Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers
By Island Getaway Tours
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About
The Bay of Islands is renowned as one of the most beautiful destinations on New Zealand’s North Island, with 144 islands dotted around the shore. This tours takes in some of the most impressive viewpoints and includes plenty of beach time. Stop at two different islands, head ashore to hike around stunning lagoons, then visit the beach to swim, snorkel, and stand-up paddleboard.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 49 per group
Duration: 4h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Magnificent views of the Bay of Islands from the water
- Visit two different islands with beach time at each one
- Active tour including hiking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding
- Cruise around the bay on a smaller boat
- Smaller group tours
- Scenic Cruise among 144 Islands
- Two remote island stopovers
- Swim, Snorkel and relax (Mask, Snorkel and fins provided)
- Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day
- The Famous Hole in the Rock
- Cape Brett Lighthouse
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1Paihia Wharf, Paihia 0200, New ZealandCheck-in Location: Pier 10 at the Paihia Wharf. Check-in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure Return Location: Paihia Wharf
- Option 2Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands, 27 The Strand, Russell 0202, New ZealandPlease be waiting at the end of the Russell Wharf next to the Booking and information Centre
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66991P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS: If you are arriving in Waitangi Wharf, the cruiseship provides FREE shuttle buses for cruise ship guests to transfer you into Paihia (5 minute bus ride)
- The bus will drop you off outside the Paihia Wharf. Check-in at PIER 10
- Suitable for families, couples and solo travellers
- Suitable for all ages
- Please bring a swimsuit & towel, and appropriate clothing for the day
- Please bring lunch& drink for the day
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- No-show will forfeit 100% of the ticket cost
- Cruise-ship guests need to insure their travel insurance covers them in the unlikely event that the cruise-ship does not stop in port, as we are unable to refund in these situations.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 66991P1
From
$159.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1Pass byBay of Islands
- 2
- 3Pass byCape Brett Lighthouse
- 4
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- calebc4540 contributionsPerfect 1/2 Day Boat TripVery comfortable boat, knowledgeable and friendly captain and deckhand. Beautiful scenery. Perfect way to start a day during our stay in Russell.Written 3 March 2025
- bronwynstatham0 contributionsGreat day among the IslandsThis was a lovely day! The group was a nice size to be pleasant. The tour was a nice overview of the Bay of Islands, the Islands we stopped at were pretty and we got a good look at the hole in the rock. Having a few options, snorkelling, paddleboard, walk or relax was a good idea. We were lucky enough to see a penguin and a dolphin too! The option to order lunch was helpful, simple and fresh. Friendly and helpful guides as well. Only wished it could be longer :)Written 2 March 2025
- L1170YWhelens0 contributionsBluetiful!Great tour…walk to Cooks lookout wonderful, hole in the rock incredible and the snorkelling fab! Lovely small tour with very informative commentary. Just sad we didn’t see dolphins or whales but that didn’t distract from what was a lovely morning.Written 2 March 2025
- KevinS70690 contributionsAn amazing boat trip with a knowledgeable local company.This trip was simply amazing. A local company with a wealth of knowledge about the area. They are also putting back into supporting the preservation of this beautiful place. Hamish was an excellent host .Written 27 February 2025
- Suraya L0 contributionsAmazing trip with great people.Fabulous journey with very informative and kind staff. Awesome to see the beauty of all the islands, walk swim and snorkeling. Many thanks 🙏Written 20 February 2025
- Stefan W0 contributionsSuper boat trip -Bay of Islands4.5h trip on a speed boat, Nick the skipper, Bluebell and her colleague (sorry forgot her name), all super friendly and professional. Great way to spend the afternoon and experience the Bay. Mixture of cruising around, stops for walks and swims (snorkelling available) in stunning environment and incredibly bluegreen waters. Highlight going with boat through whole in the rock, little hairy but Nick very cool, had done it once or twice before… All in all super experience & value for money & weather top which helps. Thanks a lot guys.Written 19 February 2025
- Quest481974467070 contributionsA Memorable Day.Adam and Cas were excellent hosts and made sure that the well being of the guests was always top priority throughout the tour. It was a bonus that the opportunity presented itself for Adam to safely navigate us through the hole in the rock. We can recommend the tour and we would do it again in the future.Written 18 February 2025
- Voyager257053802320 contributionsJoke in the Rock tour with Cass and AdamWe went to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock tour yesterday. Everything was more than what we expected to be, the scenery, the crew members, the trip arrangement including stopping at one of the beautiful island for lunch. I would like to especially mention our speed boat crew Cass and Adam, both are fantastic! Knowledgeable and friendly. Thank you.Written 10 February 2025
- Pioneer182794856420 contributionsBay of islands boat tripA very good trip interesting and informative thanks to cass and Hamish also good value from a local firm.took us to several islands and the hole in the rock would recommendWritten 10 February 2025
- annegR2821RT0 contributionsAwesomeThank you for a lovely time, Nic was was a pleasure to have as our tour guide and boat driver. I would thoroughly recommend this cruise to all my friends.Written 8 February 2025
- Mobile618680872950 contributionsAwesomeWas awesome! Loved the paddle boarding in particular. Thanks, especially to Zack, our host. We saw and learned a lot, highly recommendedWritten 8 February 2025
- NayHaybz0 contributionsAmazing day spent island hopping, hiking, and snorkellingAmazing day spent exploring the Bay of Islands with Adam and Cass, who were both friendly, knowledgeable and humorous. The boat wasn’t too big so allowed for a more personal experience. We had two island stops, and at the second one we were provided with snorkelling equipment to explore the beautiful bay. My family also done the short walks on both islands and I would highly recommend checking out the army bunker on the second stop. Our group was lucky enough to spot a whale shark, which is fairly rare and made the day extra special. Definitely book with Island getaways as they give a portion of the fee back to conservation on Motukokako islandWritten 7 February 2025
- Gus J0 contributionsA local small business doing it right!A great trip, hands down everything we could have hoped for. Penguins, dolphins, fish, birds and a New Zealand sea lion! Adam was genial and knowledgeable, and Cass looked after us incredibly well, while keeping Adam on track :-) Have a beer on me!Written 7 February 2025
- chronopossum0 contributionsDo it!Prompt start and schedule, excellent crew! Informative, enjoyable ride. Thanks Nick and Nichola! Had a great time! Absolutely recommended!Written 6 February 2025
- loulA6337RP0 contributionsHole in the Rock!!!!!!!Hey Nick! We know Grant won’t read this! Adam and Cass were funny, friendly and fabulous! They deserve 2 beers a piece! We will hunt you down if you don’t deliver! Just kidding😆 We loved the tour! Thank you~Kevin, Kelly, Susan and LouWritten 4 February 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
352 reviews
Excellent
333
Very good
14
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
goonerjon2
Auckland, New Zealand169 contributions
What a fantastic trip we had. Has to be one of the best days we’ve had on the water. The things the company couldn’t control were amazing such as the weather, the conditions & the multiple dolphin encounters up close, but those things they could were equally impressive. The staff were all awesome and really friendly, particularly Nicola who took the time to talk to us and our 10 year old son who had lots of questions. We boarded at Paihia and then went over to Russel to collect some more passengers before heading over to Motuarohia Island. Enroute we spotted dolphins which the skipper took us closer too but kept a safe & respectful distance. We were lucky enough for the dolphins to come really close right next to the boat which was amazing. Once at the island we had 30 mins for a quick explore & paddle & walk up to the view point for stunning views of the Bay of Islands. The dolphins returned on exit of the island and again gave us a fantastic experience up close, the skipper & crew all being respectful & not speeding away despite the time eating into the overall schedule. But it was worth it! We then headed off to the Hole in the Rock where the skipper was able to take us through as conditions were calm and also reversed into the adjacent cave. The commentary was fun, informative & entertaining throughout. Last stop was Urupukapuka Island at Otehei Bay where there is a little restaurant/cafe, shop & toilets in a stunning setting. We were able to swim and snorkel here but only had 45 mins or so due to the time with the dolphins, but wouldn’t change that for anything. We then finished with some fish feeding at the pier/jetty before departing back to Russel / Paihia on schedule after an utterly thrilling 4.5 hrs. The boat was great, not overcrowded and equipped with a toilet & light refreshments. We took our own food as they don’t do catering. A truly magical day for my family and I, thank you!
Written 10 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trup
New York, NY1,121 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Not only was this a most picturesue 4.5 hour voyage, but the knowledgeable and extraordinarily crew added immensely to our experience. Bravo!
This was well worth the cost and even the tiring 3.5 hour van ride from Auckland (that's 3.5 hours in each direction, making for a very full day).
This was well worth the cost and even the tiring 3.5 hour van ride from Auckland (that's 3.5 hours in each direction, making for a very full day).
Written 20 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dereck F
Woodbridge, UK1 contribution
The captain and crew were super-friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We were very worried our lunch tour to hole in the wall would be either cancelled or substituted due to the awful weather forecast. Just as the reception desk had told us, the captain gave us a totally frank briefing and warned us we probably would not make it to the hole in the wall but that all other destinations (we particularly wanted to do some walking on Urupukapuka) would be fine. He also warned that, due to rough seas, sea sickness was a possibility. Very reasonably, we were offered deferment or full refund if we wished.
On the basis of his description, we decided to go ahead.
Yes, it was rough and very windy but it was great fun and quite a thrill in the wildest parts. Captain attempted the crossing to hole in the wall but aborted that part (sensibly). The rest of the tour was great, with highly entertaining commentary.
Lunch was a plentiful buffet - the tender roast beef was particularly good.
All in all, the experience would have been better if we had had flat calm and cloudless skies but, accepting the weather that was dished up on the day, the crew did a fabulous job.
Would definitely recommend!
On the basis of his description, we decided to go ahead.
Yes, it was rough and very windy but it was great fun and quite a thrill in the wildest parts. Captain attempted the crossing to hole in the wall but aborted that part (sensibly). The rest of the tour was great, with highly entertaining commentary.
Lunch was a plentiful buffet - the tender roast beef was particularly good.
All in all, the experience would have been better if we had had flat calm and cloudless skies but, accepting the weather that was dished up on the day, the crew did a fabulous job.
Would definitely recommend!
Written 27 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aimi p
cornwall93 contributions
We weren't overly enthusiastic about our boat trip as we set off from Paihia wharf on a wet and misty afternoon, but WOW what a trip we had.
Hamish and his crew were fantastic and the rain settled which allowed us to see the beautiful views across the Bay of Islands. The sea was settled enough to allow us to go through the Hole in the Rock and we were also HUGELY fortunate that Hamish's beady eye spotted a mother Orca and her calf swimming by. Hamish took us a respectful distance from them and we were so lucky that they decided to spend a bit of time swimming by the boat to get their photos taken - just phenomenal! A small penguin was also spotted which was lovely to see.
We had 2 stopovers at different islands and were able to borrow snorkelling equipment on the 2nd stop.
Even though the weather wasn't at its best, the day is definitely a highlight to our 6 week trip of NZ.
Thank you so much for such a beautiful day and experience - we will highly recommend this locally owned fantastic business!
Hamish and his crew were fantastic and the rain settled which allowed us to see the beautiful views across the Bay of Islands. The sea was settled enough to allow us to go through the Hole in the Rock and we were also HUGELY fortunate that Hamish's beady eye spotted a mother Orca and her calf swimming by. Hamish took us a respectful distance from them and we were so lucky that they decided to spend a bit of time swimming by the boat to get their photos taken - just phenomenal! A small penguin was also spotted which was lovely to see.
We had 2 stopovers at different islands and were able to borrow snorkelling equipment on the 2nd stop.
Even though the weather wasn't at its best, the day is definitely a highlight to our 6 week trip of NZ.
Thank you so much for such a beautiful day and experience - we will highly recommend this locally owned fantastic business!
Written 11 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caitlyn K
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Couples
Absolutely loved this tour!! The crew were amazing! They made sure we were comfortable & checked in regularly with passengers to ensure we all were comfortable. The seating in the boat was also comfortable & I loved that fact we could move around the boat during the trip. We were blessed enough to see, Orca, a pod of dolphins & a blue penguin on our trip (which was awesome!) The crew also gave us historic facts about the surrounding islands we visited & I was glad they shared both Māori & pakeha sides of history. I also was happy to know that the island getaway is partnered with Ahuwhenua trust as it shows honor & respect to the people of the land. I would 100% take this cruise again & recommend to friends & family.
Thank you to: Hamish, Bluebell & Shay for an unforgettable experience!
Thank you to: Hamish, Bluebell & Shay for an unforgettable experience!
Written 16 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aw this is great, thanks so much for sharing! I'll pass this on to crew. Hopefully see you again soon :)
Written 28 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
simonjhe
Penarth, UK26 contributions
Excellent trip - well organised, comfortable vessel, with friendly and knowledgeable crew. Hamish the skipper was clearly very experienced and provided superb commentary with plenty of information delivered with humour at key points and the two crew members provided great support. The structure of the trip worked well, with a good mix of activities, including island walking and actually sailing through the hole of hole in the Rock! Thoroughly recommended trip.
Written 10 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna L
Buderim30 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
What a wonderful and breathtaking trip to the Hole in the Rock Bay of Islands with the crew and team from Island Getaway tours. We arrived by cruise ship and our itinerary got changed upside down and reversed so once we found out we contacted the office and they were happy to change the date even though it was less than 24 hours notice. The company even started the tour a little later to accommodate our ship arrival.
Well what can we say Nick the skipper was very informative and knowledgeable.
On the way out we had to stop for some rather large bluenosed dolphins who just wanted to play around the boat. What a magical moments.
Had a stop off at one of the Islands for a lookout view or you could just cross into a small blue lagoon.
Next stop the Hole in the rock WOW travelled through the hole and into the cave great job done by the Captain Nick and his crew. Plenty of fish to be seen.
On way back saw the blue beaked penguins soo tiny and fast and native to this area.
A stop for lunch and a quick swim then back to the dock
Absolutely fantastic Day
Well what can we say Nick the skipper was very informative and knowledgeable.
On the way out we had to stop for some rather large bluenosed dolphins who just wanted to play around the boat. What a magical moments.
Had a stop off at one of the Islands for a lookout view or you could just cross into a small blue lagoon.
Next stop the Hole in the rock WOW travelled through the hole and into the cave great job done by the Captain Nick and his crew. Plenty of fish to be seen.
On way back saw the blue beaked penguins soo tiny and fast and native to this area.
A stop for lunch and a quick swim then back to the dock
Absolutely fantastic Day
Written 3 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham F
4 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Fantastic trip. On the way to the hole in the rock we stopped off at Roberton Island where Captain James Cook arrived a few centuries ago. We were able to walk up to a lookout which gave fantastic views over the Bay of Islands. Then saw a pod of dolphins jumping around and a fur seal sunbathing on a rock whilst gulls fished all around. We got a great view of the hole as the captain manoeuvred the boat so everyone got a great view. Then he gunned the engines and we went through the hole! After that we went to a secluded beach (after picking up a few hikers who had liked to the lighthouse) for some snorkelling. The gear was provided by the crew. On the way to the beach we saw a couple of little blue penguins.
Along the way we had some excellent commentary from the crew and the captain, Hamish.
In summary, a great fun trip, excellent engagement from Hamish and the crew and some superb sightings of wildlife.
Along the way we had some excellent commentary from the crew and the captain, Hamish.
In summary, a great fun trip, excellent engagement from Hamish and the crew and some superb sightings of wildlife.
Written 28 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod H
Evergreen, CO143 contributions
This was a perfect sized boat of <50 people and the ship was near new condition. Captain Hamish was very skilled even in rough seas by the hole island. I would highly recommend this over the bigger boats that haul 240 people like cattle!
Written 18 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmolPathak
Hamlyn Terrace, Australia197 contributions
Best experience of my life. The tour is so well organised with ampke time at the hole in the rock and sufficient times at both islands. As the boat is smaller in size, it actually travels through the hole which was a unique experience. We even spotted dolphins several times. The commentary and information by the staff was just perfect and in detail. With less people on board everyone enjoyed the great views and comfortable seating.
Written 1 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Today’s vegetarian option was a salad sandwich of cheese lettuce tomato mayonnaise. The meat alternative also had chicken, everyone had a big muffin, slice of ginger cake, apple. choice of drink was coke, sprite, water or juice
Written 5 March 2025
Gerard S
Auckland, New Zealand
We are looking for slow cruise so could you let us know if this is a fast boat or a slow cruising boat
Written 31 December 2021
Our cruise ship does not dock until 10:00 a.m. on April 15. We would like to take this tour but it also leaves at 10:00 a.m. Will it be leaving any later time that day to accommodate cruise ship passengers? Please advise. Thank you.
Written 30 March 2019
edgarpenelope
London, United Kingdom
Hi, can you see the hold in the rock on this cruise? Enough to take a photo?? Thank you
Written 13 February 2019
No that was not part of this cruise. There are specific cruises to the hole, which is much further away
Written 13 February 2019
Hi, does this cruise go through/near the 'Hole in the rock'?
Written 12 December 2018
Hi! Is there anywhere to park a campervan at the meeting point? Thanks
Written 27 November 2018
Hi just. checking if the tour would return to the ship in time for departure?
Written 7 November 2018
SeaShuttleBOI
Paihia, New Zealand
Hello. Each ship that comes into the Bay of islands is on a different schedule, but we ensure that on a cruiseship day, we will always be back on the Paihia Wharf at 3pm.
Written 8 November 2018
Kia ora Adam and Caity. Your day out sounds perfect for when we bring our UK friends up to the Bay of Islands at the beginning of Feb. Two years ago we had arranged to hire a sailing boat for 3 days but the weather was so bad we couldn't go. Now they only do 5 day hires which we can't afford (time or money!) so we are looking for great alternatives. So if we come to you for what sounds like a splendid day would you have a recommendation for another day on the water that would offer a different experience to yours. Cream boat perhaps? Do we need to book for Feb 5th?
Thanks Carolyne
Written 3 August 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.