Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Scenic Cruise among 144 sub-tropical islands and discover the Bay of Islands on a small group tour.
Visit the landing site of Captain James Cook, and stopover on Roberton island for a short walk to the lookout point over the Twin Lagoons.
Keep an eye out for wildlife in the Marine Mammal sanctuary, and listen to live commentary and information provided by your local crew on board.
Cruising along the Cape Brett Peninsula and to the famous HOLE IN THE ROCK, Cathedral Cave and Cape Brett Lighthouse
Stopover on a second island for a chance to explore the nature trails, take a swim, snorkel, relax and enjoy a beachside picnic lunch before cruising back through the outer islands to finish in Paihia/Russell
Available options
Shore Excursion: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island stopover
What's included
Cruise Route Maps
Cruising among the 144 sub-tropical islands with live commentary
Visit the Hole in the Rock (only cruise company endorsed by the Maori Owners of Hole in the Rock)
Restroom on board
Masks, Fins & Snorkels are available to use on board (FREE)
Detailed itinerary
1
Cruise from Paihia, through the inner harbour, along the coastline into the main group of islands
2
Departure and Drop off options from the Russell Wharf
3
Cruise among 144 sub-tropical islands in the Bay of Islands Wildlife Sanctuary. Listen to live commentary and information, and keep an eye out for Wildlife throughout the day
4
Stopover at Roberton Island. Walk to the lookout point over the Twin Lagoons and the landing site of Captain James Cook.
5
Experience the icon HOLE IN THE ROCK, and its iconic formation *we even travel through if conditions permit!
6
Sight the famous Cape Brett Lighthouse, standing on the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula with the iconic HOLE IN THE ROCK
7
Enjoy a second island stopover with lots of options to explore the nature trails, take a swim/snorkel, enjoy a beachside lunch or just relax among the wildlife sanctuary of the Bay of Islands
*Island Stopover will be determined on the day, depending on weather/wind direction
8
Enjoy a second island stopover with lots of options to explore the nature trails, take a swim/snorkel, enjoy a beachside lunch or just relax among the wildlife sanctuary of the Bay of Islands
*Island Stopover will be determined on the day, depending on weather/wind direction
What's not included
*Pre-ordered Packed Lunches are available as addition. (Contact us directly for options)
Swimsuit/Towel - if you want to swim (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Go to PIER 10, on the Paihia Wharf for Check-in
***If you are arriving from a Cruise Ship, they will normally tender you into Waitangi Wharf. From there, they provide FREE shuttle buses to transfer you to Paihia Wharf (5 mins on shuttle bus)
At the Paihia, you walk down to PIER 10 for checkin.
About Paihia
Paihia is a charming coastal town in the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beaches, rich Māori heritage, and as the departure point for the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it a popular destination for both local and international travelers.
Top Attractions
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, was signed in 1840. It offers a rich cultural experience with guided tours, a museum, and traditional Māori performances.
Historical
2-4 hours
Moderate (Entry fees apply)
Paihia Beach
A beautiful, sandy beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing. The beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Beach
1-2 hours or as desired
Free
Haruru Falls
A scenic waterfall located just a short drive from Paihia. The falls are easily accessible via a short walk from the car park, making them a popular spot for a quick nature fix.
Nature
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Russell
A charming historic town across the bay from Paihia, known for its colonial architecture, historic sites, and relaxed atmosphere. Russell is accessible by ferry and offers a glimpse into New Zealand's early history.
Historical
Half day to full day
Moderate (Ferry fare and entry fees to attractions)
Otehei Bay
A stunning beach located on Urupukapuka Island, known for its clear waters, white sand, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Otehei Bay is a popular spot for a day trip or picnic.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate (Boat tour or rental fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fresh Seafood
Paihia is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, mussels, and lobster. Dishes are often prepared with local ingredients and served in a variety of styles.
Lunch/Dinner
Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available at many restaurants.
Hāngī
A traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. Hāngī typically includes meats like pork, chicken, and lamb, as well as kumara (sweet potato) and other vegetables.
Dinner
Vegetarian and vegan options may be available upon request.
Kumara Fries
A popular Māori dish made from sweet potato (kumara) that is cut into fries and served with a variety of dipping sauces. It's a delicious and healthy alternative to regular fries.
Snack/Side Dish
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Paihia Pavlova
A classic New Zealand dessert made with a crisp meringue base, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Paihia's version often features local berries and tropical fruits.
Dessert
Gluten-free and can be made vegan with plant-based whipped cream.
Popular Activities
Kayaking
Sailing
Hiking
Snorkeling
Scuba diving
Beach lounging
Picnicking
Spa treatments
Best Time to Visit
December to March (Summer)
This is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and ideal conditions for water activities. The town is vibrant with festivals and events.
20-28°C
68-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (New Zealand Standard Time, NZST)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Paihia is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and accommodations
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Getting there
By air
- Kerikeri Airport • 30 km (18.6 miles)
- Bay of Islands Airport • 2 km (1.2 miles)
By bus
Kerikeri Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus service is not extensive but can be useful for getting around locally. Schedules are limited, so planning is essential.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Local taxi services can be booked by phone.
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Paihia Town Center
Waitangi
Opua
Day trips
Russell
3 km (1.8 miles) across the bay • Half day to full day
A charming historic town with colonial architecture, historic sites, and a relaxed atmosphere. Russell is accessible by ferry from Paihia and offers a glimpse into New Zealand's early history.
Haruru Falls
5 km (3.1 miles) • Half day
A scenic waterfall located just a short drive from Paihia. The falls are easily accessible via a short walk from the car park, making them a popular spot for a quick nature fix.
Otehei Bay
5 km (3.1 miles) from Paihia (by boat) • Half day to full day
A stunning beach located on Urupukapuka Island, known for its clear waters, white sand, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Otehei Bay is a popular spot for a day trip or picnic.
Festivals
Waitangi Day • February 6th
Paihia Seafood Festival • March (dates vary)
Bay of Islands Jazz & Blues Festival • January (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cultural performance.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the beautiful beaches and waterways of the Bay of Islands.
- Take a ferry to Russell for a scenic journey and to explore the historic town's colonial architecture and museums.
- Try the local seafood, including fish and chips, seafood platters, and Māori-inspired dishes like hāngī.
- Visit the Chocolate Shop for a sweet treat and to sample some of the town's famous artisanal chocolates.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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