Bay of Islands: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.55 (284 reviews) 76% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/12

Duration4h 30m

GroupUp to 75

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Bay of Islands boat trip with marine wildlife and island BBQ lunch

You’ll cruise past green islands from Paihia Wharf, spot dolphins with commentary from your skipper, squeeze through the Hole in the Rock if weather allows, then relax over a BBQ lunch at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island—with time to swim or hike before heading back. It’s not just scenery; it’s laughter, salt air, and stories you’ll carry home.

4h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Bay of Islands cruise and island lunch

Board boat at Paihia Wharf
Visit Hole in the Rock
Travel through Hole in the Rock (if possible)
Island BBQ lunch at Otehei Bay
Swim at sheltered beach
Walk to island viewpoints
Visit island gallery and see native birds

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the way the boat rocked gently as we left Paihia Wharf—seagulls wheeling overhead and that salty, almost sweet smell you get near the islands. Our skipper, Pete, started talking about the Māori legends around these waters, but honestly, I was too busy staring at all those green islands scattered like puzzle pieces. Someone pointed out a pod of dolphins just off to our right—tiny splashes and then smooth grey backs arching up. It was quieter than I expected out there, except for the hum of the engine and kids giggling every time a dolphin popped up.

I didn’t think we’d actually go through the Hole in the Rock (I’d seen photos but it looks so narrow), but Pete grinned and said conditions were good. We squeezed through slowly—everyone kind of held their breath—and you could hear water echoing off the stone. The light inside was this weird blue-grey, cold and sharp, and then suddenly we were back in sunlight again. I caught myself grinning like an idiot. One of the crew told us stories about Cape Brett lighthouse and how rough it can get out here when storms roll in. Made me glad for calm seas.

Lunch at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island was honestly better than I expected—BBQ chicken, salads with crunchy local veggies, even veggie skewers for my partner (she’s picky). We sat under these big old pōhutukawa trees watching little kids chase seagulls across the sand. There was enough time for a swim—the water’s colder than it looks—or you could just wander up one of those dusty trails to see crazy views over all 144 islands. I tried pronouncing “Urupukapuka” properly; Li from the crew laughed at my attempt (fair enough). The air smelled like sunscreen and grilled meat mixed together.

I still think about that view from above Otehei Bay—sunlight bouncing off water so bright you have to squint, wind tugging at your hat. You know how some places just feel easy? This was one of them. We headed back with sunburned noses and sand stuck between our toes, not really wanting to talk much because sometimes it’s better to let a day settle quietly in your head.

What’s included

Your day includes cruising among 144 islands with live skipper commentary from Paihia Wharf.
passing Cape Brett Lighthouse.
going through Hole in the Rock when conditions allow.
viewing marine mammals if spotted.
plus a 1.5 hour stopover on Urupukapuka Island with an included BBQ buffet lunch at Otehei Bay Cafe—enough time for swimming or hiking before returning by boat.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Explore Group Limited