Cruises Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise Multilingual options available

Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Join us on board Dolphin Seeker for the best half day in the Bay!

Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Adult ($ nz)

112.00

Child ($ nz)

56.00

Duration

3 hours

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Overview

Set off on a three-hour Bay of Islands cruise in search of dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy the views from our catamaran Dolphin Seeker as we journey right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula, to the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island.

Book online and save 10%!

Dolphin viewing guarantee
In the unlikely event we're unsuccessful in viewing dolphins or whales on your cruise, we'll offer you a 'Go Again For Free' voucher for another cruise. Conditions apply.
 Marine mammal licence
Fullers GreatSights is licensed by the Department of Conservation to interact with marine mammals.

Tour description

This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason! Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over  and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Highlights
Dolphin and whale viewing
Cruise around the Bay of Islands
See the Hole in the Rock
Free Russell/Paihia ferry ticket
Informative commentary
Friendly, local crew

According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space... and if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky!

Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action. Our purpose-built catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing and our crew have years of experience locating dolphins in these waters.

Dolphin Seeker has indoor and outdoor seating available, and the largest outdoor viewing decks in the Bay of Islands. Choose to pre-book a picnic lunch, bring your own food, or there is hot and cold food available to buy on board.

Useful Info

  • DEPARTS FROM:

    Paihia Wharf or Russell Wharf

  • BRING:

    Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and your camera.

  • HEAR:

    A full commentary is provided by your skipper. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese. Translators must be pre-booked. Printed multilingual maps available in Chinese, Japanese and German

  • EAT:

    You can buy hot and cold refreshments on board, or pre-order a picnic lunch for $16pp (afternoon cruise only, pre-orders must be received by 6pm the day before your cruise).

  • GOOD TO KNOW:

    Interacting with dolphins and marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.

Timetable

MORNING Departs Returns
Paihia 9:00 am 12:00 pm
Russell 9:10 am 12:10 pm
AFTERNOON Departs Returns
Paihia 1:30 pm 4:20 pm
Russell 1:40 pm 4:30 pm

Easy Cancellation

Cancel or change your booking any time before 6pm on the day before departure  - no cancellation fees!

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Reviews

"This cruise was simply the best! From start to finish, we thoroughly enjoyed it. The classic Kiwi commentary was funny, informative and genuine, which added to the remarkable scenery... I would not hesitate to book through Fullers GreatSights again."

Highly recommend!

November 2017
Tanna, Tripadvisor

"What a magnificent way to see the Bay. Boat is comfy. Great commentary, crew is very helpful and polite. The colour of the water is magical. The Hole in the Rock is amazing and the captain moved the boat around so everyone could get the perfect view."

Only way to see the Bay of Islands

October 2017
Tarsha, Tripadvisor

"Had an awesome time out on the boat, 3 hour trip with the kids and we saw dolphins, seals and were lucky enough to go through the Hole in the Rock. The crew were great and engaged with the kids. Definitely recommend going on this if you’re able to."

Dolphin/Hole in the Rock

October 2017
Geri P, Tripadvisor

"What a great cruise. We enjoyed the many sights we stopped at, the kids loved the dolphins, the boat ride and the snacks. The crew were lovely. If we wanted to we could have gotten off at Russell and they would have brought us back later to Paihia on the passenger ferry, complimentary!"

Fun and Family Friendly

June 2017
TheresAlwaysTime, Tripadvisor

Experience more with a great value combo

  • Day 1

    Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

    Explore the Bay and its scenic highlights as you cruise out past the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock.

  • Day 2

    Visit Historic Russell

    Russell’s a small town with a big history. Cruise across the Bay on our passenger ferry, and discover why this charming town was once known as the ‘Hellhole of the Pacific’ and visit historic sites like Pompallier House and Christ Church on a one-hour min

    • See all combos
Highlights of the Bay

Combo Deal

Highlights of the Bay

Our Highlights of the Bay combo takes you on a scenic adventure full of history, culture and stunning coastal highlights. Cruise through the Hole in the Rock and journey past Cape Brett Peninsula while watching out for dolphins and other marine wildlife. Enjoy an intimate one-hour tour of Russell visiting many historic locations and learning about the town’s surprising past.

Hole in the Rock + Russell Mini Tour + Russell Passenger Ferry

Adult

$157.00

$132.00

Child

$78.00

$66.00

Save

$25.00

Book now

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