Bay of Islands Cruise & Snorkel: Hole in the Rock & Twin Lagoons

Sail through a natural rock arch carved by thousands of years of wind and water.

A 4.5-hour cruise through the Bay of Islands from Paihia that stops at Roberton Island for a walk to the Twin Lagoons lookout, then heads out to the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse before a second island stop for snorkelling and swimming. The boat carries smaller groups, a live English-speaking guide provides commentary on history, ecology and Maori culture throughout, and snorkelling gear is included. Weather can affect whether the boat actually sails through the Hole in the Rock; if conditions are unsuitable, the route stays within the shelter of the inner islands instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bay of Islands cruise and island tour

• Check in at Pier 10, Paihia wharf
• Cruise the 144 sub-tropical islands
• Stopover on Roberton Island for walk and views
• Cruise to Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse
• Stopover on second island for snorkelling and swimming

The Experience

The tour departs from Pier 10 on the Paihia wharf (arrive 20 minutes early) and spends the first part of the 4.5 hours cruising among the 144 subtropical islands while the guide talks through the Bay's history, ecology and Maori heritage. Marine wildlife and native seabirds show up throughout the day if conditions allow. The boat is built for smaller groups, which means the commentary stays personal and the pace lets you actually absorb what you're seeing instead of moving through a checklist.

Roberton Island is the first stop—a short walk takes you up to a lookout point with 360-degree views over the Twin Lagoons and the surrounding islands. The second major destination is the Hole in the Rock, a perfectly round opening carved through Motu Kokako by wind and water over millennia. If the sea state permits, the boat sails straight through it; if conditions are rough, the captain takes an alternative route through the inner islands instead. Either way, you get the geology and the lighthouse views.

The final island stop (Waewaetorea, Moturua or Urupukapuka—the operator picks based on the day's conditions) is where snorkelling happens. Gear is provided, and you can spend the time in the water, on the beach, or on another short walk if you prefer. This is also where people eat; bring your own picnic or contact Island Getaway ahead of time to pre-order a packed lunch. The stop gives you real time to settle into the place instead of rushing through it.

What’s included

• Cruise through 144 subtropical islands with live English-speaking guide commentary on history, ecology and Maori culture.
• two remote island stopovers (Roberton Island with Twin Lagoons lookout and a second island for snorkelling).
• snorkelling equipment.
• opportunity to sail through the Hole in the Rock and see Cape Brett Lighthouse (weather dependent).
• marine wildlife and seabird spotting throughout the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Island Getaway Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the Paihia departure if you're staying on the north side of the Bay; the Russell departure works better if you're based across the water. Either way, smaller groups mean the guide's commentary stays personal and you're not competing for space at the lookout or in the water.

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Top questions

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

Motu Kokako, called the Hole in the Rock, is a natural rock formation with a distinctive round opening carved through it by wind and water over thousands of years. The boat does sail through the opening when sea conditions allow; if the water is rough, the captain takes an alternative route through the inner islands instead.

Can I bring my own food or do I need to buy lunch?

You can bring your own picnic to eat during the second island stop. If you prefer, contact Island Getaway before your tour to pre-order a packed lunch.

What happens at Roberton Island?

Roberton Island is the first stop, where you walk a short trail to a lookout point that gives 360-degree views over the Twin Lagoons and the Bay of Islands.

Is snorkelling included, and do I need to bring my own gear?

Snorkelling gear is provided and included in the tour price. The second island stop is where you use it to swim and explore the underwater life, though you can also just relax on the beach if you prefer.

Do I check in at Paihia or Russell?

You can depart from either Paihia Wharf (Pier 10, arrive 20 minutes early) or Russell Wharf (arrive 10 minutes early, next to the Russell Booking & Info Centre). Choose your departure point when you book.

How many people are usually on the boat?

The tour operates with smaller groups to keep the experience personalised and interactive, which is how the guide can offer real insights into the Bay's history and ecology instead of talking to a crowd.