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Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise including Lunch

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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 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 from1 Dec to 14 Dec 2025

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
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Bookings close in 1 hour...

  • Adult - 10am$171.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child - 10am$85.50
  • Infant Free of Charge

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

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

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

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

  • Adult - 10am$152.00 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
1020
4 Stars
166
3 Stars
29
2 Stars
16
1 Stars
29

4.7

1260 reviews

Showing all 1260 authenticated Bookme reviews

Sushamadevi Mudundi from New Zealand wrote on 30 November 2025

Great trip

Great ferry experience for a half a day, included lunch was amazing

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johnm24 from New Zealand wrote on 25 November 2025

Great day out

Great weather and fantastic lunch

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gillianl3 from New Zealand wrote on 17 November 2025

Hole in the rock cruise

Fabulous day out Staff very knowledgable, friendly and helpful, felt I was in safe hands. Went out of their way to make it an amazing experience.

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Ashish Jha from New Zealand wrote on 17 November 2025

Hole in the Rock

It was an amazing experience from start to finish. The crew were really friendly, helpful, and made the whole trip feel relaxed and enjoyable. They shared some great local insights along the way, which added a nice personal touch. The food was also good, fresh, tasty, and plenty to go around. Overall, it was a well-organised and memorable cruise. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Bay of Island

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Pragneshbhai Lakhtaria from New Zealand wrote on 04 November 2025

Stunning

Such an amazing experience! It’s my fourth time in 10 years visiting the Bay of Islands, and it never disappoints. My parents joined us this time and loved it too — we just wished we could’ve seen some dolphins! Still, it was a beautiful trip all around.

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

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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