5 Best Hole in the Rock Boat Tours in the Bay of Islands

Planning a trip to New Zealand’s North Island? Do NOT miss the Bay of Islands!

I think it should be on everyone’s New Zealand bucket list, and the very best thing to do here is take a boat ride out to the iconic Hole in the Rock. 

You have to visit the Hole in the Rock on a boat tour and I’ve taken several of them over the years, so now, I’ve rounded up my top picks. All of the tours in this blog will allow you to get up close to the rock formation, but some are high-speed adventures, while others involve dolphin spotting, snorkeling, and hiking. Stay tuned to find the best one for you!

Best Hole in Rock Boat Tours

1. Visit Hole in the Rock, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and two islands

This half-day Hole in the Rock cruise is hands down the best one that I’ve ever done. I love it because it just captures the magic of the Bay of Islands perfectly. I got to see marine and bird life, hike on uninhabited islets, and go snorkeling in the turquoise water. It was magical!

I was so excited to see dolphins leaping out of the water and seabirds soaring overhead as we cruised through the Bay of Islands. I also loved spotting the iconic Cape Brett Lighthouse against the dramatic coastal cliffs, but of course, the highlight was seeing the Hole in the Rock. It’s amazing how the ocean has carved an almost perfectly circular hole in the rock formation. 

We also got to stop at two idyllic islands. On Roberton Island, we hiked to a lookout and got the most amazing panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. It was a true bucket list experience, but I also loved stopping at another pristine islet to relax on the beach and enjoy some snorkeling and paddle boarding.

I can honestly say that I loved every second of this tour and would do it again in a heartbeat. In my opinion, it’s the best way to see the Bay of Islands, just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!

2. Dolphin spotting cruise, Hole in the Rock, and island visit 

I love this half-day cruise out to Hole in the Rock – it’s such a relaxing experience and it’s absolutely perfect for families! The entire day was seamless, and totally stress-free, which is just what parents need.

The crew was so friendly and made me feel welcome as soon as I stepped on board. Of course, photographing the Hole in the Rock up close was magical. In fact, since the seas were so calm, we had time to sail underneath it twice! 

But what really set this tour apart for me was the stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. I spent some time swimming in the clear, calm waters, then grabbed a drink and snack from the café before hiking up to a beautiful viewpoint. 

I also loved how the skipper shared so many insights into the area’s history and wildlife on the way back to the mainland. We also spotted a pod of dolphins swimming alongside our boat, and later, a shark! 

This tour offers a combination of relaxation and light adventure, so it’s definitely my top choice for families or anyone who wants to chill! So if you’re in the Bay of Islands, don’t miss this gem of a tour. 

3. Half-day Hole in the Rock cruise with buffet lunch 

If you’re looking for a tour that’s both fun and great value for money, this Hole in the Rock cruise won’t disappoint! As a seasoned traveler in the Bay of Islands, I can confidently say that this is one of the best value experiences out there since it includes a huge barbecue buffet lunch. Yum! 

The journey began in Paihia, where I boarded the spacious, comfy boat, and soaked in the views as we glided through the 144 different islands. I really enjoyed the live commentary from the skipper, as I learned a lot about Maori heritage and fun wildlife facts. And better still, I was lucky enough to spot both orcas and bottlenose dolphins, which was just amazing! 

Of course, sailing through the iconic Hole in the Rock was awesome. Then, we docked at Otehei Bay on  Urupukapuka for a barbecue buffet lunch, which was a true feast. The spread was super generous and catered to all tastes, from grilled meats to fresh salads, and everything in between! We then walked off the meal with a stroll along one of Urupukapuka Islands’ scenic trails, which was the perfect note to end on. 

After such a big lunch, I definitely didn’t need a big meal at dinner time that night. So if you want to see the Hole in the Rock on a budget, then don’t miss your chance to book this great value tour.

Related Read: Looking for more fun things to do in the Bay of Islands? Check out my 5 favorite activities here!

4. Snorkel, hike, spot wildlife, and cruise through Hole in the Rock

If you love exploring pristine islands, then this Hole in the Rock cruise is the one for you! Of course, I enjoyed cruising through the Hole in the Rock, but I think I loved exploring untouched islands even more! 

The day got off to a pretty magical start, as I spotted some dolphins as we headed out on the water, and then the first stop of the day was Roberton Island. We took a short hike to a lookout point, where we enjoyed breathtaking views of the twin lagoons and surrounding islands. It truly was postcard-perfect!

Then, we took a ride through the Hole in the Rock, which is something that should be on everybody’s New Zealand bucket list! Then, we continued on to a secluded bay where there was plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and relax. Obviously, I just had to throw on a snorkel mask and check out what was going on beneath the surface of the clear waters! 

One thing I also really appreciated about this tour was that I was able to pack my own picnic lunch, and then enjoy it on the beach. It was not only dreamy, but bringing a picnic is the perfect way to keep costs to a minimum. 

This tour is an excellent way to see the Hole in the Rock. I would describe it as a real all-rounder because with snorkeling, island visits, and a gentle guided hike on offer, it suits almost everyone!

5. Fast boat to Hole in the Rock

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the iconic Hole in the Rock, this fast boat tour is the perfect solution! I loved it because I felt like I got the full Hole in the Rock experience in just an hour and a half, which is so much faster than any other tour out there. It was both efficient and unforgettable!

From the moment I hopped on board, I knew I was in for a treat with this tour. The boat was state-of-the-art and the seating was super comfortable. Zipping across the sparkling blue waters at high speeds was so much fun, too. I felt super safe, yet exhilarated!

As we raced past the Cape Brett Peninsula, our guides shared fascinating stories about the region’s history with us. I loved hearing the Maori legends and learning about the unique geology of the Bay of Islands. 

Of course, the boat slowed down to sail underneath the Hole in the Rock. And if you catch the 10 am departure, there’s the option to stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, and then take the ferry back to the mainland later on. However, if you’re short on time, you can just stay on the fast boat! 

Basically, if you’re looking for a fast-paced and fun tour, then I think this is a great option. You absolutely cannot miss the Hole in the Rock, so this tour is a lifesaver for those who are short on time.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands

There are two main towns perfect for exploring the Bay of Islands. They are Paihia and Russell. Both towns offer lots of accommodation options and sit on the shores of the bay.

With that said, Paihia is the more convenient option, and more tours are offered from there. The downside to Paihia is that it is much busier and in summer, is filled with tourists. Russell, on the other hand, remains far less crowded.

Here are the best places to stay in both Paihia and Russell!

Paihia

Centabay Lodge– This is easily my top choice in Paihia. Despite offering some dorm rooms, it’s not just a hostel but more of a cheap place for families and couples to stay. They offer dorm beds but also beautiful privates and they’re located right on the beach! Honestly, check this place out – but book in advance as it’s always sold out! You can book on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Austria Motel – If being close to town is important then you can’t beat the Austria Motel. This place is super affordable and offers studio and 2-bedroom apartments. This is a very welcoming place to stay with great facilities.

Chalet Romantica – As you may have guessed Chalet Romantica is for couples visiting the Bay of Islands. This small boutique hotel is one of the best rated in town and comes with all the nice luxuries without a ridiculous price. The views from the property are amazing and it includes breakfast for every room.

Russell

The Duke Of Marlborough – As the name suggests this is a rather nicer option in Russell however surprisingly the price doesn’t reflect that. It’s located right in town and on the water and the rooms are vibrant and decorated to the colors of the sea. Also, the reviews are very good! It can be booked online here.

Thanks for reading!

Hole in the Rock is one of the many outdoor marvels of the North Island. It’s a must-add to your itinerary! I’ve visited a handful of times and I always enjoy my cruise, so I know you’ll have a fantastic time no matter which tour you go with!

Before you head out, check out the rest of my North Island blogs! After traveling all over New Zealand’s islands, I’ve put together tons of blogs about my favorite places and experiences to help you plan the perfect trip. Here are a few other blogs to inspire your travels:

Two Week North Island Itinerary Ideas – 3 Tried and Tested Itineraries!

30 FUN Things to do in Paihia, New Zealand

6 BEST Wine Tours in Napier +My Personal Review