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 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.
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
Options
Russell Wharf Departure
Starting point:
Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand
Paihia Wharf Departure
Starting point:
Paihia Wharf, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
Reviews
728 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous, exciting, amazing!!
Culture53263409801,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome trip, beautiful area. So worth every $$$. Great skipper and crew., Thank tiy Hamish and Bree. Saw seals, dolphins, fish and bird life as well as the Hole in the Rock. We sailed through it too!!!! Thank you!!
Great day on the Bay
L9001SWricks,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely day on the Bay of Islands. Staff Zac and Sakana shared great stories, and cultural history and information which made the trip very pleasant.
Excellent cruise
Chris M,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were really looked after by the crew during the cruise. Commentary was excellent and we had sufficient time at both stopping points. We went through the Hole in the Rock and the skipper even did a 360 while we were going through.
From Australia
Jennifer R,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing crew and great experience. Not to be missed when visiting the Bay of Islands. Can highly recommend doing this trip.
AMAZING
joycemC5513YQ,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We same some dolphins and whales, overall it was an amazing experience. JT AND ZACH from Island Getaway tours was the best crew, we all had a great time!
Trip to the Hole in the Rock
Explorer12874251001,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time and were given a lot of great information along the trip regarding the area and history. Skipper Blair and deck hand and guide JT could not have done a better job! Getting so close to nature is breath taking. Going close to the hole in the rock and then going through it was so fun! Really a great trip.
Great Tour
shatteredofsussex,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip with loads of interesting information and still plenty of time to soak up the surroundings. The scenery was absolutely spectacular, and seeing the wildlife up close was a real highlight. The guides were friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. Would happily recommend — it’s easy to see why they’re number one!
Great adventure!
Vicki G,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Blair and Sakquera were very attentive and informative. We learned alot about the history of the islands we passed by or visited. Being able to pass through the Hole in the Rock was an extra bonus!
Don’t do Fullers DO THIS!!!
bigtimwilliams,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When I booked we weren’t sure whether to go with this much smaller company or with the giant that is Fullers. Thankfully we made the right choice. The fullers boat couldn’t handle the choppy conditions but with our very able Captain Hamish and his able crew, Belle and Bri, we navigated perfectly through and then back through again!! All whilst the Fullers boat just watched us. Brilliant commentary, lunch, stopovers. In fact other than the foggy weather it was perfect. Great job guys
Great Way to Experience the Many Islands
Patricia L,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great scenery and visit to the Hole in the Rock. There were many islands, dolphins and hikes to a viewpoint that was stunning.
From NZ$169.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Island Getaway Tours