- Home
- Experiences
- New Zealand
- Northland
- Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise

Select Packages
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.*
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
Package options
About Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
About Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Experience the magnificent natural beauty and wildlife of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, aboard the luxurious Dolphin Seeker catamaran, specifically designed for dolphin and whale watching. The vessel features spacious areas and the largest outdoor viewing deck in the Bay of Islands, bringing you closer to dolphins, whales, and other marine life, while also viewing Cape Brett Lighthouse and other natural highlights. The tour's highlight is visiting and cruising through the iconic Hole in the Rock, including the Grand Cathedral Cave. This 3-hour tour comes with a friendly and informative guide throughout the journey.
Why Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise is a must
Cruise to observe nature and various marine animals in the Bay of Islands The Dolphin Seeker catamaran is specifically designed for dolphin and whale watching Features the largest outdoor viewing deck in the Bay of Islands Sail through the iconic Hole in the Rock Comes with an informative guide throughout the journey
Top things to do at Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Spot dolphins, whales, penguins, and other marine life Cruise past over 144 islands Travel into the Hole in the Rock and see the Grand Cathedral Cave View the Cape Brett Lighthouse Stop at Otehei Bay
How to get to Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
You can choose from two departure points: Paihia and Russell **From Paihia**: Depart from the wharf, next to the Maritime Building on the waterfront **From Russell**: Depart from the wharf, on the waterfront
Location of Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Bay of Islands, New Zealand, with two departure points: Paihia and Russell
Opening hours of Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
**From Paihia** Morning tour: Departs 8:30 AM and returns 11:30 AM Afternoon tour: Departs 2:00 PM and returns 5:00 PM **From Russell** Morning tour: Departs 8:40 AM and returns 11:40 AM Afternoon tour: Departs 2:10 PM and returns 5:10 PM
Facilities at Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Dolphin Seeker catamaran with the largest outdoor viewing deck and seating in the Bay of Islands Food and beverages available at Otehei Bay Café during the stopover (additional cost)
Know Before You Go
If weather conditions are unfavorable, you can cancel before the trip for a full refund or reschedule your trip. In the event that no dolphins or whales are sighted on your trip, you will receive a "Go Again For Free" voucher for a future dolphin cruise (valid for afternoon tours only and subject to availability). Commentary is in English by the captain and crew, with printed guides available in German, Japanese, and Mandarin. What to bring: Towel, swimwear, sun hat, sunscreen, warm clothes, flat shoes. Please print your voucher or display it on a mobile device on the day of travel. It is recommended to reconfirm your booking with the operator within 24 hours prior to travel.