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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!
Don’t Miss Out On My Top Choice!

The tour I loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
My personal FAVORITE tour is this Hole in the Rock cruise which also visits two islands! Sailing through the Hole in the Rock is simply iconic, and this tour was so fun with a great crew and water activities, like SUPing! Plus, we got to explore two pristine islands.
Best Hole in Rock Boat Tours
1. Visit Hole in the Rock including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and two islands


- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 9 am – 2 pm
- Highlights: cruising through the Bay of Islands, seeing the famous Hole in the Rock, hiking to panoramic lookout points on nearby islets, learning about the area’s wildlife and lore, snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach time, seeing the Cape Brett lighthouse
- Inclusions: pickup and drop-off from Russell or Paihia Wharf, boat cruise, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
This tour is likely to sell out – book your spot in advance here!
2. Dolphin spotting cruise, Hole in the Rock, and island visit


- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 8:30 am – 2:10 pm
- Highlights: seeing the Hole in the Rock, stopping at Otehei Bay, spotting dolphins, learning about the Bay of Islands’ ecology and wildlife from your skipper, free time to explore Urupukapuka Island
- Inclusions: boat cruise, expert skipper guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
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.
Book this tour here and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Half-day Hole in the Rock cruise with buffet lunch


- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 10 – 10:10 am
- Highlights: cruising through the Bay of Islands, visiting Maori heritage sites, spotting dolphins, stop at Otehei Bay, seeing Cape Brett Lighthouse, enjoying a barbecue lunch on Urupukapuka Island, sailing through the Hole in the Rock
- Inclusions: boat cruise, buffet lunch, live commentary on board
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
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.
Don’t miss out on this top-rated tour – book it here!
4. Snorkel, hike, spot wildlife, and cruise through Hole in the Rock


- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Time: 9 am – 12 pm
- Highlights: cruising through the Bay of Islands, visiting the famous Hole in the Rock, seeing the Cape Brett Lighthouse, free time on Roberton Island to swim or hike, visiting a viewpoint over the beautiful twin lagoons, snorkeling
- Inclusions: boat ride, snorkeling equipment, local skipper and guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
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!
Book this tour with over 100 5-star reviews here!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
5. Fast boat to Hole in the Rock


- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10 am, 12 pm, or 2 pm
- Highlights: speed boat ride to Hole in the Rock, stopping to see wildlife, sailing through the Hole in the Rock
- Inclusions: fast boat ride, life jackets and rain jackets (if necessary), local skipper and guide, on board commentary
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
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.
Check availability and book this speedboat tour in advance here!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand


Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
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!