Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

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Fitness level low
Intensity level low
Intensity level moderate
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4.611 reviews

Highlights & inclusions

See dolphins, penguins & more
Spacious outdoor viewing decks
Visit Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Peninsular
Listen to the rich history of the bay
Informative commentary on board
Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island

What you can expect

Experience New Zealand's Bay of Islands’ spectacular natural landscapes as well as the wildlife on this unforgettable Hole in the Rock and Dolphin Cruise! Choose from two departure points (Paihia and Russell) and cruise through the bay’s sheltered waters and its many islands on a luxury catamaran, the Dolphin Seeker, purpose built for dolphin and whale watching. On this tour you'll be aboard a spacious, modern vessel featuring the Bay of Islands’ largest outdoor seating and viewing decks from which you can keep an eye out and get up close to common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life! You are also able to enjoy uninhibited views of the Cape Brett Lighthouse, as well as the natural highlights. Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and even travel right through the narrow space and be surrounded by the majestic rock walls! Experience more of this excitement and natural grandeur as you take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before returning to the mainland. Throughout the tour, your friendly guides shares with you interesting and informative commentary on the area. On this three hour cruise adventure, you can explore the islands, spot dolphins and other marine life and view two of the area’s most famous sites! *Please note: If you happen to not see dolphins or whales on your trip, you are offered a 'go again for free' voucher for another Hole in the Rock and Dolphin Cruise. Subject to availability and only applies to PM departures.*

Location

What you need to know

Inclusions
  • Half day cruise around the Bay of Islands
  • Viewing of dolphins, penguins and other marine wildlife
  • The famous 'Hole in the Rock'
  • Viewing of Cape Brett and the lighthouse
  • Informative commentary
  • Cruise past many of the 144 islands
  • The largest outdoor viewing and seating decks in the Bay of Islands
  • Stop off at Otehei Bay
Exclusions
  • Lunch is not included. Food and drinks are available to purchase at Otehei Bay Café during the island stop at own expense
Highlights
  • Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise
  • Take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands
  • Full commentary provided by your skipper
Time
  • __Ex Paihia__
  • Departs from the wharf, next to the Maritime Building, waterfront
  • Morning Cruise: Departs 8.30am and returns at 11.30am
  • Afternoon Cruise: Departs 2.00pm and returns 5pm __Ex Russell__
  • Departs from the wharf, waterfront
  • Morning Cruise: Departs 8.40am and returns at 11.40am
  • Afternoon Cruise: Departs 2.10pm and returns at 5.10pm
What To Bring
  • Towel
  • Swimming gear
  • Sunhat and sunblock
  • Warm clothes - Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for convenient changing
  • Flat soled shoes
Additional Information
  • A full commentary is provided in English by the skipper and crew. Printed guide sheets are available in German, Japanese and Mandarin
  • If on the day of your cruise weather conditions are poor you can cancel prior to departure and receive a full refund OR choose to cruise another day
  • In the unlikely event we are unsuccessful in viewing dolphins or whales on your trip, we will offer you a 'go again for free' voucher for another dolphin cruise (Subject to availability)
Booking Information
  • Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking 
  • Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience 
  • Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction 
  • Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control 
  • For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher 
  • We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements 

Recent reviews

4.611 reviews
4

It was a nice cruise

It was a nice cruise. I wish we would have gone through the Hole in the Rock but apparently the weather was not good enough for us the ship to go through. The crew was nice. Unfortunately, in our case we could not see whales (they told us we could repeat for free but I had to leave that day).

Pablo Roberto Glaz almost 4 years ago
5

The Hole in the Rock cruise was amazing the captain and staff were amazing and very helpful

The Hole in the Rock cruise was amazing the captain and staff were amazing and very helpful, it was very easy to get on and off the boat and seating was comfortable. The dolphins swimming around the boat was amazing and going thru the hole with our size of the boat was awesome highly recommend this trip.

Michael Howell about 4 years ago
5

It was an amazing cruise

It was an amazing cruise. The tour guide had all of us engaged. Saw tons of dolphins at various places. We also managed to get through how which was a satisfying experience. We hopped off at Russell and had a walk around. Took the complimentary ferry back to Paihia. It was a great trip overall.

Neha Jain over 4 years ago

Need help?

  • Email us at enquiry@experienceoz.com.au
  • Help code: D2B-12A1
  • This experience is supplied by Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Sustainability

Our Promise

  • We are committed to sustainability
  • We have an approved Science Based Target
  • We use third party verified standards
$132.91 AUD
or 4 x $33.23 with more info
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