Tours/Paihia/3 Hours // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Bay of Islands Tour
Viator · group up to 49 pax

3 Hours // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Bay of Islands Tour

4.9(163)Paihia1 hour
VIATOR4.9(85)TRIPADVISOR4.9(78)

Description

Discover the Bay of Islands, and take a scenic boat cruise through the 144 subtropical islands. Visit the famous "Hole in the Rock" and Cape Brett Lighthouse. Stopover on Roberton Island to take a short walk to the lookout point over the Twin Lagoons Keep an eye out for our unique New Zealand sea birds and marine life, take a short walk along some of the island trails to breathtaking viewpoints while your crew provide commentary and information throughout the day. • Scenic Cruising among 144 subtropical islands. • Visit the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse • Remote island stopovers • Native bush walks and 360 degree views from the island lookout points • Lookout for unique wildlife throughout the day • Interactive commentary and information

Tour Options

Paihia Wharf Departure

Itinerary

15 min

Check in is at PIER 10 on the Paihia wharf, please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time

Pass by

This cruise and Island Tour promises an unforgettable experience, with highlights including an island stopover and visiting the famous "Hole in the Rock" plus scenic cruising through the 144 islands. 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.

30 min

Stopover on Motuarohia (Twin Lagoons Island) and take a short walk to the stunning island lookout for breathtaking panoramic views over the Bay of Islands

25 min

Cruise out to Motu Kokako, often referred to as "the Hole in the Rock," a stunning natural rock formation located at the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula. This iconic geological wonder features a distinctive, perfectly round hole that has been carved through the middle of the island by the forces of wind and water over thousands of years. A memorable and breathtaking experience amidst the pristine beauty of the Bay of Islands. ***Visiting the Hole in the Rock is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable on the day, an alternative route within the sheltered inner islands will be used.

Highlights

Smaller Group Tours (49 Guests Max)
Visit the famous "Hole in the Rock" and Cape Brett Lighthouse
Remote island stopover (Roberton Island)
Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day

What's included

Included
Smaller Group Tours (49 Guests Max)
Visit the famous "Hole in the Rock" and Cape Brett Lighthouse
Remote island stopover (Roberton Island)
Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Alcoholic Beverages

Traveller Ratings

4.9
163 reviews
5
149
4
11
3
2
2
1
1
0

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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
  • 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 next to our check-in location - Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf
  • Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers
  • Suitable for all ages
  • No-show will forfeit 100% of the ticket cost
  • Cruise-ship guests need to ensure 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.
  • The "Hole in the Rock" section of the tour is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable to travel to The Hole in the Rock, an alternative route within the sheltered inner islands will be used.

Reviews(163)

K
KeithA1159
July 20, 2026
A great day out.

The crew, Hamish and Bluebell were excellent. The commentary was informative and entertaining, we were taken up close to see birds and sea lions, and each person was given individual attention and helped whenever needed. The island stops were just the right length and we even had perfect weather. I highly recommend this tour.

M
mohinitk
July 10, 2026
Amazing family island hopping cruise

Worth the price we paid for the cruise. Captain was amazing and very knowledgeable about the islands and its history. Food was amazing. Peaceful experience, lively and yeah we got lucky with dolphin spotting.

S
scplee
June 22, 2026
Incredible views

Was a brilliant trip, incredibly picturesque and even saw some seals! Big thanks to Hamish and Bluebel for looking after us.

G
Go37718045969
June 16, 2026
Fabulous

It was the 4 hour Hole in the Rock and island cruise out of Pahia. We had beautiful calm sunny weather.

U
unclecrabby
May 29, 2026
Bay of Islands half day Cruise

Was meant to be on this cruise however in low season not enough bookings so we were upgraded to the 4.5hr cruise. Cruise is definitely worth doing, great sights great crew and lots of fun. Nick was a great skipper and full of detailed information while also having the odd joke. Crew member Sikara (apologies if not spelt correct) was just as informative fun and full of information. Thanks to all Craig and Lyn

1 people found this helpful
T
Tim_D
May 6, 2026
An excellent tour of a stunning area

Loved the crew on this beautiful tour. They were fun, engaging and new what they were doing! We were upgraded, at no cost due to some over bookings, to the 4 1/2 hour tour. Had we known what was included, we would have booked this from the start. In addition to Roberton Island and Hole in the Rock, this tour stopped on Urupukapuka Island, where we had lunch and pint at the very casual, but lovely Otehei Bay Restaurant. We were also rewarded with a huge school of dolphins following us for 30 minutes! An excellent tour that fits safely within your cruise ship stop window. Highly recommended.

K
kjuzyk
April 26, 2026
Simply Wondeful Tour - Don't miss this one

Overall excellent experience. Amazing crew. No hassles and the total expereince was on of the best. The highlight was spending 30+ minutes watching a pod of 26 dolphins circle and frolic around our boat.

2 people found this helpful
L
Lea_C
April 25, 2026
A great Day Out.

They rang me and upgraded us to the longer tour for no more money. It was a great day on the water, sun shining a little choppy but still ok.

M
Michelle_M
April 24, 2026
Great trip to Hole in the Rock

This was a fantastic tour. Zach, our tour guide was quite informative and stopped the boat when someone saw wildlife. He even shut the wi die on one side of the boat so we wouldn’t get sprayed by the water. The Hole in the Rock was really sometime see. We had the opportunity to walk up to Cook’s lookout which gave us beautiful scenery of the Bay of Islands. WELL WORTH THE HIKE!!

U
U441WVmargaretc
April 24, 2026
Hole in the rock tour

Had a great time Zack was terrific lovely young man we saw dolphins that came alongside and penguins.Enjoyed looking around the town best hot chocolate ever from the ice cream shop.

1 people found this helpful

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