Bay of Islands full-day cruise: Hole in the Rock and island stop

Seven hours through inner islands, out to a natural arch, and ashore on a bird sanctuary

A full-day Bay of Islands cruise from Paihia or Russell that takes in Motukōkako's Hole in the Rock, the historic Marsden Cross, and a midday stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. The tour includes landing and facility fees, an English-speaking guide, and access to the island's beach, walking tracks and licensed café. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board and at the island stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Bay of Islands cruise

• Cruise through inner islands
• See Hole in the Rock at Motukōkako
• Stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
• Relax, swim, walk, or kayak at Otehei Bay
• Visit Otehei Bay Bar & Café
• Cruise past Black Rocks and Marsden Cross
• Try boom-netting when available

The experience

The cruise starts in the morning from either Paihia or Russell and heads through the inner islands toward Cape Brett Peninsula, working out to Motukōkako: the distinctive rock formation at the bay's furthest point. The boat passes through the Hole in the Rock itself when conditions allow, and the guide provides commentary on the area's history and geography as you watch for dolphins and other marine wildlife along the way.

After the outer islands, the route turns back through the inner bay, passing the Black Rocks and the Marsden Cross, the site of the original European settlement at Rangihoua. The midday stop lands at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you have time to swim off the beach, walk the coastal tracks to spot native birds, or simply sit at the fully licensed café and bar. A kayak rental is available in peak season if you want to paddle out from the beach.

The return cruise includes boom-netting when conditions permit: a hands-on fishing technique using a net suspended from the boat. The full day runs seven hours including the island stop, and the air-conditioned vessel means you're comfortable between the open-air moments on deck and ashore.

What’s included

• Landing and facility fees.
• air-conditioned vessel.
• English-speaking guide commentary throughout the day.
• access to Otehei Bay beach, walking tracks and native bird sanctuary.
• fully licensed café and bar at the island stop.

Options for this experience

2 options

Departure from Russell at 10:10 amGuide in English · 10:10Marine Mammal Guarantee: Should no marine mammals be sighted during your cruise, a complimentary voucher is available to travel again, subject to conditions. Starting point: Russell, New Zealand

Departure from Paihia at 10:00 amGuide in English · 10:00Marine Mammal Guarantee: Should no marine mammals be sighted during your cruise, a complimentary voucher is available to travel again, subject to conditions. Starting point: Paihia, New Zealand

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDepartures at 10:00 and 10:10

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 85

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-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Explore Group Limited

Is this one for you?Book the Paihia departure if you're staying in town. Choose Russell if that's your base. Either way, the seven-hour format fits a full day without requiring an early start or cutting the outer islands short.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

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.

Can I book a departure from Russell instead of Paihia?

Yes, the 10.10am departure runs from Russell. The 10.00am departure leaves from Paihia. Both follow the same route and itinerary.

What is the Hole in the Rock and can the boat actually go through it?

Motukōkako, also called Piercy Island, is a natural rock formation at the outer edge of the bay with a large arch running through it. The boat passes through the arch when sea conditions allow. If conditions are rough, you'll see it from the water instead.

What can I do during the stop at Otehei Bay?

Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island gives you time to swim, walk the coastal tracks to see native birds, relax at the café and bar, or rent a kayak in peak season. Food and drinks are available at the island's licensed café.

What is boom-netting and will we do it every trip?

Boom-netting is a traditional fishing technique using a net lowered from the boat. You can try your hand at it during the return cruise when conditions permit. Sea state and weather determine whether it happens on any given day.

Are drinks and meals included in the ticket price?

Landing and facility fees are included. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board the vessel and at the Otehei Bay café and bar during the island stop.