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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 from17 Jul to 30 Jul 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates

10am ex Paihia

Fri 17 Jul

Sat 18 Jul

Sun 19 Jul

Mon 20 Jul

Tue 21 Jul

Wed 22 Jul

Thu 23 Jul

Fri 24 Jul

Sat 25 Jul

Sun 26 Jul

Mon 27 Jul

Tue 28 Jul

Wed 29 Jul

Thu 30 Jul

Adult - 10am$152.00
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$142.50 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

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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

1044

4 Stars

169

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Stars

4.7

1289 reviews

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise including Lunch

Showing all 1289 authenticated Bookme reviews

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sachinkumarp from New Zealand wrote on 13 July 2026

Hole in the rock

It's one the best experience in my life. Nice place to visit. Amazing experience in explore Ferry. Friendly staff.

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Laurence Millar from New Zealand wrote on 09 July 2026

Best trip

Awesome day out. Seen some amazing sights great lunch would definitely do it again.

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somanstha from New Zealand wrote on 08 July 2026

Awesome

Worth the price

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Maria from New Zealand wrote on 03 July 2026

Incredible day out

Loved the cruise, boat was clean, staff were friendly and answered all questions. Beautiful day out on the ocean made even better by the fact we saw orcas and seals. The boat kept its distance then they came near us.

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charlined4 from France wrote on 03 July 2026

Awesome experience

Higlhy recommended, such a nice crew and a great experience !

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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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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.