3-Hour Hole In The Rock Cruise

3 Hours Hole in the Rock Cruise and Bay of Islands Tour

★ 4.9 197 reviews

from $88.87 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Paihia Wharf
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Island Getaway Tours

Overview

Three hours on the water with Island Getaway Tours takes you across the Bay of Islands from Paihia Wharf, past a string of the region's islands, and out to the famous Hole in the Rock at Piercy Island, with Cape Brett Lighthouse along the way. The boat carries a maximum of 49 guests, and the crew gives commentary on the islands, the history and the wildlife as you go. The crew points out wildlife along the way, and sightings vary.

The middle of the trip is spent on foot. There is a stop of 30 minutes at Motuarohia, also called Roberton Island, where you can walk a track to a lookout over the bay. Several reviewers describe the walk as moderately demanding but say the panoramic views from the top are the payoff, and that you can stop partway if the climb does not suit you. After that comes the Piercy Island stretch, about 25 minutes at the rock formation itself, which is weather dependent.

The tour suits families, couples and solo travellers, and it is suitable for all ages. Cruise ship passengers are catered for with a free shuttle from Waitangi to the Paihia check-in. It is not wheelchair accessible, and the operator advises against it for travellers with back problems or who are pregnant.

Cruise boat with bottlenose dolphins near the Hole in the Rock arch at Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands.

What's Included

Included

Smaller Group Tours (49 Guests Max)
Scenic cruise among the islands
Remote island stopover (Roberton Island)
Wildlife spotting, commentary and information throughout the day
Visit the famous "Hole in the Rock" and Cape Brett Lighthouse

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Alcoholic beverages

Itinerary

Check in at Paihia WharfMeet at Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf at least 20 minutes before departure. Cruise ship passengers are tendered to Waitangi or Paihia Wharf, and the cruise line provides a free shuttle from Waitangi to Paihia.
Depart and pass the islandsThe cruise heads out among the islands of the bay with commentary from the crew.
Roberton Island stopoverA 30-minute stop on Motuarohia, or Roberton Island. There is time to walk the island track to a lookout, which reviewers describe as a moderate climb with the option to turn back.
Hole in the Rock and Cape BrettAbout 25 minutes at Motukokako, or Piercy Island, to see the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse.
Return to Paihia WharfThe trip ends back at the same meeting point on the Paihia Wharf.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the reviews and from the operator, and they shape what the day actually feels like.

Where this tour sits among 7 tours in Dolphin And Hole In The Rock Cruises listed here (from-price per person, USD)

3-Hour Hole in the Rock Cruise (this tour)$88.87
Dolphins and Island Cruise$90
Eco Cruise, Marine Wildlife Focus$97.47
Cruise with 2 Island Stops$101
Island Getaway 4.5-Hour Day Cruise$101
Dolphin Cruise, Island Lunch Included$121
Carino 6-Hour Wildlife Cruise, Lunch$131.87

Bring layers. The bay can be windy, and one reviewer noted the crew handed out blankets to keep passengers warm. A warm layer is the single most useful thing to pack.
Island walk fitness. The Roberton Island track involves a climb that several reviewers call moderate, with the option to stop whenever you like. The payoff is a panoramic view over the islands. Reasonable mobility and sturdy shoes make the stop far more enjoyable.
Wildlife watching. The crew points out wildlife along the way, and sightings vary. The crew gives information and commentary throughout the day. Sightings depend on the day, so treat them as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Food and drink. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are not included, so eat before departure or bring snacks.
Weather flexibility. The Hole in the Rock section is weather dependent. If conditions do not allow it, the boat takes an alternative route among the sheltered inner islands. The whole experience can be cancelled or rescheduled for poor weather, with a different date or a full refund offered.
Group feel. The boat takes a maximum of 49 guests. It is a smaller group tour, and reviewers frequently praise the crew as friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

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Common issues. The most common complaint is cancellation for low numbers, with one reviewer told the evening before that their tour would not run. In other cases where numbers were short, travellers reported being moved to a longer tour at no extra cost, which most welcomed, though it changes your day's timing. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and the operator advises against the tour for travellers with back problems or who are pregnant. The Hole in the Rock passage itself depends on sea conditions. Cruise passengers should also note that no refund is given if their ship fails to make port, so travel insurance matters here.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start And Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Everyone checks in at Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf at least 20 minutes before departure. Cruise ship passengers are tendered to Waitangi or Paihia Wharf, and the cruise line runs a free shuttle from Waitangi to Paihia.

What Is Included In The Price?

The cruise itself, the island stopovers with free admission, and commentary and wildlife information throughout the day are included. The boat carries a maximum of 49 guests. Lunch, alcoholic beverages and hotel transfers are not included.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is suitable for families and all ages, and pushchairs are accepted. It is not wheelchair accessible, and it is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnant travellers. The island walk is a moderate climb that you can abandon partway.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted, and a no-show forfeits the full ticket cost. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you get a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

One reviewer advised taking a jacket. Bring your own food if you will want it, since lunch is not provided, and wear sturdy shoes for the track to the lookout.