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Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise including Lunch

4.7
1205
Deals from $153.00 Save $27.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Join us for an unforgettable cruising adventure and discover the very best of the Bay of Islands!

Join us for an unforgettable cruising adventure and discover the very best of the Bay of Islands!

Highlights

  • View various marine wildlife enjoying their natural habitat
  • High Success rate for marine mammal viewing
  • Stop off for your included buffet lunch at the stunning Otehei Bay Urupukapuka Island
  • Free time to explore the Island or have a swim
  • Fully licenced bar on board

Both stunningly beautiful and historically significant, this spectacular haven draws visitors from around the world, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Islands and its diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Sit back and relax as we cruise among the 144 islands with the skipper's expert commentary, including a visit to the famous Hole in the Rock and when conditions allow, travel through it!

Our trips boast a high success rate for wildlife viewing and is your best chance to encounter these amazing mammals, as we are one of only 2 operators with a marine mammal permit!

We will also stop off for a buffet lunch at the stunning Otehei Bay Urupukapuka Island which is considered by some as the most beautiful island within the Bay. Here you will have some free time to swim, explore or relax with a drink from our licensed beachfront bar.

Location: Paihia, Bay Of Islands.

Adult - 10am $180.00 (Aged 16+)
Child - 10am $90.00 (Aged 5 - 15 years)
Infant $0.00 (0 - 4 years)
Adult $160.00 (Aged 16+)
Child $80.00 (Aged 5 - 15 years)

What's included

  • 3 hours scenic cruising
  • Delicious buffet lunch at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
  • Get up close to Cape Brett and travel through the Hole in the Rock - when conditions permit
  • 1 - 1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island

Duration

  • 4.5 - 5 hours total

Location

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • From 1st December 2024, the 10am departure includes Island Buffet lunch.


    Check In:

    Paihia Departure: Please check in at the Fullers GreatSights / Explore office in the Maritime building at least 15 minutes before departure.

    Russell Departure: Please check in directly to the vessel at departure time at the end of the Russell Wharf.

    Please note we code share with Fullers Great Sights please look out for either a Explore or Fullers Great Sights Branded vessel at your boarding time

    Departure Times: Booking times are ex Paihia. Departures from Russell are 10 minutes later.

  • Child price applies to ages 5 to 15 years. Children under 5 years travel free.

    Discounted bookings are Non Transferable and Non refundable.


Available Bookings from 23 Dec to 5 Jan 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Mon 23 Dec
Tue 24 Dec
Wed 25 Dec
Thu 26 Dec
Fri 27 Dec
Sat 28 Dec
Sun 29 Dec
Mon 30 Dec
Tue 31 Dec
Wed 1 Jan
Thu 2 Jan
Fri 3 Jan
Sat 4 Jan
Sun 5 Jan

  • Adult - 10am$162.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$90.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$162.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$153.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$153.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$153.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$153.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$153.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

1205 reviews

Showing all 1205 authenticated Bookme reviews

Vicki Miles from New Zealand wrote on 11 July 2021

Best experience

Wow! From the moment we stepped on the boat been greeted personally by the captain and crew until we were farewelled by them, we were 100% satisfied. The Captain and his crew did a great job informing us of the history and keeping us amused. We were able to cruise through the hole in the rock and saw a pod of dolphins up close. We definitely got our money’s worth!! We stopped at Otehei Bay for lunch. It was winter time so the menu was very limited. Good coffee but I would suggest taking your own lunch if deep fried items are not to your liking. Highly recommend and we would go again.

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Jasmine Nash from New Zealand wrote on 17 November 2022

Well worth it

Views were amazing despite the foggy start, narration was interesting and there was plenty to see. Saw no marine animals sadly but was still a lovely experience

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Yash Redkar from New Zealand wrote on 04 January 2022

Hole in the rock

Amazing experience. But wasn’t happy with the process to get the printed tickets from the office (time consuming process)

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Natalie Mancera from New Zealand wrote on 18 January 2023

No Dolphin or Whale watching as advertised…

I understand companies should not chase mammals but it will be fair/transparent to customers if Explore Group changes/removes the marketing campaign where it says it is included Dolphin and Whale watching. (Unfortunately, it was the main reason we decided to do this cruise) . We visit the Hole in the rock but we did not go through it either. We stopped in the Urupukapuka island but the experience we had it could be easily matched buying a ferry ticket to the island and saving 70% of the cost we paid for 4 adults. It is very disappointed to pay $460 dollars and obtain a similar service to the ferry transport that we could get for $36 dollars per person.

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Gaurav from New Zealand wrote on 05 January 2022

Big Shame

Total Shame.... This was one of the worst experience which our complete group did because no dolphins were spotted and when I requested the duty manager regarding giving a exchange voucher then he refused and because of weather the hole in the rock was not done which was again a negative point. Basically we wasted our money....

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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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