Fast Boat Hole in the Rock Adventure from Paihia – Bay of Islands
Updated: 6th October 2026
Experience the Bay of Islands’ Fastest Hole in the Rock Adventure
See the Bay of Islands from a completely different perspective on a high-speed boat adventure departing from Paihia. Purpose-built suspension seating makes the ride surprisingly comfortable as you cross the open water, with your skipper sharing stories and local knowledge along the way.
For the complete experience, the 1.5-hour Ocean Adventure travels out towards Cape Brett and Motukōkako – the Hole in the Rock. Weather and sea conditions permitting, the journey may also take you into Cathedral Cave, with opportunities to spot dolphins, seabirds and other marine life along the way.
Short on time? The 1-hour Ocean Blast concentrates the excitement into a fast-paced trip around the inner Bay of Islands, combining speed with some of the region’s impressive coastal scenery.
You can also choose to spend longer in the Bay of Islands by adding a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island when booking, then return to Paihia on a later ferry.
Your Fast Boat Adventure to the Hole in the Rock
Experience one of the fastest and most exhilarating boat trips in the Bay of Islands. Departing from Paihia and Russell, Ocean Adventure powers through the inner and outer islands to the iconic Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett Peninsula.
This 90-minute fast boat ride delivers speed, ocean swells, breathtaking coastal scenery and the chance to spot marine life along the way.
Frequent photo stops, expert commentary and state-of-the-art suspension seating make this a thrilling yet comfortable ride.
"10% saving applied when booking online with Must Do NZ."
Choose Your Bay of Islands Fast Boat Adventure
Ocean Adventure – Hole in the Rock | 1.5 Hours
Take the longer fast boat adventure from Paihia across the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and Motukōkako – the Hole in the Rock. When sea conditions are suitable, your skipper may also take you into Cathedral Cave.
Adult: $170
Child (5–15 years): $85
Family (2 adults + 2 children): $425
Departs Paihia: 9:30am & 12:00pm
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Ocean Blast – Inner Bay of Islands | 1 Hour
For a shorter high-speed experience, Ocean Blast explores the inner Bay of Islands, combining an exhilarating fast boat ride with coastal scenery and commentary from your skipper.
Adult: $119
Child (5–15 years): $59.50
Family (2 adults + 2 children): $297.50
Departs Paihia: 2:45pm
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
N.B. Russell passengers will need to travel to Paihia for this departure and safety briefing as required by Maritime Law.
Ocean Adventure What’s included:
- Experience an exhilarating high-speed ride across the Bay of Islands
- Travel to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock on the 1.5-hour Ocean Adventure
- Enter Cathedral Cave when sea and weather conditions allow
- Enjoy coastal scenery and commentary from your local skipper
- Keep watch for dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife along the way
- Ride in purpose-built suspension seating for added comfort
- Choose the shorter 1-hour Ocean Blast if you have less time available
- Add an optional Otehei Bay stop when booking and return to Paihia later by ferry
Ocean Adventure Specifications
- Overall Length: 12 metres.
- Seat Capacity: 34 persons.
- Powered By: Twin Volvo 610 H.P (Total 1220 horsepower) surface drives.
- Cruise Speed: 35 Knots
- Tour time: 90 minutes return “Hole in the Rock”
Can I Join the Fast Boat from Russell?
Before booking, please check the passenger requirements for both fast boat experiences.
Ocean Adventure and Ocean Blast are not suitable for:
- Children under 7 years of age
- Passengers under 120cm tall
- Passengers weighing more than 120kg
- Passengers with certain medical conditions that may make a high-speed boat ride unsuitable
- Depending on sea and weather conditions on the day, a minimum passenger height of 150cm may apply.
- If you have a medical condition or are unsure whether the experience is suitable for you or a member of your group, please check before booking.
Can I Join the Fast Boat from Russell?
- No. Ocean Adventure and Ocean Blast depart from Paihia only. Passengers staying in Russell will need to travel to Paihia before departure to complete the required passenger safety checks and briefing.
Frequently Asked Questions – Fast Boat to Hole in the Rock
What is the fastest boat to the Hole in the Rock?
Ocean Adventure is the Bay of Islands’ fastest Hole in the Rock experience, combining a high-speed ride with purpose-built suspension seating, coastal scenery and commentary from your skipper.
How long is the Ocean Adventure tour?
Ocean Adventure takes approximately 1.5 hours and travels from Paihia to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. For a shorter experience, Ocean Blast is a 1-hour high-speed trip through the inner Bay of Islands.
Can the fast boat go through the Hole in the Rock?
Ocean Adventure travels to Motukōkako – the Hole in the Rock. Whether the boat can safely pass through depends on sea and weather conditions on the day, so passage through the Hole cannot be guaranteed.
Is this fast boat tour suitable for children?
Ocean Adventure and Ocean Blast are not suitable for children under 7 years old or passengers under 120cm tall. Sea and weather conditions may require a minimum height of 150cm on the day of travel.
What wildlife might I see on the tour?
Keep watch for dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife while travelling through the Bay of Islands. Wildlife encounters occur naturally and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
What is the difference between Ocean Adventure and Ocean Blast?
Ocean Adventure is the 1.5-hour trip from Paihia to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Ocean Blast is a shorter 1-hour high-speed experience exploring the inner Bay of Islands and does not travel to the Hole in the Rock.
Can I join the fast boat from Russell?
No. Ocean Adventure and Ocean Blast depart from Paihia. Passengers staying in Russell need to travel to Paihia before departure for the required passenger safety checks and briefing.
Can I stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island?
Yes. An optional stop at Otehei Bay can be arranged when booking. You can spend additional time on Urupukapuka Island before returning to Paihia on a later ferry.
What is included with Ocean Adventure and Ocean Blast?
Your experience includes commentary from the skipper, a weatherproof jacket, life jacket and purpose-built suspension seating for the ride.