Hole in the Rock Cruise

Experience the Magic of Hole-in-the-Rock & Pharaohs Cruise

Discover New Zealand's most spectacular coastal wonders on our award-winning cruises

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Discover the Bay of Islands Like Never Before

Embark on an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's stunning Bay of Islands with our world-class Hole-in-the-Rock cruise and luxurious Pharaohs Cruise experiences. Our cruises offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Whether you're seeking a thrilling marine adventure or a serene sunset voyage, our cruise options cater to all preferences, showcasing the very best of New Zealand tourism in under 3 days of magical exploration.

Why Choose Our Cruises?

Award-Winning Experiences

Our Hole-in-the-Rock cruise has been consistently rated as one of New Zealand's top marine attractions by TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet.

Luxury Comfort

The Pharaohs Cruise offers premium amenities including gourmet dining, spacious decks, and panoramic viewing areas.

Marine Wildlife

Spot dolphins, whales, and rare seabirds in their natural habitat with our expert guides providing insightful commentary.

Flexible Options

Choose from half-day adventures to multi-day New Zealand cruise packages that fit your schedule.

Local Expertise

Our crew has over 50 years combined experience navigating the Bay of Islands waters.

Eco-Friendly

We're committed to sustainable tourism with carbon-neutral operations and marine conservation initiatives.

Hole-in-the-Rock Cruise

Our flagship Hole-in-the-Rock cruise takes you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Bay of Islands, showcasing one of New Zealand's most iconic natural wonders.

Marvel at the spectacular rock formation that gives this cruise its name - a natural arch carved by wind and waves over centuries. If conditions permit, our expert captains will navigate right through the hole for a truly breathtaking experience.

  • 4.5 hour scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands
  • Live commentary from knowledgeable local guides
  • Dolphin spotting opportunities (98% success rate)
  • Island stopover at Otehei Bay for swimming and exploration
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks onboard
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Hole in the Rock New Zealand

Hole-in-the-Rock Cruise Itinerary

9:00 AM

Depart from Paihia Wharf with welcome briefing

9:30 AM

Dolphin spotting in prime marine habitats

11:00 AM

Arrive at Hole-in-the-Rock for photo opportunities

12:00 PM

Stopover at Otehei Bay for swimming and lunch

1:00 PM

Scenic cruise back through island archipelago

1:30 PM

Marine wildlife spotting and conservation talk

2:00 PM

Historic lighthouse viewing and photo stop

2:30 PM

Return to Paihia Wharf

Cruise Highlights

Dolphins in Bay of Islands

Dolphin Encounters

Our Hole-in-the-Rock cruise offers a 98% chance of spotting playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Hole in the Rock formation

Iconic Rock Formation

Witness the spectacular Hole-in-the-Rock, a natural wonder carved by centuries of wind and waves.

Bay of Islands scenery

Island Stopover

Enjoy 1.5 hours at beautiful Otehei Bay for swimming, walking, and optional lunch.

Marine wildlife

Marine Wildlife

Spot whales, penguins, gannets and other seabirds with our expert guides.

Luxury Pharaohs Cruise

Pharaohs Luxury Cruise

Experience the Bay of Islands in ultimate comfort and style aboard our luxurious Pharaohs Cruise. This premium experience combines breathtaking scenery with first-class service, gourmet dining, and unparalleled comfort.

Designed for discerning travelers who appreciate the finer things, our Pharaohs Cruise offers an intimate setting with limited guest numbers to ensure personalized service and ample space to relax and enjoy the spectacular views.

  • 5-hour luxury cruise with premium amenities
  • Gourmet 3-course lunch featuring local seafood and produce
  • Premium open bar with New Zealand wines and craft beers
  • Spacious sundecks and comfortable lounges
  • Small group experience (maximum 50 guests)
  • Visit to the Hole-in-the-Rock and other scenic highlights
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Pharaohs Cruise Itinerary

10:30 AM

Champagne welcome aboard at Paihia Wharf

11:00 AM

Scenic cruise through island archipelago with commentary

12:00 PM

Gourmet 3-course lunch served in the dining salon

1:00 PM

Arrive at Hole-in-the-Rock for photo opportunities

1:30 PM

Dolphin spotting in prime marine habitats

2:00 PM

Afternoon tea served on the sundeck

2:30 PM

Scenic cruise back through island highlights

3:30 PM

Return to Paihia Wharf

Premium Amenities

Gourmet dining on Pharaohs Cruise

Gourmet Dining

Enjoy a 3-course lunch featuring local seafood, premium meats, and seasonal produce prepared by our onboard chef.

Premium beverages on Pharaohs Cruise

Premium Bar

Unlimited premium New Zealand wines, craft beers, and cocktails from our open bar throughout the cruise.

Luxury seating on Pharaohs Cruise

Luxury Seating

Relax in our premium lounges with comfortable seating and panoramic windows for optimal viewing.

Personalized service on Pharaohs Cruise

Personalized Service

Experience attentive service from our professional crew with a high staff-to-guest ratio.

Compare Our Cruise Options

Feature Hole-in-the-Rock Cruise Pharaohs Cruise
Duration 4.5 hours 5 hours
Price Range $120 - $150 NZD $250 - $300 NZD
Meals Included Light snacks (lunch available for purchase at island stop) Gourmet 3-course lunch with premium beverages
Capacity Up to 150 passengers Maximum 50 passengers
Island Stopover Yes (1.5 hours at Otehei Bay) No (continuous cruising)
Dolphin Viewing 98% success rate 98% success rate
Best For Families, budget-conscious travelers, those wanting island exploration Couples, luxury seekers, special occasions, food and wine lovers

Both cruises visit the spectacular Hole-in-the-Rock and offer excellent dolphin viewing opportunities in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

What Our Guests Say

Sarah J.

Sarah J.

★★★★★

"The Hole-in-the-Rock cruise was the highlight of our New Zealand trip! We saw so many dolphins and the scenery was breathtaking. The crew was knowledgeable and friendly."

From Auckland March 2023
Michael T.

Michael T.

★★★★★

"The Pharaohs Cruise was worth every penny! The food was exceptional, the wine selection superb, and the service impeccable. Sailing through the Hole-in-the-Rock was unforgettable."

From Australia January 2023
Emily R.

Emily R.

★★★★☆

"Wonderful family experience on the Hole-in-the-Rock cruise. The kids loved seeing the dolphins and swimming at the island stop. Would recommend to anyone visiting the Bay of Islands."

From UK December 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for the Hole-in-the-Rock cruise? +

The Hole-in-the-Rock cruise operates year-round, but the best conditions are typically during the summer months (December to February) when seas are calmer and dolphin sightings are most frequent. However, spring (September to November) offers beautiful wildflowers and fewer crowds, while autumn (March to May) provides pleasant temperatures and stunning foliage.

How likely are we to see dolphins on the cruise? +

Our dolphin viewing success rate is approximately 98% across both the Hole-in-the-Rock cruise and Pharaohs Cruise. The Bay of Islands is home to a large population of bottlenose dolphins, and our captains know all the best spots to find them. While we can't guarantee sightings, it's very rare that guests don't see dolphins during our cruises.

What should we bring on the cruise? +

We recommend bringing:

  • Sunscreen and hat (even on cloudy days)
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Light jacket or sweater (it can be cooler on the water)
  • Swimwear and towel if you plan to swim at the island stop (Hole-in-the-Rock cruise only)
  • Motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness
  • Cash or credit card for optional purchases (souvenirs, additional food/drink)