Island cruises & the Hole in the Rock
The Bay of Islands is best seen from the water. A cruise or sail out among the 144 islands to Motukōkako — the Hole in the Rock — is the quintessential experience, gliding past secluded coves and wildlife, with dolphins often alongside. Whether you want speed, sail or a gentle harbour trip, getting afloat is the heart of any visit. Here's how.
Motukōkako — the Hole in the Rock
At the outer edge of the bay, off Cape Brett, the island of Motukōkako is pierced by a natural sea tunnel — the famous Hole in the Rock. On calm days, cruise skippers ease their boats right through it, a memorable thrill; on rougher days you'll admire it from close by. The journey out weaves past islands, cliffs and open water alive with birds and dolphins. See our Northland day trip.
Dolphins & marine life
The bay is home to bottlenose and common dolphins, often seen playing around the boats, along with little blue penguins and seabirds. Please note that swimming with dolphins is no longer permitted here — the Department of Conservation ended it in 2019 to protect a declining population — so trips are now about watching these beautiful animals responsibly from the boat. It's a privilege to see them wild and undisturbed. See our marine wildlife page.
Sailing, islands & harbour cruises
Beyond the classic cruise, spend a day under sail on a yacht or catamaran, or take a cruise that stops at Urupukapuka Island — the bay's largest — for a swim, a walk and a picnic at Otehei Bay. Shorter harbour and sunset cruises suit those with less time. Whatever you choose, the islands are the reward. See our beaches & water guide.
Island cruises: your questions
The Hole in the Rock is Motukōkako, a small island off Cape Brett at the outer edge of the Bay of Islands, with a natural sea tunnel worn right through it. On calm days, cruise boats sail through the hole — a genuine thrill and the bay's signature sight. It's the classic destination of a Bay of Islands cruise. See our Northland day trip.
Swimming with dolphins is no longer permitted in the Bay of Islands — the Department of Conservation ended it in 2019 to protect the local bottlenose population, which had been in decline. You can still see dolphins (bottlenose and common) from cruise and dolphin-watching boats, often up close, but the rules now protect them from in-water contact. It's wildlife-watching done responsibly. See our marine wildlife page.
Plenty. Choose a fast Hole in the Rock cruise, a relaxed sailing day on a yacht or catamaran, a dolphin-watching trip, or a cruise with an island stopover at Urupukapuka for a swim and walk. Some combine a "cream trip" mail-run history with the scenery. There's a boat trip to suit every pace. See our beaches & water guide.
A typical Hole in the Rock cruise runs around 3–4 hours, often with an island stop; full sailing days last most of the day; and shorter harbour cruises are available too. Most depart from the Paihia wharf (and pick up at Russell). Bring a jacket, sunscreen and a camera. See our getting around guide.
It depends on the sea and tide — skippers only pass through Motukōkako when conditions are safe, so on rougher days boats cruise up to it rather than through. Either way you'll see it up close, along with the islands, wildlife and Cape Brett. Operators know the waters well and put safety first. See our Northland day trip.