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Discover the Bay of Islands Paihia
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Boat trip Bay if Islands from Paihia
The Hole in the Rock with a Bay of Islands Cruise and Discover the Bay of Islands

Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock

Discover the spectacular scenery, captivating wildlife and rich history of this New Zealand paradise on our quintessential half day Bay of Islands cruise.

From

NZ$ 160.00

per person

Highlights

  • 3 hours scenic cruising

  • Knowledgeable local Nature Guides to provide commentary and available to answer your questions

  • When conditions permit, get up close to Cape Brett and travel through the Hole in the Rock

  • Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more

  • 1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island with option to extend your stop on morning departure

Visit

Full Description

Experience the spectacular scenery of this New Zealand paradise and learn about the area’s rich culture and history with full commentary from our local skipper. When conditions permit, get up close to the dramatic cliffs at Cape Brett and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock.

Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings. We view dolphins on over 90% of our trips along with birdlife, whales and seals and our knowledgeable Nature Guide on board will be available to answer all your questions.

Your trip will also include a stop at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation’s Urupukapuka Island. You will have time to explore the island, swim at the sandy bay or enjoy a drink or bite to eat in the sun from our fully licensed café. 

Includes

Meeting Point

CHECK IN:

  • Please report to the Maritime Building on the Paihia Wharf 15 minutes before departure time with your valid vaccine pass. Paihia Wharf - Google Maps
  • If you have requested a pick up from Russell Wharf please be ready at the far end of the wharf 15 minutes prior to departure time with your valid vaccine pass. Russell Wharf, Russell, Bay of Islands - Google Maps
  • Please allow for travel time before departure, peak season can be very busy with limited parking close to the departure point.
  • IMPORTANT - You will be travelling on board a Fullers GreatSights or Explore NZ Branded vessel

Additional Information

Lunch is not included. Food and drinks are available to purchase at Otehei Bay Café during the island stop at own expense
Dress to the weather conditions and wear flat soled shoes
Toilets available on board
Operated in partnership with Fullers GreatSights
Infant (0 - 4 yrs) FOC - Infants need to be booked for capacity limits

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:
• Snack food and beverages can be purchased on board however you are welcome to bring your own.
• We suggest to wear comfortable clothing suitable to the conditions, bring a hat and walking shoes should you wish to walk to the look-out on Urupukapuka Island.
• If you would like to go for a swim at Otehei Bay please bring a towel
• Refreshments and food can be purchased from the cafe at Otehei Bay.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
BYO alcohol cannot be carried on the Otehei Bay ferry, including the Discover the Bay Cruise. Due to liquor licencing laws no BYO alcohol is permitted at Otehei Bay. Food service licencing permits only food purchased at the cafe to be consumed within the cafe and surrounding grass areas. Please observe these notifications as enforcement may offend.
Note: Operating in partnership with Fullers GreatSights Hole in the Rock Cruise
Note: The 3.30pm Hole in the Rock Cruise will NOT have a marine mammal permit during the cruise , this will limit our ability to view marine mamals for the duration of the cruise

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before activity starts.

Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Terms
COVID-19 - Explore Group is committed to the health and safety of our guests and staff. In accordance with the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system), from 3 December, all passengers aged 12 years or over must provide proof of double vaccination prior to boarding any Explore Group experience by way of presenting their My Vaccine Pass. We ask that a valid form of ID (passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate) is available for sighting. Should you not produce proof of vaccination, you will not be permitted to board your cruise. Standard cancellation terms and conditions apply. For more information and ongoing updates regarding restrictions please visit https://covid19.govt.nz/ If you are suffering from any cold or COVID-19 like symptoms please seek medical advice before travelling.

Our Products/Services

From

NZ$ 160.00

per person

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Explore Paihia Wharf, 0200

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