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

The Hole in the Rock Cruise promises an extraordinary experience exploring the Bay of Islands from Paihia or Russell. This 4.5-hour adventure showcases the region’s natural beauty, with two island stops allowing visitors to enjoy the surrounding landscapes. From admiring the iconic Hole in the Rock formation to spotting diverse marine life, the cruise offers a captivating blend of sightseeing and leisure activities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature walk or an invigorating swim, this tour caters to a range of interests, ensuring an unforgettable journey through one of New Zealand’s most picturesque coastal destinations.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Paihia.

Key Points

• 4.5-hour cruise with two island stops, visiting Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave, starting at $89.61 per person.
• Opportunities to spot marine life and seabirds, including seals and penguins, and interactive fish feeding in the Voluntary Marine Reserve.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.
• Includes nature walks, snorkeling, and sightseeing at Motuarohia and Urupukapuka Islands.
• Departures from Paihia or Russell, with live English commentary and panoramic views of the Cape Brett Peninsula.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hole in the Rock Cruise offers a 4.5-hour tour with two island stops, starting from $89.61 per person. The tour is likely to sell out, but customers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as a reserve now and pay later option.

Departing from either Paihia or Russell, the cruise takes guests on a journey through 144 islands, including the iconic Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island and the Cathedral Cave.

With opportunities to explore Motuarohia and Urupukapuka Islands, the tour provides a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands.

Itinerary and Highlights

Departing from either Paihia or Russell, the Hole in the Rock Cruise takes guests on an immersive journey through 144 islands, showcasing the region’s iconic natural wonders.

The cruise highlights include the Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island, the Cathedral Cave, and the original landing site of Captain James Cook on Roberton Island.

Visitors can also explore Motuarohia and Urupukapuka Islands, with opportunities for nature walks, snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing.

Along the way, guests can spot unique marine wildlife and coastal seabirds while enjoying panoramic views of the Cape Brett Peninsula and its iconic lighthouse.

Tour Experience

A live tour guide provides commentary in English throughout the scenic boat cruises of varying durations, offering guests an immersive and informative experience. The excursion includes a 30-minute cruise to Motuarohia Island, a 45-minute tour around the Cape Brett Peninsula, and a 20-minute stop for photos at Piercy Island. Passengers also enjoy 30 minutes of sightseeing in the picturesque Bay of Islands.

Cruise Durations	Highlights
30 minutes	Motuarohia Island stopover
45 minutes	Cape Brett Peninsula tour
20 minutes	Piercy Island photo stop

Plus, guests have the opportunity to feed fish in the Voluntary Marine Reserve, providing a unique interactive element to the tour.

Island Stops and Activities

During the cruise, guests have the opportunity to step ashore at two distinct island destinations – Motuarohia Island and Urupukapuka Island.

On Motuarohia, they’ll enjoy a 40-minute nature walk, soaking in the stunning coastal scenery.

At Urupukapuka, the 1-hour stopover allows time for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

Throughout the journey, travelers can spot unique marine life and seabirds, including the possibility of seeing penguins and seals.

The itinerary also includes a visit to the Voluntary Marine Reserve, where guests can feed the fish.

With ample time to explore these captivating islands, the Hole in the Rock cruise delivers an immersive island experience in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

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Wildlife and Scenic Views

Alongside the idyllic island stopovers, the Hole in the Rock cruise offers ample opportunities to spot unique marine wildlife and take in the region’s stunning coastal scenery.

Passengers can keep an eye out for seals, penguins, and even orcas as the boat cruises through the 144 islands of the Bay of Islands.

The panoramic views of the Cape Brett Peninsula and its iconic lighthouse are truly breathtaking.

The cruise also provides chances to see coastal seabirds in their natural habitat.

With the boat’s proximity to the Voluntary Marine Reserve, guests can even interact with friendly fish by feeding them during the tour.

It’s a wildlife and scenic wonderland not to be missed.

Meeting Points and Preparation

Passengers can meet for the Hole in the Rock cruise at either the Kororāreka/Russell Wharf or the Island Getaway Tours departure point. These convenient locations provide easy access to the boat tours.

While the cruise itself lasts around 4.5 hours, passengers should plan to arrive a bit early to check-in and prepare for the journey. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring a towel, as the tour includes opportunities to disembark on the islands for nature walks, snorkeling, and swimming.

Guests should also be aware that weather conditions may affect the cruise itinerary, so it’s a good idea to check forecasts in advance.

Cancellation Policy and Payment

The Hole in the Rock Cruise offers flexible cancellation policies, allowing travelers to book with confidence and receive full refunds if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Customers can also opt for a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, providing added flexibility when planning their trip.

The cruise’s payment and cancellation details include:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

2. ‘Reserve now, pay later’ option available to secure your spot.

3. Likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.

4. Prepayment is required, but you can cancel for a full refund if plans change.

These hassle-free policies ensure a stress-free booking experience and allow travelers to plan their Hole in the Rock adventure with peace of mind.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

With an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 293 reviews, the Hole in the Rock Cruise has earned a reputation for delivering an exceptional experience to its customers.

Travelers consistently praise the tour’s friendly staff, informative commentary, and the incredible wildlife sightings they enjoy, including penguins and seals.

The cruise also receives high marks for its value, with reviewers noting that the price is well worth the memorable journey through the stunning Bay of Islands.

Even in the face of unexpected challenges, like missed departures, the tour company goes the extra mile to accommodate their guests.

Recap

The Hole in the Rock Cruise offers a breathtaking adventure in the Bay of Islands.

Travelers can marvel at stunning natural wonders, explore two islands, and spot diverse marine life.

With flexible cancellation and live commentary, this 4.5-hour tour promises an unforgettable journey amidst the region’s captivating beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: