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Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Lunch

North Island

Explore Group NZ

from
AU$158
per adult
Book Now
Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise vessel travelling through the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands

Experiences

Cruises Cruises Nature & Wildlife Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Family-friendly Tours Half-Day Tours Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Paihia
Locations: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Duration: 4.5 hours

Discover Cape Brett, Marine Wildlife and the Hole in the Rock

Departing from Paihia or Russell, this 4.5-hour cruise journeys among the bays, beaches and islands that make this region so memorable. A local skipper shares engaging commentary on the Bay of Islands’ history, culture and marine environment. Spacious outdoor viewing decks and an air-conditioned cabin provide comfortable ways to enjoy the changing coastal scenery.

The route follows the dramatic Cape Brett Peninsula towards Motukōkako, where centuries of wind and waves formed the famous Hole in the Rock. When sea conditions permit, the skipper guides the vessel through the natural arch for an unforgettable perspective. Along the way, watch for dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

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Spot Marine Life and Relax at Otehei Bay

Nature lovers will be thrilled with the wildlife spotting opportunities during the cruise. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds, all thriving in their natural Bay of Islands habitat. The calm waters and open skies provide the perfect setting for unforgettable sightings.

Your cruise includes a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can swim, explore walking trails or just unwind at the island café. For morning cruise-goers, there's the added bonus of staying longer and catching a later ferry back at no extra cost. It's the perfect way to top off your day in paradise.

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A scenic cruise boat gliding through the clear blue waters of the Bay of Islands, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding coastline.
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Family enjoying coastal views from the Discover the Bay cruise vessel in the Bay of Islands
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Two dolphins swimming beside one another during a Bay of Islands wildlife cruise
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The Explore Group's Dolphin Seeker cruise boat sailing through the scenic waters of the Bay of Islands, offering passengers a chance to spot marine wildlife.
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Three dolphins gracefully swimming alongside a boat in the clear waters of the Bay of Islands, creating a magical wildlife encounter.
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Three New Zealand fur seals resting on rocky terrain in the Bay of Islands, blending into their natural coastal habitat.
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A group of tourists on a boat tour admiring the famous Hole in the Rock formation in the Bay of Islands, surrounded by deep blue waters.
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Crew member photographing a family beside the dramatic sea cliffs during the Bay of Islands cruise
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Passengers on a boat cruise experience the thrill of passing through the famous Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
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A scenic view of Otehei Bay in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, featuring a beachfront lawn with picnic tables and lush greenery.
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Guest selecting food from the included island lunch during the Discover the Bay cruise
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Visitors relaxing at a waterfront picnic table overlooking the turquoise water at Otehei Bay
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A couple enjoying a delicious meal at a picnic table by the water at Otehei Bay in the Bay of Islands, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery.
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Visitors studying a walking map during their stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
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A group of friends walking along the Urupukapuka Walks trail in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, surrounded by lush greenery.
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A group of hikers exploring the lush trails of Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands, overlooking a stunning turquoise bay and golden beach.
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Visitor photographing panoramic Bay of Islands scenery from a viewpoint on Urupukapuka Island

Enjoy an Island Lunch and Free Time at Otehei Bay

The cruise includes an approximately 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, giving you time to enjoy lunch and unwind ashore. After your included island lunch, relax beside the sheltered beach or take a refreshing swim. You can also follow a walking track to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding bays and islands.

Travellers visiting during summer may choose to hire a kayak and explore the clear water around the bay. Those who prefer a slower pace can enjoy the beach, café surroundings and island atmosphere before reboarding. The return cruise to Paihia or Russell completes a varied half-day experience combining scenery, wildlife, local stories and relaxed island time.

Inclusions

  • Scenic cruise on board our purpose-built vessel
  • Visit the Cape Brett Peninsula and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting)
  • Opportunity to view marine mammals (conditions permitting)
  • 1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay
  • Delicious Island Buffet Lunch at Otehei Bay Cafe & Bar with a selection of meats and salads*

* Island Buffet Lunch is included and is subject to minimum numbers. A lunch voucher for Otehei Bay will be provided if buffet is not available.

  • Adults: 16 years and older.
  • Children: 5 - 15 years.
  • Infants (Free): 0-4 years
  • More than 24 hours: Full refund*.
  • Within 24 hours: No refund

*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

The cruise lasts approximately 4.5 hours and departs from Paihia or Russell. It travels through the Bay of Islands towards Cape Brett and Motukōkako, with time for wildlife spotting and informative commentary.

The experience also includes an approximately 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island before returning to your original departure point.

Travelling through the Hole in the Rock depends on the weather and sea conditions encountered on the day in the Bay of Islands. The skipper will only guide the vessel through the natural arch when it is considered safe to do so.

If conditions prevent passage through the opening, passengers can still enjoy close coastal views of Motukōkako and the dramatic Cape Brett Peninsula.

The experience includes a scenic Bay of Islands cruise, local skipper commentary, a visit to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, subject to conditions, and opportunities to spot marine wildlife.

An island lunch and approximately 1.5 hours at Otehei Bay are also included, providing time to swim, relax on the beach or explore a scenic walking track.

An island lunch is included during the approximately 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island.

An island buffet is normally provided, subject to minimum numbers; when the buffet is unavailable, guests receive a voucher for a main meal from Otehei Bay Café. After lunch, there is free time to relax on the beach, swim or explore the island’s walking tracks.

Departure Dates

Daily departures: Paihia 10am; Russell 10:10am

Pricing

Cost per person including Island Lunch

DateAdultChild 5-15 years
Oct 2025-Sep 2026NZ$190NZ$95
Oct 2026-Sep 2027NZ$215NZ$107.50
Oct 2027-Sep 2028NZ$230NZ$115

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