Hole in the Rock Bay of Islands Cruises & Tours 2022

6 Great ways to Experience the Hole in the Rock

Bay of Islands

Boat excursions from Paihia and Russell, as well as Jet Ski trips, will take you out to the famed “Hole in the Rock.” For those seeking something truly unique, you can even land by helicopter on the island’s summit and have a picnic or celebratory drink.

Take in the vistas as you go across the Bay of Islands, all the way to the Cape Brett Peninsula’s famed Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island (Piercy Island as it was named by James Cook in honour of one of Britains lords of the admiralty).

Magnificent in stature and protruding boldly from the Pacific Ocean It’s an island defined by its sheer cliffs that rise 148 metres above the sea and could easily have been mistaken for another large rock in the ocean had the same ocean and wind not carved out a spectacular 16-metre-high hole at its south-western end large enough for your boat to pass through on a calm day.

Local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before heading for fight, according to Maori folklore. Water drops from the cave roof above were a sign of good fortune. If the weather permit, your captain will carefully navigate the ship into the tiny gap… and consider yourself fortunate if you get dripped on!

On the way back, some tour boats stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, providing an opportunity to walk up to stunning vantage points overlooking the Bay of Islands’ islands, while the Explore NZ and Fullers cruise offers a hearty snack and a chance to relax at the island restaurant/bar. For the more adventurous, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for hire, or simply grab a beanbag and soak up the island’s easygoing atmosphere.

Visit the Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock

Fullers Great Sights - Hole in the Rock & View Dolphins

Book online & get a discount (Save 10%)

Price: $160 per adult – $80:00 per Child (Book online and get a 10% Discount)
Departs: 8:30 am & 2:00 Paihia & Russell 8:40 am & 2:10 pm
Duration: 3.5 to 4 Hours

Take a half-day cruise in the Bay of Islands in search of dolphins and other marine life.

This is the Bay of Islands’ most popular dolphin viewing trip, and with good reason! Board your cruise at Paihia or Russell and take in the breathtaking vistas as we glide out through the islands and down the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse guards Piercy Island/Motukakako, or as it is more often known, the ‘Hole in the Rock.’

Dolphin Seeker features indoor and outdoor seats, as well as one of the Bay of Islands’ largest outdoor observation decks. On board, hot and cold refreshments are offered.

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Explore NZ - Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise

Book online & get a discount (Save 10%) “Includes Lunch at Otehei Bay”

Price: Adult $180 per person – Child $90:00 (Age 5 to 15 yrs old)
Departs: Paihia 8:30 am & 2:00 pm & Russell 8:40 am & 2:10 pm
Duration: approx 4.5 hours

Our journey takes you through the stunning scenery of the many islands & coves to the iconic landmark the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Weather permitting we cruise through Hole in the Rock and enter ‘Cathedral Cave’ and a chance to take photographs. On this cruise you step ashore at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you receive a meal, time to walk upto view points and maybe spend time kayaking or stand up paddle boards or just relax on the beach.

On this tour you will encounter a diverse range of wildlife and the opportunity to meet with local pods of dolphins or other marine mammals such as Whales and Orcas (viewing guarantee). Further out we may encounter seals basking on the rocks, along with an abundance of birdlife. More Information:

The Cream trip is one of the Bay of Islands most popular cruises

The Fullers Cream Trip (Full Day)

Price: $195 per adult – $97.50 per Child (Book online and get a 10% Discount)
Departs: 9:30 am Paihia & Russell 9:40 am (returns approx 4:30 pm)
Duration: approx 7 hours

If you want to see all the highlights of the magnificent Bay of Islands in one day then this is the cruise for you. experiencing the original Fullers Cream Trip, that take in the awesome “Hole in the Rock” step ashore at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island one of the islands secluded coves a chance to take a walk upto one of the many island lookouts that give you 360 degree views over the many islands of the Bay of Islands and on this cruise there is the opportunity to view and swim with dolphins. More Information:

Jet Ski Through The Bay of Island's to the Hole in the Rock

Price: $490 per Jet ski (All Jet Skis can take up to 2 adults)
Departs: 8:30 am & 11.30 am Paihia
Duration: approx 2.5 hours.

If you are looking for excitement and adventure, then this trip is for you. Our Bay Bonanza guided Jet Ski tour takes you to experience both the inner and outer islands all the way to the Famous Hole in the Rock, Cathedral caves and Cape Brett lighthouse returning through the inner islands to Urupukapuka for a stop at the Island cafe, then onto Roberton Island overlooking Twin Lagoons as we meander our watery way home back to Paihia we pass Tapeka Point and the seaside settlement of Russell. More information:

Explore NZ - Fast Boat to the Hole in the Rock

Book online & get a discount (Save 10%)

Price: Adult: $120 per person – Child $60:00 pp
Departs: Paihia 10:00 am, 12:00 pm . 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm (dependent on numbers)
Duration: One and a half hours

Experience one of the newest trips in the Bay of Islands with a healthy dose of exhilaration and fun! Explore NZ’s State of the art fast boat to the hole in the Rock travelling through the inner islands of the Bay of Islands to the famous “Hole in the Rock” situated at the end of Cape Brett Peninsula, as well as cruising through the breath-taking 114 islands of the Bay of Islands.

A one and a half hour trip departing from Paihia and Russell, the Ocean Adventure takes you on a exhilarating fast boat ride through the inner and outer islands of the Bay of Islands to the awe inspiring scenery of Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. with frequent stops for photo opportunities as you view the many islands with its remote sandy beaches and lagoons. As you cruise your guide and skipper will tell you of some of its interesting tales and stories of the regions legends and historical past. More information:

The ultimate Hole in the Rock Experience

Salt Air Scenic Flight - Helicopter Landing on the Hole in the Rock

Price: $429 per adult
Departs: 11:30 am
Duration: 35 minutes.

The Salt Air Helicopter adventure includes the opportunity to land a helicopter above this renowned ‘Hole in the Rock’ monument.

Now you can experience it up up and personal by helicopter landing on our recently constructed helipad on top of the island. You will make a quick stop at the island’s helipad and observation platform to get those one-of-a-kind images!

Surrounded by steep cliffs reaching over 148 metres in height, it provides the best vantage point in the Bay of Islands, with panoramic views of Cape Brett and its environs to the Poor Knights Islands in the south, the Cavalli Islands in the north, and views across the Bay of Islands to Paihia and Russell More information: