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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 from25 Jan to 7 Feb 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates

10am ex Paihia

Sun 25 Jan

Mon 26 Jan

Tue 27 Jan

Wed 28 Jan

Thu 29 Jan

Fri 30 Jan

Sat 31 Jan

Sun 1 Feb

Mon 2 Feb

Tue 3 Feb

Wed 4 Feb

Thu 5 Feb

Fri 6 Feb

Sat 7 Feb

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$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

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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

1027

4 Stars

167

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1 Stars

4.7

1269 reviews

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock Cruise including Lunch

Showing all 1269 authenticated Bookme reviews

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spencera from New Zealand wrote on 21 January 2026

Loved our Hole in Rock Cruise

Thoroughly enjoyed our Hole in Rock Cruise, great boat, helpful and friendly staff, informative commentary along the way. Bonus stopping off at Urupukapuka Island for a delicious lunch. Highly recommend this cruise for all.

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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

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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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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.