Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop
Description
Half day cruise of the Bay of islands including the famous Hole in the Rock, Island stopover and marine mammal viewing. The perfect water activity for your visit to the Bay of Islands.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Enjoy your 90-minute stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, have a meal or a drink at the island café, swim off the beach (ideal for children) take a scenic walk-up to the hill top panoramic view points or just relax on one of the outdoor bean bags.
Cruise through the inner islands that make up the 144 Islands of Ipipiri (The Bay of Islands) Hear about the history, ecology and wildlife from your skipper guide as we pass through the many significant sights heading out to the Hole in the Rock.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(256)
Beautiful spot and scenery however felt like an everyday ferry crossing. We were fortunate to see dolphins but there were so many people on the boat it felt super crowded. Once wed seen a dolphin it felt like a trip to an island and back. Didn't even look for any other wild life. They were more concerned about getting back to paihia. Everyone was nice enough but just too big a boat, too many people especially for cost
Absolutely stunning day, the explore team were incredible at pointing out where everything is and answering any questions, they explained when the water could get choppy or spray. Boat was clean and lots of seating. We saw a pod of orca and seals, giving them space but also close enough for incredible photos. 100% recommend.
Loved the commentary from both the drivers of the Explorer. Went out to the hole in the rock twice. Hope to see a mammal on our third trip out. Saturday 20th June the weather was amazing. The ocean was nice and flat. Sunday 21st June the weather was nice the water was a bit choppy out there.
This tour was great. Taylor the captain was very informative . Due to the weather we weren’t sure if we could get out to the hole in the rock but luckily the weather turned . It was awesome . The stop on the island was a nice break Thanks fullers
It was beautiful experience.
Great service. The cruise was well equipped and the staff was very attentive and helpful. The waters were a little chilly that day and the staff was really on their feet with the service and helping passengers with vomit bags and stuff. The commentary was good as well
This was a fantastic trip. The booking and boarding process was easy, and the boats captain made it easy with excellent communication, so you were in the right place at the right time. We got to see Bottlenose dolphins during the tour and were taken close to the hole in the rock. Unfortunately, the swell was too high for the boat to go through. The scenery was stunning. We had a stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. There were some good walk options and great photo opportunities. I ended my tour at Russell to look around and got the ferry back to Paihia.
We thoroughly enjoyed the experience, also lovely vessel and crew
There were good and bad points. The sales person rushed us into buying the 4 hour trip with lunch . Only when we got onboard did we realise that there were other options. He told us the sea would be calm it was not. However we felt safe with the captain who was honest about the conditions and reassured everyone. It was too rough to go through the hole and we did not sea dolphins or any other marine life. The captain gave lots of information and he was kind and funny. The bay is amazing and all we hoped. I did not enjoy the lunch, over cooked dry meat, cold sloppy salads, not for me. Although the sea conditions was not good it was a warm sunny day and the captain gave everyone the option of staying on the lunch time stop over island and catching a later ferry back, which we did. He told us about the walks and we swam in the sea. The water is lovely. We did enjoy the day but wish we had seen the bay at its best, I would go with this company again but next time I would make sure we understood the options better.
This half day cruise was so enjoyable. We saw so much. Commentary was good. Staff friendly. Lunch stop was lovely and we were able to do some kayaking which was a highlight.
