Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Stopover Half-Day Tour - Paihia

You sail through a natural rock tunnel carved by thousands of years of wind and water.

A half-day guided cruise from Paihia explores the Bay of Islands by boat, sailing through the Hole in the Rock and stopping at Roberton Island or Otehei Bay for a short walk to the lookout point. The boat carries a small group with a live English-speaking guide. The exact stopover location shifts depending on weather and wind direction on the day. Minimum passenger numbers apply. If not met, you upgrade to the 4.5-hour tour at no extra cost or receive a refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bay of Islands cruise and island stopover

• Check in at Pier 10, Paihia Wharf
• Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
• Stopover at Roberton Island and Twin Lagoons
• Walk to Otehei Bay lookout point
• Feed fish in marine reserve

The experience

The cruise departs from Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf, arrive 15 minutes early, and heads out among 144 subtropical islands. The centerpiece is Motu Kokako, the Hole in the Rock, a geological formation with a perfectly round opening carved through the middle of the island. Weather permitting, the boat sails directly through it. If conditions turn rough, the route stays sheltered among the inner islands instead. Either way, you get the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Cape Brett Peninsula in view.

The boat stops at Roberton Island or Otehei Bay depending on the day's wind and swell. You walk to the island lookout point for views across the Bay of Islands. At Otehei Bay, there's a voluntary marine reserve where you can feed the fish. The guide provides interactive commentary throughout, pointing out marine wildlife as the boat moves between the islands.

The whole outing runs three hours. Small groups keep the pace relaxed, and the tour suits all ages and fitness levels: infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and small children sit on an adult's lap. Public transport reaches the wharf if you're not driving yourself.

What’s included

• Small group cruise among 144 subtropical islands.
• passage through the Hole in the Rock (weather permitting).
• stopover at Roberton Island or Otehei Bay with a short walk to the lookout point.
• views of Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Cape Brett Peninsula.
• interactive commentary from a live English-speaking guide.
• access to the voluntary marine reserve for fish feeding at Otehei Bay.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (under 15)

GroupUp to 49

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Island Getaway Tours

Is this one for you?The three-hour duration and short island walk suit a morning or afternoon slot without eating the whole day, and the small-group format keeps the pace relaxed for families and mixed-fitness groups.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 15).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Hole in the Rock and can we sail through it?

Motu Kokako, called the Hole in the Rock, is a natural rock formation in the Bay of Islands with a perfectly round opening carved through the middle by wind and water over thousands of years. The boat sails through it when weather and sea conditions allow. If conditions are rough, the route stays within the sheltered inner islands instead.

Where do we stop during the three-hour cruise?

The boat stops at either Roberton Island or Otehei Bay, depending on wind direction and swell on the day. At the stopover, you walk to the island lookout point for views over the Bay of Islands. Otehei Bay includes access to a voluntary marine reserve where you can feed the fish.

What time does the cruise leave and where do we meet?

Check-in is at Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf, and you should arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Public transport options are available nearby if you need them.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

If conditions are not suitable to reach the Hole in the Rock, the boat takes an alternative route within the sheltered inner islands so the tour still runs. The stopover location may also shift depending on wind direction and swell.