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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 from20 Jan to 2 Feb 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

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Bookings close in 9 hours...

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

  • 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$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

  • 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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Awesome trip even in rough conditions Well planed Dolphins Exceptional! Hole in the Rock excursion
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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
1026
4 Stars
167
3 Stars
29
2 Stars
16
1 Stars
30

4.7

1268 reviews

Showing all 1268 authenticated Bookme reviews

amilad from New Zealand wrote on 14 January 2026

Must do in Bay of Islands, great experience

We had a fabulous time with Explore team, and were lucky enough to see plenty of fish, Dolphins and a seal, which was a bonus. As the weather was at its best we were able to sail through the hole in the rock and it was magical. Overall a great activity sum up with a buffet lunch at Otehei Bay. Would highly recommend this

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lucyw23 from New Zealand wrote on 06 January 2026

All good

All good

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vsmslm from New Zealand wrote on 04 January 2026

Fun filled and exciting

Great cruise. Best experience. A friendly and caring crew.

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cj27 from New Zealand wrote on 29 December 2025

Very nice experience

The cruise experience was very good. Nice staff, captain was very entertaining ☺️. We get to saw the dolphins twice and went through the cove. Lunch was okay. But not very good. Taste is bland. It could be improved. We would do the cruise again but not sure will do the lunch option.

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correens from New Zealand wrote on 19 December 2025

Awesome!

Great experience with yummy lunch on the island!

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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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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.

Qualmark Gold

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.

Qualmark Silver

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.

Qualmark Bronze

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.

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