Cruises
Nature & Wildlife
Family-friendly Tours
Half-Day Tours
Where does the cruise stop, and what is included with lunch?
The cruise stops at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for approximately 1½ hours. Lunch is included at the beachfront café and bar. The usual arrangement is an island buffet; if minimum numbers are not met, you receive a voucher for a main meal at the café instead. Additional drinks and snacks can be purchased separately.
After lunch, use the remaining time to swim at the beach, follow a walking track to a viewpoint or relax near the water. Kayaks may be available to hire during summer at extra cost. Choose one or two activities rather than planning a long walk and a swim around the meal: the standard return cruise leaves after the scheduled island stop.
Where does the cruise depart, and when does it return?
The cruise departs Paihia at 10am and Russell at 10.10am, daily throughout the year. Check in at least 15 minutes before your booked departure. Make your way independently to the waterfront in your chosen town; the operator’s Paihia booking office is at the Maritime Building, 69 Marsden Road, and its Russell office is at 29 The Strand.
| Boarding point | Check in by | Departure | Time cruising | Time at Otehei Bay | Total Duration | Estimated return* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paihia | 9.45am | 10am | 3 hours | 1½ hours | 4½ hours | 2.30pm |
| Russell | 9.55am | 10.10am | 3 hours | 1½ hours | 4½ hours | 2.20pm |
*Return clock times are estimates calculated from the advertised 4½-hour duration; the operator publishes the departure times but does not specify arrival times for each wharf. Confirm your return time before arranging onward transport. A prearranged later ferry from Otehei Bay will extend the total outing.
Is Discover the Bay suitable for families?
Yes. Children aged 5–15 qualify for child fares, while children aged 0–4 travel free when included in the booking. The mix of time on deck, an island lunch and a beach stop gives families several ways to enjoy the trip without committing to a full day at sea. Children must travel with a paying adult.
Bring a warm layer and flat-soled shoes for the boat, plus swimwear, a towel and sun protection if you plan to use the island stop for swimming. If your family would rather focus on marine life than the Hole in the Rock and included lunch, compare the Bay of Islands Dolphin Eco Cruise.
What happens if the weather or sea conditions change?
The skipper decides whether it is safe to travel through the Hole in the Rock on the day. Reaching Motukōkako does not guarantee passage through the arch, and a change in conditions can also affect the cruise route. If conditions are unsuitable for departure, the operator may alter or cancel the trip. Check the cruise status when the forecast is unsettled, especially if you have a tight onward connection.
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.
