture. The cruise was fantastic, we went through the Hole in the Rock, saw seals, and stopped while the boat was encircled with a pod of about 15 Dolphins. At the last island we stopped for an hour during which we had something to eat rather than go on one of the 3 walks. The food was very good, not the normal rubbish one gets on tours. Thank you
Best cruise experience
Amrita S,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The cruise experience was beyond breathtaking, the team Nick & Dan did a fantastic job explaining while we cruised, the entire journey was fun and created long lasting memories for me and essentially for my mother who visited from India. The best part was the viewing of dozens of dolphins :) Nick was amazing and extremely patient, funny and polite. I highly recommend this.?
From NZ$169.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by Island Getaway Tours