• Duration
    4.5 hours
  • Category
    CRUISE
  • Location
    Paihia | Russell
  • Operating Season
    Year round
  • Price
    From $170
    Adult
    From $85
    Child

Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Highlights:

  • Cruise along the Cape Brett Peninsula, past the historic lighthouse, to Motukōkako - the Hole in the Rock
  • Cruise beneath the Hole in the Rock for the chance of a lucky drip from above, conditions permitting
  • Listen to informative and entertaining commentary from your crew throughout
  • Keep watch for dolphins and whales on our Marine Mammal licensed vessel
  • One of only two operators in the Bay of Islands licensed by the Department of Conservation to view Marine Mammals
  • Enjoy a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay - swim, walk, hire a kayak, snorkel or paddleboard (peak season)
  • Extend your time on the island at no extra cost on the morning cruise^
  • Scenic cruise on board our purpose-built vessel with large viewing decks and air-conditioned cabin
  • Keep watch for dolphins and whales (conditions permitting). With our Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee (May–Sept only) you can come again for free if we don't spot any marine mammals during your cruise.*
HOLE IN THE ROCK DOLPHIN CRUISE
Price
Adult
16 years+
$170
Child
5-15 years | Under 5 yrs travel free
$85
Family Pass
2 Adults & 2 Children
$425

Your day at a glance

Duration: 4.5 hours

Depart Paihia or Russell

Cruise out through the Bay's pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula, with informative and entertaining commentary from your crew throughout.

Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock

Pass the historic Cape Brett lighthouse on your way to Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock. When conditions allow, your skipper will take you underneath it, hope for a lucky drip from above.

On the lookout for dolphins

The Bay of Islands is home to a host of marine mammals, wildlife and native birds. Fullers Bay of Islands is one of only two operators licensed by the Department of Conservation to view Marine Mammals, so keep an eye out for dolphins throughout your cruise.

Island stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island

Free time: Approx. 1.5 hrs

Step ashore at Otehei Bay and explore Urupukapuka Island at your own pace. Take a dip at the beach, wander a scenic walking track, or hire a kayak, snorkel or paddleboard in peak season, then unwind with something to eat or drink at the beachfront café and bar before you cruise back. Want more time on the island? Extend your stay at no extra cost on the morning cruise.^

Swimming | Walking | Kayak, snorkel & paddleboard hire (peak season) | Café & bar

Return cruise back to Paihia | Russell

HOLE IN THE ROCK DOLPHIN CRUISE
Price
Adult
16 years+
$170
Child
5-15 years | Under 5 yrs travel free
$85
Family Pass
2 Adults & 2 Children
$425

What's included:

Cruise to Motukōkako - the Hole in the Rock

Cruise beneath it, when conditions permit

1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay
Time to explore Urupukapuka Island
Swim at the beach
Spot wildlife

Licensed by the Department of Conservation to view Marine Mammals

Local crew

Informative and entertaining commentary throughout your cruise

Optional Extras

Drinks & snacks available to purchase onboard

Food & drink from the beachfront café & bar at Otehei Bay

Kayak, snorkel & paddleboard hire at Otehei Bay (peak season)

Extend your stay at Otehei Bay and return on a later ferry at no extra cost (morning cruise only, contact 0800 653 339 or info@fullersbayofissands.co.nz to arrange)

What people are saying

Why choose Fullers Bay of Islands?

  • Licensed to view Marine Mammals

    One of only two operators licensed to view marine mammals in the Bay of Islands

  • Travellers Choice 2024

    Consistently delivering quality experiences with a 4.5/5 rating from over 2.4k reviews

  • Flexible Booking Conditions

    No penalty for changes or cancellations prior to 24 hours of departure

  • Celebrating 125 years in the Bay

    Trusted local operator with experienced and knowledgeable crew

FAQs

You may also like...

TOUR

Hole in the Rock + Russell Mini Tour

Combine our iconic Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise with a Russell Mini Tour.

Save up to 20%
TOUR

Hole in the Rock + Cape Reinga

Combine our iconic Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise with the must-do Cape Reinga Day Tour and enjoy two of the best.

CRUISE

Day in the Bay Cruise

Take on the Bay of Islands' most comprehensive day cruise, the Hole in the Rock, the historic Cream Trip route and an island stop at Otehei Bay, all in one trip...

^Please contact us on 0800 653 339 or email info@fullersbayofislands.co.nz to confirm a later departure time for your return ferry from Otehei Bay

*Complimentary vouchers issued under the Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee are valid for 12 months from date of issue. Bookings are subject to availability and on a standby basis. Only valid for original travellers. The Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee applies to cruises departing May to September only.