Ocean Adventure: Fast Boat to the Hole in the Rock
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Ocean Adventure is the fastest boat to the Hole in the Rock, combining exhilaration and exploration with a balance of speed and thrills, as well as stops to view wildlife, learn about the Bay of Islands & take photos.
Great for families & adventure seekers to feel the thrill of speeding across the water & viewing the stunning islands of the Bay
Relax in state of the art suspension seating for a safe & comfortable ride as you fast track your journey through the iconic scenery of the Bay of Islands. Not suitable for guests over 120kg in weight due to the hydraulic seating.
Jump on board for a 1.5 hour cruise, visiting the Cape Brett Peninsula & travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako, conditions permitting.
Enter the amazing Cathedral Cove if conditions permit & hear entertaining commentary about the Bay of Islands with stops for photos.
Option to stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island (must be pre-booked) and return on a later ferry at no extra cost.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not suitable for children under 7 years old and 120cm in height
In poor conditions a minimum height limit of 150cm applies
Not suitable for guests over 120kg in weight due to the hydraulic seating
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Visit the dramatic cliffs of the Cape Brett Peninsula and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako, conditions permitting Enter the amazing Cathedral Cove if conditions permit
Urupukapuka Island
Learn about some of the history and unique geography of Bay of Islands and with stops to take photos, or you can even stop over at Otehei Bay on the way home and return on a later boat
What‘s Included
Wet weather jackets included (if required)
Travel to Motukokako Island (The Hole in the Rock) and return to Paihia. 1hr 30mins duration
Entertaining Commentary from your Skipper
Lifejackets included
Bottled water
Hotel pick ups not included
Lunch, Snacks and Beverages
Options
12:00pm Departure from Paihia
2:30pm Departure from Paihia
09:30am Departure from Paihia
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Had a great experience with family also the skipper was super friendly.
Fearless29151907375,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience . Recommended for a quick trip in the bay. Hole in the rock tour along with the jet bait experience was amazing. Thanks Ocean Adventures
a great time
mark p,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00a great experience, our family had a great time (especially 2 teens), our guide was awesome and took his time to explain everything to us. i would recommend.
A must do activity if you’re a thrill seeker
Jamie C,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was one of our top 5 favorite activities during our 3 week trip to New Zealand. Definitely for the thrill seekers. Loved the music and we even got lucky with a dolphin pod who followed us! Really fun and with it! When looking at all the other boats around I kept thinking we were on the best boat for a thrilling sightseeing adventure
Great Tour/ Poor Customer Service
markcV3346AV,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I visited Explore today while in the Bay of Islands on a cruise ship and had an extremely poor customer service experience with one staff member that significantly detracted from what should have been a great day. In the morning, I went into the Explore office to enquire about tours available that day. I was told by a staff member named Mahina that the only option was a Hole in the Rock catamaran tour, lasting approximately two and a half hours. Given that I was visiting on a cruise ship with limited time, I asked follow-up questions about the tour and about the Bay of Islands in general. Her response was rude, dismissive, and patronising, making me feel as though I was an inconvenience rather than a paying customer. Due to her attitude, I left and went across the road to the information centre. There, I was immediately offered a jet boat tour also going to the Bay of Islands lasting around an hour and a half, which was far more suitable for my schedule, significantly more exciting, and cheaper. Crucially, this tour was also operated by Explore, directly contradicting what I had been told earlier. There was no cancellation in the few minutes it took me to walk across the road, making it clear that this option existed all along and was either not checked or deliberately withheld. When I returned at 12:00 to join the tour, Mahina was again unprofessional and condescending. She repeatedly asked me, three times, whether I needed to go to the bathroom, speaking to me in a manner more appropriate for a child than an adult customer. Her tone and behaviour throughout the boarding process were dismissive and unnecessary. To be clear, the tour itself was excellent. The captain was professional and engaging, the experience was well run, and the value for money was there. The Bay of Islands is spectacular, and the tour delivered exactly what it promised. However, the conduct of this staff member reflects poorly on the company and should be addressed. Explore offers a great product, but this experience demonstrated a serious lapse in basic customer service and professionalism.
Great day trip
lisasQ7313SE,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome day and our driver was amazing. We would definitely do again if we come back to Paihia. Very easy to get there from cruise ship as well.
Excellent day out
Craig J,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day, the skipper was very knowledgeable and gave great commentary . Being so close to something so amazing Waz truly magical.
Wild wave ride
852juliettek,,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best experience! It was raining and the sea was rough but we had so much fun! Amazing scenery and super friendly staff. Highly recommended
Adrenaline fuelled trip at 43 knots with interesting commentary
136Juliette,,Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely stunning trip with a bit of adrenaline thrown in as boat bounced over a light swell at 43 knots. Interesting commentary helped make the trip.
Professional and...
Barbara J,,Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Professional and experienced. Loved going out on this boat. Fast! Team was great explaining what was going to happen and captain was very conscious of everyone onboard.
Small boat experience...
Kerry M,,Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Small boat experience cancelled probably through low numbers. Large boat upgrade couldn't go through hope in rock. Disappointing but had an ok day
From NZ$150.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Explore Group Limited