Hole in the Rock Cruises & Tours Bay of Islands
6 Great ways to Experience the Hole in the Rock
Bay of Islands
Boat cruises from Paihia & Russell along with Jet Ski tours will take you out out to the famous “Hole in the Rock” and for those who are looking for something unique you can even land a helicopter on the top of the island and have a picnic or celebration drink.
Take a half-day or full day Bay of Islands cruise in search of dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy the views as you journey through the Bay of Islands right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula, to the famous 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).
Majestic in size and sprouting proudly out of the Pacific Ocean It’s an island dominated by its sheer cliffs that rise 148 metres out of the sea and could have been considered just another large rock in the ocean had that same ocean and wind not carved out a spectacular 16m-high hole at its south-western end larger enough for your boat to go through on a calm day
According to Maori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space… and if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky!
On the way back some tour boats take a stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, a chance to walk upto stunning vantage points overlooking the islands of the Bay of Islands, the Explore NZ cruise provide a hearty snack and a chance to relax at the island restaurant/bar, and for the adventurous kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for hire or just grab a beanbag and soak the easy going atmosphere of the island
Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
Fullers Great Sights – Hole in the Rock & View Dolphins
Price: $120 per adult – $60 per adult (Book online and get a 10% Discount)
Departs: 9:30 am & 1:30 Paihia & Russell 9:40 am & 1:40 pm
Duration: approx 3.5 hours
Take a half-day Bay of Islands cruise in search of dolphins and other marine life.
This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason! Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukakako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’.
Dolphin Seeker has indoor and outdoor seating available, and the largest outdoor viewing decks in the Bay of Islands. Hot and cold refreshments are available on board,
Explore NZ – Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise
Price: Adult $152 per person – Child $90 (Age 5 to 15 yrs old)
Departs: Paihia 9:00 am & 2:00 pm & Russell 9:10 am & 2:10 pm
Duration: approx 4.5 hours (Includes a buffet on the island)
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.
The Cream trip is one of the Bay of Islands most popular cruises
Fullers Great Sights – The Fullers Cream Trip (Full Day)
Price: $138 per adult – $69 per adult (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
Jet Ski Through The Bay of Island’s to the Hole in the Rock
Bay of Islands Jet Ski Tours
Price: $380 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
Price: Adult: $135 per person – Child $75 pp (January special $99 per person)
Departs: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm
Operates from: 1 October to 28 April
Duration: One and a half hour
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.
The ultimate Hole in the Rock Experience
Salt Air Scenic Flight – Helicopter Landing on the Hole in the Rock
Price: $399 per adult
Departs: 11:30 am
Duration: 35 minutes
Salt Air Helicopter experience is the option to land by helicopter on top of this iconic landmark of ‘Hole in the Rock’
Now you can experience it up close and on foot, landing by helicopter on our newly built helipad on top of the island. You will have a brief stop on the island helipad and viewing platform for those unique photos to be taken!
Surrounded by steep cliffs, over a 148 metres high giving the best vantage point in the Bay of Islands, taking in panoramic views of Cape Brett and its surrounds to the Poor Knights Islands in the South, to the Cavalli Islands in the North and views over the Bay of islands to Paihia and Russell.
