Fast Boat, Hole In The Rock

Ocean Adventure: Fast Boat to the Hole in the Rock

★ 4.7 40 reviews

from $97.47 per person

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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meeting point: Paihia, Marsden Rd
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Explore Group Limited

Overview

This is a 1 hour 30 minute fast boat ride out of Paihia built around speed and spray. The route passes several of the bay's islands along the way, and commentary from the skipper runs throughout the trip.

The centrepiece is the hole itself. The pace is genuinely quick, so the whole outing fits easily into a morning or afternoon, which suits visitors short on time in Paihia.

It suits travellers who want an adrenaline-flavoured sightseeing run rather than a relaxed cruise. It does not suit everyone. The operator rules out children under 7 and under 120cm, advises against it for people with back problems, pregnant travellers and anyone with serious heart or medical conditions, and caps weight at 120kg because of the seating. A maximum of 30 people travel per departure.

Two catamaran cruise boats tied alongside Paihia wharf in early morning, wet timber planks, gulls and a hazy green headland beyond

What's Included

Included

Wet weather jackets included (if required)
Lifejackets included
Travel to Motukokako Island (The Hole in the Rock) and return to Paihia. 1hr 30mins duration
Entertaining Commentary from your Skipper

Not Included

Bottled water
Hotel pick ups not included
Lunch, snacks and beverages

Itinerary

Check in at Paihia WharfMeet at 69A Marsden Road, Paihia, and check in at the Maritime Building at the end of the wharf for the safety briefing before boarding.
Fast boat ride through the bayThe skipper drives the boat out across the Bay of Islands with commentary on the islands and coastline along the way.
Motukokako Island, 15 minutesThe main stop at Piercy Island, home of the Hole in the Rock.
Urupukapuka IslandThe route passes Urupukapuka Island.
Motuarohia IslandThe route passes Motuarohia (Roberton) Island.
Waewaetorea IslandThe route passes Waewaetorea Island before the run back.
Return to PaihiaThe trip ends back at the same meeting point on Marsden Road.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the difference between loving this ride and regretting it.

$97.47from, per person

1 hour 30 minutesduration

4.7across 40 guest reviews

30guests at most

You will get wet. Spray is part of the deal on a fast boat, and reviewers mention getting a bit wet even on good days. Wet weather jackets are included if conditions call for them. Wear clothes that can take salt water.
Bring sun protection. One reviewer recommends bringing sunblock and a hat for a summer trip.
Dress for firm seats. One reviewer found the seats uncomfortable for the full 1.5 hours. Something to sit on can help.
Bring your own water. Bottled water, snacks, lunch and other beverages are not included. Plan accordingly before check in.
It is fast, and meant to be. Reviewers repeatedly compare the ride to a roller coaster, and one warns not to take the restrictions lightly after a fellow passenger was frightened. Anyone uneasy about speed should think twice before booking. Most travellers, though, describe feeling safe and well briefed throughout.
Skippers carry the trip. Commentary from the skipper is included, and many reviews single out the captain's knowledge and enthusiasm. Expect entertaining narration throughout the run.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. The trip depends on weather and on minimum numbers. If the weather is poor, the operator offers a different date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum number of travellers is not met. The ride is also physically demanding: it is not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for pregnant travellers or people with back problems, unsuitable for children under 7 or under 120cm, and capped at 120kg due to the hydraulic seating. In poor conditions a minimum height of 150cm applies. Hotel pickup is not included, so travellers need to make their own way to Paihia Wharf.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Tour And Where Does It Start?

The trip runs 1.5 hours. Check in is at the Maritime Building at the end of the Paihia Wharf, 69A Marsden Road, Paihia, where the safety briefing takes place before departure.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No, hotel pickup is not included. Travellers make their own way to the wharf in Paihia. The meeting point is near public transportation.

What Is Included In The Price?

The ride to Motukokako Island and back, lifejackets, wet weather jackets if required, and skipper commentary are all included. Food, snacks, bottled water and other beverages are not included, so bring your own.

Can Children Ride, And Who Should Avoid It?

Children under 7 years old or under 120cm cannot travel, and in poor conditions a minimum height of 150cm applies. The operator also advises against the trip for pregnant travellers, people with back problems, anyone with heart or serious medical conditions, and guests over 120kg because of the hydraulic seating. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or low numbers, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund.