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Discover the Bay: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Otehei Bay

Experience the very best of the Bay of Islands.

Discover spectacular scenery, captivating wildlife, the iconic Motukōkako - Hole in the Rock, and Otehei Bay on our premium cruise.

Discover the Bay: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Otehei Bay Highlights

  • Get up to 10% cashback when you book with us!
  • 4.5-hour scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands
  • Cruise to the iconic Hole in the Rock, with passage through it when weather conditions permit
  • 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
  • Included island lunch
  • Free time to explore Urupukapuka Island
  • Opportunity to swim or snorkel at Otehei Bay
  • Opportunity to hire a kayak during summer
  • Wildlife spotting opportunities including dolphins, whales, seals, orca and birdlife
  • Marine mammal viewing on a Department of Conservation-permitted vessel
  • Live commentary from a knowledgeable local skipper
  • Scenic views of the Bay of Islands and Cape Brett Peninsula
  • Travel aboard a purpose-built vessel with large viewing decks and an air-conditioned cabin

What's Excluded

Why Do We Love This

What to Expect

Tour Options

Frequently Asked Questions

The cruise departs daily from Paihia at 10:00am or Russell at 10:10am and returns to the departure area.

Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, seals, orca, birdlife and other marine wildlife, although sightings depend on conditions.

On the morning cruise, you can arrange to stay longer at Otehei Bay and return on a later ferry at no extra cost. Contact reservations in advance to arrange this.

Yes, an island lunch is included. The buffet is subject to minimum numbers, and if it is not available, a voucher for a main meal at Otehei Bay Café will be provided.

Bring a warm jacket, flat-soled shoes, a camera, towel, swimwear and a hat.

Infants under 5 travel free but must still be included in your booking due to vessel capacity limits. Infants are not eligible for the food and beverage inclusions.

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Policies

Terms & Conditions:
Cancellation Policy:

A Refundable Booking is available at checkout. This will provide 100% refund for one of the many reasons included via our terms - including adverse weather, sickness or delays with transport.

All customer cancellation & refund requests are also subject to our website’s own refund conditions.


We recommend travel insurance for all domestic and international travel for peace of mind. Take out our recommended insurance here.

Tour Operator

Explore Group NZ
69 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
from
AUD $172.66
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$10
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Minimum spend of AUD $150 applies.