Cruise With 2 Island Stops

Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock Cruise with 2 Island Stops

★ 4.8 1,217 reviews

from $101 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Paihia or Russell
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Island Getaway LTD

Overview

The boat threads among the bay's islands, calls at two of them for walks and swimming, and makes a photo stop at Piercy Island near the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako.

The first island stop is Motuarohia Island. Passengers get roughly 40 minutes here, enough for a short walk to a lookout above the Twin Lagoons. After cruising past the Cape Brett Peninsula and its lighthouse, the second stop is Urupukapuka Island for an hour of walking, swimming or snorkeling with equipment provided on board. Guides provide live commentary on the history of the area along the way.

It suits travellers who want scenery, wildlife spotting and a swim rather than a rushed whistle-stop tour. One reviewer said the trip did not feel rushed at the island stopovers, and another called it unhurried throughout. Bring your own food and drink, since meals are not included and a beachside picnic on Urupukapuka is part of the appeal. Hotel pickup is not included, so you make your own way to the wharf.

White catamaran cruise boat under way among forested islands with a wake behind, seen from a following boat

What's Included

Included

Scenic cruise among the Bay of Islands
Tour guides
Live commentary
Snorkeling equipment
2 Island stopovers
Wildlife spotting

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Meet at Paihia or RussellThere are two meeting points depending on the option selected. Check the live booking page for your departure wharf.
Bay of Islands cruiseA 30 minute boat cruise out among the islands, with commentary on the bay's history and wildlife along the coastline.
Motuarohia Island walkA 40 minute hop-on hop-off stop. A short walk climbs to a lookout over the Twin Lagoons.
Cape Brett Peninsula cruiseA 45 minute cruise along the peninsula with panoramic views that include the Cape Brett Lighthouse.
Piercy Island photo stopAbout 20 minutes at the Hole in the Rock formation, with marine life viewing.
Urupukapuka IslandA 1 hour stop for walking, swimming or snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is provided, and one reviewer enjoyed a picnic lunch brought from shore on the beach here.
Return cruiseA 30 minute sightseeing run back to your drop-off point, Paihia or Russell depending on your option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the operator and from traveller reviews will help you get the day right.

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

Bring a picnic. Food and drinks are not included. One reviewer specifically enjoyed a picnic lunch brought from shore on the beach at the second island, and the operator suggests bringing food and drink to enjoy a beachside lunch.
Swim and walk. The operator says to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear and a towel. Snorkeling gear is provided, and one island stop combines a lookout walk with the option to swim.
Unhurried pace. One reviewer said the trip did not feel rushed at the island stops, and another described the cruise as unhurried. The walk on the first island is a short one to the lookout point.
Wildlife is chance. Marine wildlife and coastal seabirds are on the itinerary, but sightings depend on the day. One reviewer noted dolphins are not part of the tour promise. Treat any sighting as a bonus.
Crew commentary. Reviewers repeatedly praise the crew as friendly, knowledgeable and humorous. One traveller found the onboard explanations hard to hear at times, so know that the narration may occasionally be unclear.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. A minimum participant number applies, and if it is not reached you are offered an alternative or a full refund. The onboard commentary was hard to hear for one traveller at times. Hotel pickup and drop-off, plus all food and drink, are not included.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The scenic cruise, two island stopovers, guides with live commentary, snorkeling equipment and wildlife spotting are all included. Food, drinks and hotel transfers are not. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where Does The Tour Depart From?

There are two meeting points, Paihia or Russell, and the one you use depends on the option you select. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Cruise ship passengers should note the Bay of Islands is a tender port, and ships normally tender to Waitangi Wharf, where free shuttle buses run to Paihia Wharf in about 4 to 5 minutes.

How Long Is The Tour And How Is The Time Split?

The whole trip lasts about 4.5 hours. That includes a 30 minute cruise out, 40 minutes on Motuarohia Island, a 45 minute cruise along Cape Brett Peninsula, a 20 minute photo stop at Piercy Island, an hour on Urupukapuka Island and a 30 minute return run.

What Should I Bring?

The operator advises comfortable shoes, swimwear and a towel. Bring your own food and drink for a beachside lunch on one of the islands, since meals are not included. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the boat.

Can The Tour Be Cancelled?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Separately, the operator requires a minimum number of participants to run the trip. If that number is not reached, you are offered an alternative option or a full refund.