Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover

Thinking about a boat trip in New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands? This Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stopover offers a balanced mix of scenic views, wildlife encounters, and island adventures. It’s a popular option for those wanting a comprehensive glimpse into the area’s natural beauty, all wrapped up in a 4.5-hour journey.

From visiting Captain Cook’s landing site to cruising through the famous Hole in the Rock, this tour packs in plenty of highlights. We love that it’s suitable for most travelers—families, solo explorers, or couples—thanks to its moderate price and flexible stops.

However, a potential consideration is that some parts of the itinerary may feel rushed, especially with multiple island stops packed into a short period. If you’re after a laid-back, in-depth exploration, this might not satisfy all your needs. But overall, it’s a great pick for those who want the essentials—scenery, wildlife, and iconic landmarks—without spending a full day at sea.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love marine scenery, want to see the Hole in the Rock, and enjoy onboard commentary that adds context. If you’re looking for a balanced, well-organized trip that offers both adventure and relaxation, this experience fits the bill.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive itinerary combines wildlife, island exploration, and iconic landmarks
• Small group setting enhances comfort and personalized attention
• Free snorkeling equipment allows for optional underwater fun
• Multiple island stops provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, or relaxing
• Live commentary helps deepen understanding of the area’s history and wildlife
• Flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind

A Detailed Look at the Hole in the Rock Cruise Experience

Starting Point and Booking Basics

The adventure kicks off at Paihia Wharf, a convenient location for most travelers in the Bay of Islands. The tour lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it a good choice for those with limited time but still wanting a thorough experience. The cost is $104.88 per person, which, when you consider the variety of stops and included equipment, offers decent value—especially since snorkeling gear is provided free of charge and the tour is capped at 49 travelers for a more intimate feel.

You’ll want to book about 90 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during the busier summer months. The tour is operated by Island Getaway Tours, a reputable provider with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours beforehand, providing flexibility if weather or plans change.

The Itinerary in Detail

Cruise through the Inner Harbour and Islands

The trip begins with a relaxing cruise from Paihia, passing through the inner harbor and along the coastline. This initial leg sets the tone with beautiful views of the surrounding islands and coastline, while the onboard commentary offers context about the region’s geography and wildlife.

Wildlife Sanctuary: 45-Minute Island Stop

The first major stop is among the 144 sub-tropical islands in the Bay of Islands Wildlife Sanctuary. This is an excellent opportunity to spot marine mammals and seabirds—an aspect travelers highlighted positively. One reviewer noted the attentive crew, especially Captain Blair and crew member Sequara, who provided lots of information about the islands and local wildlife.

Captain Cook’s Landing Site and Roberton Island

Next, the tour takes you to Roberton Island for a short walk to the lookout over the Twin Lagoons. This is a quieter, scenic spot with the added allure of being the landing site of Captain James Cook. The 30-minute stop allows for a quick stretch and photo opportunities, especially at the lookout. Reviewers appreciated this stop, with one mentioning that it was a nice, brief break to enjoy the views.

The Iconic Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse

The highlight for many is cruising through the famous Hole in the Rock—a natural arch carved by the sea, which the boat may even travel through if weather conditions permit. Encountering this natural marvel is a must-do for visitors in the area, and the crew’s commentary helps you appreciate its geological formation.

Standing at the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula, the Cape Brett Lighthouse offers a dramatic backdrop. The lighthouse’s remote location adds to the rugged charm of the coastline, making for memorable photos.

Island Stopovers at Urupukapuka and Waewaetorea Islands

Two significant stops are Urupukapuka Island and Waewaetorea Island, each lasting roughly an hour. Travelers can explore nature trails, relax on beaches, swim or snorkel, or just soak in the scenic beauty. Both islands are part of the wildlife sanctuary, so expect plenty of native birdlife and tranquil surroundings.

A review from a past guest highlighted the value of these stops: “There are lots of options to explore the nature trails, take a swim or snorkel, enjoy a beachside lunch, or just relax among the wildlife sanctuary.” The islands’ relaxed atmosphere makes them perfect for a quick outdoor escape, especially for families or travelers looking for a mix of activity and downtime.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

Snorkeling gear including masks, fins, and snorkels are free to use onboard, making it easy to explore under the water during island stops. While the tour doesn’t include lunch, pre-ordered packed lunches are available—ideal for those wanting to maximize island time without rushing back to the boat.

Ending the Journey Back in Paihia

After exploring the outer islands and enjoying the wildlife and scenic views, the boat heads back to Paihia, capping off a well-rounded day. Many reviewers appreciated the small vessel operation, which contributes to a more personal and less crowded experience compared to larger cruise options.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Authentic Landmarks and Natural Beauty: The chance to see Captain Cook’s landing site and cruise through the Hole in the Rock feels genuinely special, not just a touristy highlight. The views over Twin Lagoons and the Cape Brett Lighthouse add a sense of rugged wilderness.

Wildlife Encounters: The marine mammal sanctuary and wildlife sanctuary islands are a real draw. Visitors often spot seabirds, dolphins, and other marine mammals, making it an engaging experience for nature lovers.

Flexible Island Stops: The two island stops at Urupukapuka and Waewaetorea give you time to stretch, explore, or relax—something many tours lack. The possibility to snorkel, swim, or hike makes the experience versatile.

Knowledgeable Crew and Commentary: Past guests frequently mention that the crew members, especially the captains Zack and Dan, are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Their insights enhance the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise.

Considerations Before Booking

While the tour offers a lot, a key thing to keep in mind is the pace. If you’re looking for an in-depth exploration of each island or a more leisurely experience, this may feel a bit rushed, especially with multiple stops packed into a single morning or afternoon. Also, the weather plays a significant role since the trip depends on good sea conditions—poor weather could mean cancellations or rescheduling.

Plus, lunch isn’t included, but pre-order options are available, so if you’re hungry, plan ahead. For those who prefer a full-day adventure or more secluded experiences, this might not tick all boxes.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This cruise appeals to travelers who want a balanced combination of scenic cruising, wildlife watching, and island exploration. It’s perfect if you’re keen on seeing the Hole in the Rock, enjoy marine activities like snorkeling, and want a manageable, half-day tour that covers the highlights without exhausting you. Families, couples, or solo travelers will find the small group setting welcoming, and the flexible island stops add value.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch isn’t included, but pre-ordered packed lunches are available for purchase, allowing you to enjoy a meal on the islands.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Yes, snorkeling equipment including masks, fins, and snorkels are provided for free, so you can explore underwater at the island stops if you wish.

What is the duration of the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it suitable for travelers with limited time but who still want a full experience.

What stops are included in the tour?
The itinerary includes wildlife sanctuary islands, Captain Cook’s landing site, the Hole in the Rock, and scenic stops at Urupukapuka and Waewaetorea Islands.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the moderate pace along with natural attractions makes it family-friendly.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour caps at 49 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to larger vessels.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather-dependent; if conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. You can receive a full refund if canceled due to weather.

Final Thoughts

The Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stopover offers a well-rounded taste of the Bay of Islands’ natural beauty, wildlife, and iconic landmarks. For those wanting to tick off the must-see sights like Captain Cook’s landing site and the famous Hole in the Rock, it delivers in both scenery and experience. The inclusion of multiple island stops and free snorkeling gear adds extra appeal, especially for those eager to explore underwater or on land.

While it’s not a quiet, in-depth exploration of each island, it strikes a good balance between sightseeing and relaxation, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. If you’re after a memorable, scenic, and moderately paced tour that covers the main highlights, this cruise is a solid choice.

This tour is best for those who want an efficient but engaging way to see the Bay of Islands’ top sights, enjoy wildlife, and experience the natural wonders of New Zealand’s coast—all in a friendly, small-group setting.