Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Dolphins Bay of Islands
The Boat's Already Moving Through 144 Islands When You Board
You board an air-conditioned boat in Paihia and cruise through the Bay of Islands' 144 islands, passing significant sights and wildlife with a skipper guide. You stop for 90 minutes on Urupukapuka Island to swim, walk, or relax at the café, then cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock before returning. The route is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.
Options for this experience
4 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Bay of Islands cruise and island stop
- Cruise through 144 Islands of Ipipiri
- Listen to skipper's history and wildlife talk
- Visit Hole in the Rock
- Stop 90 minutes at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island
- Eat or drink at island café
- Swim off the beach
- Walk to hilltop panoramic viewpoints
- Relax on outdoor bean bags
What’s included
Your half-day cruise includes air-conditioned boat transport, a skipper guide who shares the history and ecology of the Bay of Islands, passage through all 144 islands and the Hole in the Rock, a 90-minute stop on Urupukapuka Island with beach access and use of outdoor facilities, and marine mammal viewing opportunities. Food and drinks at the island café are available for purchase separately.
Times
- Every day 08:30 08:40 14:00 14:10
Before you book
Operated by Explore Group Limited
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The cruise departs Paihia and you're straight into the Bay of Islands: the skipper's already pointing out the geography as the boat cuts through narrow channels between forested islands. The whole thing runs about half a day, which means you're not committing your entire afternoon, but you're also not rushing through it. The air-conditioned cabin keeps you comfortable if the sun gets heavy, though most people end up on deck anyway because the water's too close and the islands keep doing something new every few minutes.
Around 90 minutes in, you pull into Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island and actually get off the boat. This is the part that changes the rhythm: suddenly you're standing on sand instead of watching it pass. The island café is there if you want a coffee or something to eat, but you can also swim off the beach (it's shallow and calm, which is why families bring kids), or walk up to the hilltop if you want the view without the effort of a real hike. Some people just collapse into the outdoor bean bags and don't move. The skipper guide talks through the history and ecology as you cruise, so you're learning about the place without it feeling like a lesson. It's just what he knows about the water you're moving through.
The Hole in the Rock itself is the thing everyone's come for, and it's worth the trip. You cruise out to it, and the boat threads through this natural arch in the rock face. It's not a long moment, but it's the moment. On the way back through the inner islands, you might see dolphins, though the skipper won't promise it. Marine mammal viewing is part of the route, but it depends on the day. The whole experience stays under four hours, which means you're back in Paihia with the rest of your day still open.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want the Bay of Islands' main sights in a half-day without arranging your own boat or timing multiple stops: the fixed schedule and skipper guide handle the navigation and the story, leaving you to decide whether to swim, walk, or sit still on the island.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): 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.
How long is the Hole in the Rock cruise from Paihia?
The half-day cruise runs around four hours total, including a 90-minute island stop.
Can you swim during the cruise?
Yes, there's a 90-minute stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you can swim off the beach. The water is shallow and calm.
Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller.
Will we see dolphins?
Marine mammal viewing is part of the route, but sightings depend on the day. The skipper guide will point out wildlife as you cruise.
What's included in the cruise?
The cruise includes passage through the Bay of Islands, the Hole in the Rock, an island stop with beach access, and a skipper guide. The boat is air-conditioned. Food and drinks at the island café are separate.
Is there food available?
Yes, there's a café on Urupukapuka Island during the 90-minute stop where you can buy meals and drinks.
Can service animals travel on the boat?
Yes, service animals are allowed on board.
Do I need to be fit to do this cruise?
No, the cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Most time is spent on the boat or relaxing on the island.
Paihia: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Dolphins Bay of Islands
4h 30m · EN
from NZ$ 180 per person
≈ US$ 103 in your currency
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