Explore subtropical islands, Maori heritage sites and golden beaches on this cruise around the Bay of Islands from Paihia. Soak up the scenery as you float between the bay’s 144 islands and sail straight through the iconic Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). Along the way, spot dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat.

Fun for all ages—a great choice for families
Sail through the famous Hole in the Rock archway (weather permitting)
Spot dolphins in their natural environment
Live commentary on-board ensures you don’t miss anything

What's Included

Cruising among the 144 islands with skipper's commentary
Nature Guide on board to answer your questions and provide commentary
1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island
When conditions permit, get up close to Cape Brett and travel through the Hole in the Rock

Transportation to/from attractions
Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

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End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Paihia Harbour (Pass By)

Cape Brett Lighthouse

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Otehei Bay Restaurant

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate

A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation
This trip is suitable for children
Life jackets will be supplied in the event of an emergency
Please note - this service is a code share with Fullers GreatSights and may operate on their vessel
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 230 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Christopher_T

Wonderful tour! Well organised, we had to be picked up from the landing wharf and taken by shuttle bus to the tour departure point, thank you to the locals for that, we were serenaded by our bus driver, he is a very proud Māori and sang us a song in his native language... the boat trip was great fun, beautiful scenery as is usual for New Zealand, when you visit the island grab a local pie...very tasty! Overall we would say this tour was very good value, would recommend to anyone!

Reviews

4.5

189 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 189 reviews

Great day. Shame we...

Gordon_C, Apr 2024

Great day. Shame we couldn't go through the rock but everything else was most enjoyable. Stop off on the island was a great experience.

Bay of Island with these folks were great.

David_V, Apr 2024

We had great fun on the boat touring the Bay of Islands. We made our way to the hole in the rock and stopped for great photos. Each and every stop was very informative. We saw lots of wildlife, especially on our stay at the beach. Perfect day.

Day to remember

Colleen_B, Mar 2024

Once out of the bay seas choppy all on top deck absolutely soaked no dolphins today. The stop at Otepi bay was dabulous coffee and warm up

Pleasant boat ride.

Charlene_M, Mar 2024

It took us a little while to find this excursion because the first girl in the information centre didn’t recognize the tour company. Luckily, we found a gentleman who directed us to the correct counter.(back to the same girl) Reference maps were provided on the boat to point out where each of the islands were located. This was helpful for those wanting to follow along. Unfortunately, the boat was very full and didn’t allow you to move around and change spots. We had 3 young men near us who just wanted to talk, drink beer and take lots of photos. It was difficult to hear the commentary or get pics due to them always being in the way. We didn’t see any dolphins and unfortunately, we also didn’t spend our time at the island. We were on a cruise ship and our arrival time back was the same as our boarding time. The crew assured us that we would be back on time but we chose to skip the beach for peace of mind. Going through the hole in the rock was the best part of the day. The captain was very talented in getting us through. Crew was also pleasant. We simply had a few drawbacks that took away from having a “great” experience. This was not the fault of the company.

Hole in the rock must

Murray_P, Mar 2024

Great trip. You really appreciate the beauty of the bay of Islands. The skipper of our boat Kate was great with her knowledge of the area. Even saw bottle nose dolphins on the return trip.

It was very pleasant to...

Anita_C, Mar 2024

It was very pleasant to be out on the water in Bay of Islands. I felt the name Dolphin Seeker was misleading. No sight of dolphins bad there could have been more commentary about the islands we were passing. An enjoyable experience but it could have been so much more substance to the cruise.

Lovely day out

Jodie_P, Feb 2024

The skipper was very informative, crew very helpful. Lovely day out, would absolutely do this again.

Great experience

Linda_Y, Feb 2024

Very good service. Got us back to the tender port in plenty of time. Trip though hole in the rock wad amazing. Friendly and informative

Great tour, very good value!

Christopher_T, Feb 2024

Disappointing

Loraine_H, Feb 2024

Two dolphins swam right under the boat. Very disappointed that we didn't go through the hole in the rock. Not enough room on boat for everybody to be able to stand or sit outside, so if you were only able to get a space inside it was a very expensive boat ride!

Not worth the money

Phyllis_W, Feb 2024

This was no more than a water taxi ride. We did not go through the Hole in the Rock although the boat in front of us did. The captain did not point out any interesting rock formations or search for any sea life. He gave us the option of being dropped off at an island where there was nothing to do, or ride back to the port to pick up another load of passengers. And, that was it!

Great Bay of Island tour

SHEILA_S, Feb 2024

It was amazing go through the hole in the rock, great experience, shame we could not see any dolphins this time

Breath taking

Kelly_H, Jan 2024

Amazing the crew were fantastic great experience loved every minute and so did my boys the stop off island was perfect

Beautiful cruise

Pratap_N, Jan 2024

Amazing cruise for all age groups. Spotted 2 species of dolphins which was great. Saw some great sea life and birds. The spectacular views of the islands and amazing commentary. Since the weather was good we went through the hole giving us memories for life I would highly recommend this and not miss this during your visit.

Awesome half day trip

Maria_P, Jan 2024

Great day on the boat and wow what an amazing experience going through the hole in the rock. Didn’t think we would fit. The skipper was great and so funny with his commentary. The dolphins came out to play. Recommend this company highly. Loved it all.

Great trip Review with Top tips!

victoria_b, Jan 2024

Had a fabulous half day cruising around the bay of islands. Beautiful views. Good weather meant we could pass through the Hole in the rock which was a highlight. Highly recommend heading up to the bow for this. We stopped at an island beach for 1.5 hours with a chance to walk, kayak, paddleboard or lie in the sun on a beanbag with a vino. Top tips: The Viatour “start time” is departure time. Check in at least 15 mins before at the building on the wharf and collect a paper ticket & wristband Bar on the boat with drinks & snacks. (Take cash as cards may not work if no signal) Loos on boat A previous review points out the trip is on a ferry style boat rather than small boat, which is true, but not of concern. Probably more thrilling squeezing the big boat through the hole in the rock. Windproof light jacket good if you want to be outside. Option to be in or out and you can move around the boat. Suncream provided in the bar (but take your own for time on the island)

Great day on the water

William_Y, Dec 2023

The scenery was beautiful, but passing through the hole in the rock was the highlight Seas were a little rough but the captain was able to shoot through. What a rush!

Day Ruined

Rachelle_S, Dec 2023

We didn't get to go because the directions in your app for where to meet, didn't take us to the correct location. I tried contacting the provider but by the time they responded, it was too late. We missed the sailboat by 10 minutes. Even if we were there at 2 pm which was the "time to meet" listed in trip details, they said that the boat leaves at 2 pm. I cried for hours as this was the experience I was most looking forward to. We drove 3 hours from Auckland for the sail trip and there were no other sail options available after 2 pm. We couldn't come the next day as we were flying to Queenstown. I am a loyal customer of Viator, I requested a refund and should hope that ethically you'd accept the request to keep a customer.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Kia Ora Rachelle, Chris here who you met in the office that day. I take umbrage to the fact that you gave our product a one star review when you never travelled with us. Considering the high standard of service you received from our office upon your late arrival, I don't believe that is fair, especially as you missed the boat due to your own fault. The app did show you the correct location, as you showed me yourself. You chose to set your gps to the centre of Paihia, not the Paihia Wharf as shown on your confirmation. I suggest next time you allow yourself enough time to travel before a trip and check your destination at least en route.

Bay of island trip

hongyan, Dec 2023

Starting from Paihia, the cruise ship passes through the archipelago and the scenery is very beautiful. We saw many dolphins playing around the ship and even passing through the iconic rock cave。

Worthwhile tour in a beautiful area

Peter_W, Dec 2023

Relaxing cruise around the Bay of Islands, with an exciting pass through the Hole in the Rock, and an interesting break in Otehi Bay with some excellent short walks.

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