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Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise including Lunch

4.7
1292
Deals from $144.00 Save $46.00 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 $190.00 (Aged 16+)
Child - 10am $95.00 (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 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 weather or anything else out of your control) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • 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 1 Sep to 14 Sep 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

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Bookings close in 10 hours...

  • Adult - 10am$171.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$160.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult - 10am$144.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • 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
1047
4 Stars
169

4.7

1292 reviews

Showing all 1292 authenticated Bookme reviews

sachinkumarp from New Zealand wrote on 13 July 2026

Hole in the rock

It's one the best experience in my life. Nice place to visit. Amazing experience in explore Ferry. Friendly staff.

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shadye from New Zealand wrote on 09 June 2026

Epic experience

Super nice cabin crew,

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cj27 from New Zealand wrote on 29 December 2025

Very nice experience

The cruise experience was very good. Nice staff, captain was very entertaining ☺️. We get to saw the dolphins twice and went through the cove. Lunch was okay. But not very good. Taste is bland. It could be improved. We would do the cruise again but not sure will do the lunch option.

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Angela from New Zealand wrote on 16 December 2025

Disappointing

The best thing was Otehei Bay and the buffet. The waves were rough and lots of people were sick, paper bags were handed out but the smell from others being sick was overbearing. The hole in the rock was rather disappointing and there didn’t seem any attempt to point out or look for wildlife which was one of the reasons we had booked the tour. Unfortunately wouldn’t recommend this tour.

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Pragneshbhai Lakhtaria from New Zealand wrote on 04 November 2025

Stunning

Such an amazing experience! It’s my fourth time in 10 years visiting the Bay of Islands, and it never disappoints. My parents joined us this time and loved it too — we just wished we could’ve seen some dolphins! Still, it was a beautiful trip all around.

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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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