Tours/Paihia/Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers
Viator · group up to 49 pax

Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers

4.9(843)Paihia1 hour
VIATOR4.9(314)TRIPADVISOR4.9(529)

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

Paihia Wharf Departure
  • Starting point: Paihia Wharf, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
Russell Wharf Departure
  • Starting point: Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand

Itinerary

15 min

Check in 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 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.

40 min

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

30 min

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

Pass by

Sight the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keepers Cottage

70 min

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

Swim, Snorkel and relax (Mask, Snorkel and fins provided)
Cape Brett Lighthouse
Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
Smaller group tours
Two remote island stopovers
The Famous Hole in the Rock
Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day

What's included

Included
Swim, Snorkel and relax (Mask, Snorkel and fins provided)
Cape Brett Lighthouse
Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
Smaller group tours
Two remote island stopovers
The Famous Hole in the Rock
Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch

Traveller Ratings

4.9
843 reviews
5
791
4
39
3
5
2
3
1
5

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(843)

J
josette_l
August 20, 2026
Enjoyable boat trip

We were a small group .The crew was very attentive, give a lot of explanations spontaneously or answering questions . A good boat trip although we didn’t see any dolphins

Y
Yukiko_L
August 18, 2026
Nice tour on a clear day

The tour started and ended on time. There are great views on a clear day. Haimish and Cass were very friendly and knowledgeable.

G
Gabrielle_F
August 17, 2026
Great tour and hosts!

Loved the smaller boat, the islands we stopped at and the hosts! Such a special experience. Thanks for having us

S
Stephen_A
August 12, 2026
An enjoyable day.

An enjoyable day out at sea. Lots of time to explore each island, and time at 'Hole in the Rock' wasn't rushed. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

M
Margaret_P
July 28, 2026
Expectional adventure

Highly recommend going on this excursion, extremely informative, fantastic staff, the islands were incredible, the hole in the rock was spectacular, especially going through the hole! Definitely a must do attraction, you won't be disappointed

F
fourtune
July 13, 2026
Very attentive crew with customer care and enjoyment a priority.

A well balanced tour. The stopovers gave space for appreciation of the beauty of the bay. Excellent communication before and during the trip. Customer experience was a higher priority for this company.

1 people found this helpful
E
Exploration240766
June 30, 2026
Fab day on the water

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

R
Ross T
June 28, 2026
Great cruise, knowledgeable guides, lots to see!

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!

M
maddiellie
June 27, 2026
Use Island Getaway Tours. Book direct if you can.

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.

Y
ylfun
June 20, 2026
Excellent trip to Hole in the Rock and around Bay of Islands!!

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

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