Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Highlights & inclusions
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September 2026
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Highlighted reviews
It was a nice cruise
It was a nice cruise. I wish we would have gone through the Hole in the Rock but apparently the weather was not good enough for us the ship to go through. The crew was nice. Unfortunately, in our case we could not see whales (they told us we could repeat for free but I had to leave that day).
The Hole in the Rock cruise was amazing the captain and staff were amazing and very helpful
The Hole in the Rock cruise was amazing the captain and staff were amazing and very helpful, it was very easy to get on and off the boat and seating was comfortable. The dolphins swimming around the boat was amazing and going thru the hole with our size of the boat was awesome highly recommend this trip.
What you can expect
Experience New Zealand's Bay of Islands’ spectacular natural landscapes as well as the wildlife on this unforgettable Hole in the Rock and Dolphin Cruise! Choose from two departure points (Paihia and Russell) and cruise through the bay’s sheltered waters and its many islands on a purpose-built luxury catamaran. On this tour you'll be aboard a modern vessel featuring the Bay of Islands’ largest outdoor seating and viewing decks from which you can keep an eye out and get up close to common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life! You are also able to enjoy uninhibited views of the Cape Brett Lighthouse, as well as the natural highlights.
Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and even travel right through the narrow space and be surrounded by the majestic rock walls (weather permitting). Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island for 1.5 hours where you have time to relax, take a walk, have a swim or enjoy a bite to eat and drink.
Location
What you need to know
- Half day cruise around the Bay of Islands
- 1.5 Hour Island stop at Otehei Bay
- The famous 'Hole in the Rock'
- Viewing of Cape Brett and the lighthouse
- Informative commentary
- Chance to view dolphins, penguins and other marine wildlife
- Cruise past many of the 144 islands
- The largest outdoor viewing and seating decks in the Bay of Islands
- Lunch is not included. Food and drinks are available to purchase at Otehei Bay Café during the island stop at own expense
- 1.5 hour stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island
- Visit Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Peninsular
- Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise
- Take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands
- Full commentary provided by your skipper
- Spacious outdoor viewing decks
- Ex Paihia
- Departs from the wharf, next to the Maritime Building, waterfront
- Morning Cruise: Departs 8.30am and returns at 11.30am
- Afternoon Cruise: Departs 2.00pm and returns 5pm Ex Russell
- Departs from the wharf, waterfront
- Morning Cruise: Departs 8.40am and returns at 11.40am
- Afternoon Cruise: Departs 2.10pm and returns at 5.10pm
- JUNE - AUGUST:
- Departs Paihia: 10:00am | Russell: 10:10am
- SEPTEMBER - MAY:
- Departs Paihia: 8:30am & 2:00pm | Russell: 8:40AM & 2:10PM
- Towel
- Swimming gear
- Sunhat and sunblock
- Warm clothes - Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for convenient changing
- Flat soled shoes
- Scheduled Departure Cancellation We require 24 hours’ notice of cancellation of scheduled departure bookings. We recommend our guests hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy in case of any unexpected changes in their travel plans that may incur a cancellation fee. Explore Limited and its member companies reserve the right to cancel any trip for any reason, including due to insufficient passenger numbers or unsuitable weather conditions.
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
It was a nice cruise
It was a nice cruise. I wish we would have gone through the Hole in the Rock but apparently the weather was not good enough for us the ship to go through. The crew was nice. Unfortunately, in our case we could not see whales (they told us we could repeat for free but I had to leave that day).
The Hole in the Rock cruise was amazing the captain and staff were amazing and very helpful
The Hole in the Rock cruise was amazing the captain and staff were amazing and very helpful, it was very easy to get on and off the boat and seating was comfortable. The dolphins swimming around the boat was amazing and going thru the hole with our size of the boat was awesome highly recommend this trip.
It was an amazing cruise
It was an amazing cruise. The tour guide had all of us engaged. Saw tons of dolphins at various places. We also managed to get through how which was a satisfying experience. We hopped off at Russell and had a walk around. Took the complimentary ferry back to Paihia. It was a great trip overall.
