Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
September 2026
2. Select participants
Highlighted reviews
This was everything I wanted. And the tour company was amazing to work with. They went out of their way to show us the dolphins, and the guide was awesome.
This was a fantastic day. Loved the boat trip. How wonderful to be able to go through the hold in the Rock. Saw a huge manta ray and shark. Would definitely recommend this tour.
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
- 4.5 hour trip (including island stopover)
- Dolphin & whale watching
- View the famous Hole in the Rock
- 1.5 hour stopover at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island (in the Bay of Islands)
- JUNE - AUGUST: Departs Paihia: 10:00am | Russell: 10:10am SEPTEMBER - MAY: Departs Paihia: 8:30am & 2:00pm | Russell: 8:40AM & 2:10PM Note: Selected May & September departures operate at 10:00am only
- 4.5 hours
- JUNE - AUGUST:
- Departs Paihia: 10:00am | Russell: 10:10am
- SEPTEMBER - MAY:
- Departs Paihia: 8:30am & 2:00pm | Russell: 8:40AM & 2:10PM
- Are drones allowed on the Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Cruise? Drones are not allowed aboard the vessel during the Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise.
- Is the Hole in the Rock Cruise suitable for children and infants? Yes, children and infants are welcome on the Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise. There are special child (5-15yrs) and family rates available. Infants 0-4 years old travel free of charge.
- Does the boat go through the hole on the Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise? Yes, if the conditions are right, the boat will go through the hole on the Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Cruise.
- Is this Bay of Islands cruise suitable for pregnant women? How fast does the boat go? Are the waters choppy on the Hole in the Rock Cruise? Yes, this Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Cruise is suitable for pregnant women. It is a cruiser that goes a maximum of 15 knots and holds up to 230 passengers. Many pregnant women have embarked on the Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise.
- Is there a toilet break on the four hour Hole in the Rock tour? There is a toilet board the Hole in the Rock boat in the Bay of Islands.
- Are we allowed to fly drones on the Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise? Drones are not allowed aboard the Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise vessel in the Bay of Islands.
- Child rates apply (5-15yrs)
- Infants travel free of charge
- Please select if departing from Paihia or Russel when making your booking
- Please dress comfortably & bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses & your camera. Please also bring a coat if it is cold
- Hot & cold refreshments are available for purchase on board
- 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
Recent reviews
This was everything I wanted. And the tour company was amazing to work with. They went out of their way to show us the dolphins, and the guide was awesome.
This was a fantastic day. Loved the boat trip. How wonderful to be able to go through the hold in the Rock. Saw a huge manta ray and shark. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Great day! We have seen what we dreamt off ! A fantastic rock and dozens of dolphins playing around the boat
