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Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise

4.7
1125
Deals from $89.90 Save $60.10 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 at the stunning Otehei Bay Urupukapuka Island
  • Free time to explore the Island or have a swim

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 at the stunning Otehei Bay Urupukapuka Island which is considered by some as the most beautiful island within the Bay. Here you will have some free time to swim, explore or relax with a bite to eat from our licensed café (at own expense).

Location: Paihia, Bay Of Islands.

Adult $150.00 (Aged 16+)
Child $75.00 (Aged 5 - 15 years)
Infant $0.00 (0 - 4 years)

What's included

  • 3 hours scenic cruising
  • 1 - 1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island
  • Get up close to Cape Brett and travel through the Hole in the Rock - when conditions permit

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 19 Mar to 1 Apr 2024

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Tue 19 Mar
Wed 20 Mar
Thu 21 Mar
Fri 22 Mar
Sat 23 Mar
Sun 24 Mar
Mon 25 Mar
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Mon 1 Apr

Bookings close in 6 hours...

  • Adult$138.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$119.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$89.90 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$67.50
  • 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

4.7

1125 reviews

Showing all 1125 authenticated Bookme reviews

Vicki Miles from New Zealand wrote on 11 July 2021

Best experience

Wow! From the moment we stepped on the boat been greeted personally by the captain and crew until we were farewelled by them, we were 100% satisfied. The Captain and his crew did a great job informing us of the history and keeping us amused. We were able to cruise through the hole in the rock and saw a pod of dolphins up close. We definitely got our money’s worth!! We stopped at Otehei Bay for lunch. It was winter time so the menu was very limited. Good coffee but I would suggest taking your own lunch if deep fried items are not to your liking. Highly recommend and we would go again.

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Jasmine Nash from New Zealand wrote on 17 November 2022

Well worth it

Views were amazing despite the foggy start, narration was interesting and there was plenty to see. Saw no marine animals sadly but was still a lovely experience

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Yash Redkar from New Zealand wrote on 04 January 2022

Hole in the rock

Amazing experience. But wasn’t happy with the process to get the printed tickets from the office (time consuming process)

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Natalie Mancera from New Zealand wrote on 18 January 2023

No Dolphin or Whale watching as advertised…

I understand companies should not chase mammals but it will be fair/transparent to customers if Explore Group changes/removes the marketing campaign where it says it is included Dolphin and Whale watching. (Unfortunately, it was the main reason we decided to do this cruise) . We visit the Hole in the rock but we did not go through it either. We stopped in the Urupukapuka island but the experience we had it could be easily matched buying a ferry ticket to the island and saving 70% of the cost we paid for 4 adults. It is very disappointed to pay $460 dollars and obtain a similar service to the ferry transport that we could get for $36 dollars per person.

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Gaurav from New Zealand wrote on 05 January 2022

Big Shame

Total Shame.... This was one of the worst experience which our complete group did because no dolphins were spotted and when I requested the duty manager regarding giving a exchange voucher then he refused and because of weather the hole in the rock was not done which was again a negative point. Basically we wasted our money....

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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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