Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Snorkel
Sailing Through a Hole in the Rock, Then Swimming Off Remote Islands
You board at Paihia Wharf and spend 4.5 hours on the water: sailing through the Hole in the Rock, stopping on Roberton Island for a walk and views, passing Cape Brett Lighthouse, then anchoring at a second island where snorkel gear is provided and you can swim or relax on the beach. Lunch is your own or pre-ordered. All snorkel equipment is included.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Bay of Islands cruise and island stops
- Check in at Pier 10, Paihia Wharf
- Scenic cruise among 144 islands
- Stopover on Roberton Island, walk to lookout
- Cruise through the Hole in the Rock
- View Cape Brett Lighthouse
- Stopover on second island for snorkeling and beach time
The experience
A boat cuts through turquoise water toward a gap in the stone. That's the Hole in the Rock, Motu Kokako, a natural tunnel carved through an island by thousands of years of wind and tide. You're standing on the deck of a small cruise watching it get closer, real and impossible-looking at once. The boat slows, angles toward the opening, and you pass through it. Weather dependent, the crew will tell you, but on a clear day this is the thing people come to the Bay of Islands to see, and you're doing it in the first hour of a 4.5-hour Paihia cruise that doesn't feel like a standard tour.
After the Hole in the Rock, the boat heads to Roberton Island, one of two remote stops built into the day. You get maybe an hour here: enough time to walk a short trail up to a lookout point that gives you 360-degree views over the bay and the Twin Lagoons, or to just sit on the beach and watch the subtropical foliage and the water. The crew knows the islands well enough to point out what's moving in the trees and the shallows. Then it's back on the boat, past Cape Brett Lighthouse (the keeper's cottage still stands), and toward the second island, which one depends on the day, the weather, the wildlife. This is where snorkeling happens. Mask, snorkel and fins are provided. The water is clear enough that you can see the reef without much effort, and the crew has chosen a spot where the marine life is still intact. You can swim, snorkel, or just float and let the day settle.
Check-in is at Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf. Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and clothes that work for the water and sun. You can bring your own lunch or pre-order a packed lunch from the operator. Groups stay small, which is why the boat doesn't feel crowded even when it's full. If you're arriving on a cruise ship at Waitangi Wharf, there's a free shuttle bus that takes five minutes to get you to Paihia. The whole thing is locally owned and run by people who live in the Bay of Islands and know how to move through it without the noise.
What’s included
The cruise includes a scenic passage through 144 subtropical islands, two remote island stopovers (Roberton Island and a second location chosen on the day), a walk to a 360-degree lookout point, passage through the Hole in the Rock, views of Cape Brett Lighthouse, snorkel time with mask, snorkel and fins provided, and interactive commentary about the wildlife and landscape throughout the day. Lunch is not included but can be pre-ordered, or bring your own.
Options for this experience
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Prices and times updated today
Operated by Island Getaway Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you want the Bay of Islands' main sights (the Hole in the Rock, two islands, snorkeling) in one morning without renting a boat or figuring out the stops yourself. The small-group format and local crew are what make the pace feel unhurried rather than rushed.
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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 time does the cruise leave Paihia?
Check-in is at Pier 10 on Paihia Wharf 15 minutes before departure. Exact departure times vary by season. Confirm when you book.
Is the Hole in the Rock guaranteed?
No. Cruising out to the Hole in the Rock is weather dependent. If conditions aren't suitable, the boat takes an alternative route through the inner islands instead.
Do I need to bring snorkel gear?
No. Mask, snorkel and fins are provided. Bring a swimsuit and towel.
Can I bring my own lunch?
Yes. You can bring your own lunch and drinks, or pre-order a packed lunch from the operator.
How many people are on the boat?
Groups are kept small. Minimum passenger numbers apply. If the tour doesn't meet the minimum after confirmation, you'll be offered an alternative or a full refund.
What if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?
If you dock at Waitangi Wharf, the cruise ship provides a free shuttle bus (5 minutes) to Paihia Wharf. Check in at Pier 10. Ensure your travel insurance covers you in case the ship doesn't stop in port, as refunds cannot be issued in that situation.
How long is the cruise?
4.5 hours total, including two island stopovers and snorkeling time.
Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Snorkel
4h 30m · EN
from NZ$ 169 per person
4.91864 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider