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Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise

4.7
1141
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 28 Apr to 11 May 2024

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Sun 28 Apr
Mon 29 Apr
Tue 30 Apr
Wed 1 May
Thu 2 May
Fri 3 May
Sat 4 May
Sun 5 May
Mon 6 May
Tue 7 May
Wed 8 May
Thu 9 May
Fri 10 May
Sat 11 May

  • 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$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$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$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$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

Bookings close in 4 hours...

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

  • Adult$109.00
  • 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$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

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

1141 reviews

Showing all 1141 authenticated Bookme reviews

YOUNGHAN BAE from South Korea wrote on 21 January 2019

너무 좋은 경험이었습니다

모든것이 좋았습니다. 특히 돌고래가 다가와 해양수족관에서 봤던 쇼를 전혀 훈련되지 않은 상태로 자연스럽게 물위로 솟구쳐 올라서 너무 멋진 광경을 보여줘서 감동했습니다~

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Suyoung Han from South Korea wrote on 10 January 2018

기억에 남는여행!!

너무 재밌는여행이였어요.아쉬윘다면 고래를 많이 못보았답니다.^^

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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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priyankp1 from New Zealand wrote on 09 February 2023

Boat

My family and I had the misfortune of being on the afternoon 2pm cruise ship on Sunday 5th February 2023. During our time on the cruise, we encountered a number of unsatisfactory service levels that I think you should know of and hopefully do something about. First, the person who was driving the cruise ship was ver rough and not being carful about it. I can let it go by giving benefit of doubt that waves very very hight. Secondly, during this incident we got sick and feel like vomiting but have not given any vomit bags and the staff on duty was not helpful at all instead he was the rudest person I have ever met. To be clear, we did not vomit on the boat, we went to the washroom and did there. I was traveling with my parents who came from India to visit me and visit our beautiful country but had an extremely awful experience, first my dad felt like vomiting and he end up throwing us in the sea instead of on the boat because he was unable to control it and there was not vomit bags handed over. The staff member on duty (I do not remember his name) was extremely rude to him and I will not hesitate to say I think he was racist and commenting you people don’t know anything creating mess here who will going to clean this shit of yours. The tone was so rude that brought tears in our eyes. Secondly, my wife felt like vomit, she ran to the toilet straight away then after her I had to run. The staff member brought bucket of water and say clean your mess - which we didn’t mind and cleaned it as we did not want to make a issues of this. Then my 15 months old daughter vomited on the ship, obviously a kid can’t tell us and it just happened and that staff member started screaming at us again and did not stop, he brought the bucket of water and ask us to clean that again which we did and he still kept on shouting at us, we offered him that we are happy to pay for cleaning it was not in our hands but he did not stop shouting.This staff member needs to be talked to because if this is a kind of service you guys provide to international visitors it is a shame on you guys and you making our country look bad.I have also asked the manager on duty to help us put but of course they were also not interested to solve this issue.I am working in hospitality from last 8 years and I know how to deal with customers and have never ever experienced such a pathetic customer service.We will not be returning back to this cruise ship and will let everyone know about this staff member to be aware off and think before you board this cruise ship.No one deserve to be treated like this like we have been by your staff member.I hope you agree with me that this type of service is completely unacceptable at so many levels. It is not the kind of treatment I would have expected. I am very disappointed from this bitter experience. I would like to hear your thoughts about my complaint and the steps that you are willing to take to prevent such incidents in the future. Regards Priyank Patel

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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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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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