Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers
Description
Escape the crowds and discover the Bay of Islands on our 4.5 hour personalised and interactive Island Cruise & Tour. Locally owned and operated, with a passion for sharing our beautiful area. Suitable for all ages, families, solo travellers and couples...experience it all! • Scenic cruise among 144 sub-tropical Islands • Two remote island stopovers • Native bush walks and 360 degree views from the island lookout points • Visit the famous Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse • Snorkel untouched island reefs • Lookout for unique wildlife throughout the day • Interactive commentary and information • Scenic cruising among 144 subtropical islandsThere's no better way to spend the day....join us on our Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour
Tour Options
Itinerary
Check in at Pier 10, on the Paihia Wharf. Please arrive 15 minutes before your departure time
This Cruise and Island Tour promises an unforgettable experience, with highlights including 2 island stopovers (the enchanting Roberton Island) and a second location determined on the day. 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.
Stopover on the captivating Roberton Island, nestled in the pristine waters of the Bay of Islands. With its lush sub-tropical foliage, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life, Roberton Island is a hidden gem. Take a short walk and explore the island's walking trail to the lookout point, providing 360 degree views over the islands and the Twin Lagoons
Motu Kokako, often referred to as "the Hole in the Rock," is a stunning natural rock formation located in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. 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. Visitors on a boat cruise are treated to the unique opportunity to sail through this picturesque opening in the rock, creating a memorable and breathtaking experience amidst the pristine beauty of the Bay of Islands. ***Cruising out to The Hole in the Rock is weather dependent. If conditions are not suitable, an alternative route will be taken within the shelter of the inner islands
Sight the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keepers Cottage
Stopover on either Waewaetorea/Moturua/Urupukapuka Island (second island stop will be determined on the day) and take the opportunity for snorkelling, swimming, possibly another walk if you fancied or simply enjoying some beach time, relaxing and taking in the wildlife sanctuaries that are part of the Bay of Islands. The second stop is a great place to enjoy a picnic, either bring your own lunch or contact us directly to pre-order a packed lunch!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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. Check-in at PIER 10
- Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers
- Suitable for all ages
- Please bring a swimsuit & towel, and appropriate clothing for the day
- Please bring lunch& drink for the day
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- No-show will forfeit 100% of the ticket cost
- Cruise-ship guests need to insure 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.
Reviews(837)
Fabulous day out on the water! Saw a turtle, a whale 🐋 Wow Saw a fish ball and whale foot print Lunch on the island was fab. Bluebell was lovely guide. Skipper got us safely to and from shore. Would tecommend
A fantastic tour; Hamish and Bluebell were amazing guides, very friendly and knowledgeable. We saw a whale and a green turtle along with seals and many many fish and birds. It was a smaller boat so was able to go into the cave next the the Hole but unfortunately we weren’t able to go through the hole due to the swell. Definitely recommend this tour!
Amazing trip. Saw albatross, fur seals, two types of dolphins (lots of them) bottle nose and common. Went through the hole - which was amazing in itself. Great care taken by the driver Hamish, and crew, Bluebell. Lots of interesting info shared and interaction with customers. Highly recommend using Island Getaway Tours. Customer care - from office/admin/comms to delivery excellent. They invest in the local economy unlike other larger corporate companies.
My friend and I wasn't sure what to expect when we booked the 4.5 hour cruise from Paihia. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on the trip with Hamish and Bluebell. They are really good that they talked to everyone personally and it made travelling with them much more comfortable. We had a short stop at Roberton Island where we saw some oystercatchers and a dotteril. My friend walked up the trail to the view point at a hill top which has a spectacular view. I walked around the coast and took pictures of the beautiful bays and rock formations. We then went out to the open sea to Hole in the Rock where we saw seals and birds like Pied Shag. We then sailed through the hole to go back to calmer seas. We stopped at Otehei where there's a lovely cafe for hot food and drink. Hamish and Bluebell arranged for some fish foods and we fed some fish at the wharf. Lovely snapper. Throughout the journey, Hamish will share stories and history of the islands, like the one involving James Cook. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and I'm glad we chose this tour. Thank you Hamish and Bluebell
Its a great experience very helpful crew with 2 island stops and a beautiful experiance and lived the cruise
Well organised Boat Tour. Staff were very friendly & provided lots of helpful information as we cruised around to Hole in the Wall. We were lucky to spot dolphins close up on the journey. Crew provided blankets as the day was windy & cool. Also our Boat was able to motor through the Hole providing some great photos. Recommended.
Fantastic trip today. Bluebell and Hamish looked after us. Very informative, showed us loads of cool stuff. Two stops made this trip extra special. Highly recommend this.
Great afternoon spent with Captain Hamish and his lovely crew. The team made sure that they took the opportunity to talk to everyone on board and answer any questions they had. The sun gods were on our side as it turned into the perfect day. We were picked up at the Paihia Wharf as we were on a cruise ship. There was a stopover at Robertson Island with its walking trail that offered a great photo op at the top that gives a 360 degree view. Well worth the walk up, we got beautiful pictures. Felt very safe even with the water being a little choppier than I am used to when the captain was navigating the Hole in the Rock. It was amazing!! So glad we booked this excursion over the larger boat tours offered.
Excellent trip stopping at two islands as well as viewing Motu Kokāko. history well told and helpful and engaged crew.
Generally a good tour. Travellers should know that your booked tour date may not proceed if they have insufficient numbers and you will find this out a couple of days beforehand but you might be offered an alternative date, which happened in our case. Also note that once on the water the Captain may choose not to proceed to the Hole in the Rock if conditions are too rough. This also occurred on our tour.
