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Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise including Lunch

Highlights

View various marine wildlife enjoying their natural habitat
High Success rate for marine mammal viewing
Stop off for your included buffet lunch at the stunning Otehei Bay Urupukapuka Island
Free time to explore the Island or have a swim
Fully licenced bar on board

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 for an Island lunch at the stunning Otehei Bay Cafe, on Urupukapuka which is considered by some as the most beautiful island within the Bay. Here you will have some free time to swim, explore, marvel at the native birdlife or relax with a drink from our licensed beachfront bar.

Location: Paihia, Bay Of Islands.

Adult - 10am $190.00 (Aged 16+)

Child - 10am $95.00 (Aged 5 - 15 years)

Infant $0.00 (0 - 4 years)

Adult $160.00 (Aged 16+)

Child $80.00 (Aged 5 - 15 years)

What's included

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

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 from26 Feb to 11 Mar 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates

10am ex Paihia

Thu 26 Feb

Fri 27 Feb

Sat 28 Feb

Sun 1 Mar

Mon 2 Mar

Tue 3 Mar

Wed 4 Mar

Thu 5 Mar

Fri 6 Mar

Sat 7 Mar

Sun 8 Mar

Mon 9 Mar

Tue 10 Mar

Wed 11 Mar

Adult - 10am$152.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.20 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

Adult - 10am$142.50 Less than 6 at this price!
Child - 10am$85.50
Infant Free of Charge

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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience.

5 Stars

1032

4 Stars

167

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Stars

4.7

1275 reviews

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise including Lunch

Showing all 1275 authenticated Bookme reviews

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Sharon from New Zealand wrote on 24 February 2026

Excellent day

Had a wonderful day and very well organised, all crew very polite helpful and knowledgeable. Meal very nice and definitely recommend trip to visitirs

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Joanna from Australia wrote on 21 February 2026

Absolutely fabulous experience

With calm seas and sunny skies we thoroughly enjoyed the trip out to the hole in the rock, and the buffet lunch at Otehei Bay. Our cruise captain provided humour and interesting information en route, and we were lucky enough to be taken through the rock hole (only done weather etc permitting) and to enjoy a pod of dolphins playing around and near us at Otehei. Highly recommended and great value for money we believe.

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Yani from New Zealand wrote on 01 February 2026

Fantastic!!!

A must do trip. Loved seeing the dolphins up an close. It was fantastic. The lunch on the Island was also amazing. The flexibility of been able to catch a later Ferry back to main Island was a bonus as we were able to stay longer enjoy the sun, the beautiful swimming spots and the great company.

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Lucy Tahilanu from New Zealand wrote on 04 February 2026

It was nice day out

disappointing no seeing dolphins

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malcolma1 from United Kingdom wrote on 25 January 2026

Hole in The Rock Cruise

Great 5 hrs spent

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Bookme Help Terms & Conditions Operators

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

Adult - 10am Aged 16+

Child - 10am Aged 5 - 15 years

Infant 0 - 4 years

Adult Aged 16+

Child Aged 5 - 15 years

^*This option must be made together with another price type.

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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.

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The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.