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Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise including Lunch

4.7
1239
Deals from $135.00 Save $45.00 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 an Island lunch at the stunning Otehei Bay Cafe, on Urupukapuka which is considered by some as the most beautiful island within the Bay. Here you will have some free time to swim, explore, marvel at the native birdlife 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 11 May to 24 May 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Sun 11 May
Mon 12 May
Tue 13 May
Wed 14 May
Thu 15 May
Fri 16 May
Sat 17 May
Sun 18 May
Mon 19 May
Tue 20 May
Wed 21 May
Thu 22 May
Fri 23 May
Sat 24 May

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$81.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$135.00 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

5 Stars
1003
4 Stars
163

4.7

1239 reviews

Showing all 1239 authenticated Bookme reviews

Danielle Welch from United Kingdom wrote on 23 April 2025

Great day out

Really enjoyed this boat trip. The crew were friendly, and the skipper gave an interesting and amusing commentary. We made it through the hole in the rock - though no marine animals to be seen! Lunch was nice and well-organised. If we did the trip again we’d have booked to stay on the island for longer, as the weather was beautiful and there wasn’t really time for a walk or a swim. It’s a beautiful place to stop, so would recommend coming back on a later boat!

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vaishalp from New Zealand wrote on 23 April 2025

Great experience

Highly recommend this tour

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Lucas from New Zealand wrote on 12 April 2025

Amazing Tour!

A MUST visiting NZ and the Bay of Islands. Our tour was amazing and we saw heaps of dolphins (twice) and just one seal. But still - amazing nature and we were also very lucky with the weather. Lunch on the island was also very filling and enough. Only the older guy at the bar was literally the rudest person I have ever met in NZ!

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Simona Pardo from Australia wrote on 11 April 2025

Great time

We had the perfect (still) weather for our boat cruise. Sooo beautiful. The dolphins seem familiar with the boat and came right up to us. Were able to see everything - bird rock with seals & gannets, and went through the hole in the rock a number of times.

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Gregory Miles from Australia wrote on 10 April 2025

Great day out.

Wonderful crew, great scenery, wildlife encounters and a delicious lunch. 10/10

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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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