Bay of Islands day trip from Auckland: Hole in the Rock cruise

Cruise past 144 islands and through the Hole in the Rock on a full-day Bay of Islands adventure

A full-day group tour from Auckland to the Bay of Islands combines a scenic 3-hour drive north with a 4.5-hour guided boat cruise featuring dolphin spotting, island scenery, and passage through the famous Hole in the Rock natural arch. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland CBD hotels, professional English-speaking guide, entry tickets, and onboard refreshments are included. A minimum of two people is required for the tour to operate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Bay of Islands tour from Auckland

• Hotel pick-up in Auckland CBD
• Scenic drive north through countryside
• Stop for photos and sightseeing
• Arrive at Bay of Islands
• 4.5-hour guided boat cruise
• See Hole in the Rock
• Return drive to Auckland
• Hotel drop-off in Auckland CBD

The experience

You start with complimentary pickup from one of four designated Auckland CBD hotels, then settle in for a scenic 3-hour drive north through New Zealand's countryside. The route includes photo stops along the way, so you can step out and take in the landscape without the pressure of driving. By mid-morning you arrive in Paihia, where the real journey begins.

The 4.5-hour guided boat cruise is where the day opens up. You're on the water surrounded by 144 islands, and the guide provides running commentary on the region's history, wildlife, and natural landmarks as you move through the bay. Dolphin spotting happens between the islands (bottlenose dolphins are common here), and the boat passes through the Hole in the Rock, a dramatic natural arch carved into a rocky outcrop. The waters are calm enough for all fitness levels, and the boat carries WiFi, bottled water, and snacks so you're not left hungry or disconnected.

After the cruise winds down, you have the return journey to settle into: another 3 hours back to Auckland with scenic views and time to reflect on what you've seen. Drop-off happens at one of the same four hotels where you started, so there's no scrambling for transport at the end of the day.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• complimentary pickup and drop-off from most Auckland CBD hotels.
• all entry tickets and the guided boat cruise.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• WiFi onboard.
• bottled water and snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 20

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Auckland & Beyond Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're arriving in Auckland with a full day to spare and want to see the Bay of Islands without renting a car. The long drive is built into the schedule, and the boat cruise does the heavy lifting of showing you the region's highlights.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

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.

How long is the boat cruise in the Bay of Islands?

The guided boat cruise runs for 4.5 hours, departing from Paihia and cruising through the bay's 144 islands with commentary on local history and wildlife.

What is the Hole in the Rock and will I see it on this tour?

The Hole in the Rock is a natural arch carved through a rocky outcrop in the bay (one of the region's most iconic landmarks), and the boat passes directly through it during the cruise.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland CBD, the professional guide, all entry tickets and the boat cruise, air-conditioned transport, WiFi onboard, bottled water, and snacks.

How much driving is there, and what happens during the drive?

The drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands takes approximately 3 hours each way, with scenic stops along the route for photos and sightseeing so you can break up the journey.