Top 8 Paihia Boat Tours

1.Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock Cruise with 2 Island Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,002 reviews · 4h 30m · from $90Our pick

Spend 4.5 hours with a small local crew cruising from Paihia or Russell through the Bay of Islands. Captain Blair, Hamish, or Zac may provide the commentary, with island walks, Twin Lagoons, snorkeling gear, wildlife sightings, and a weather-dependent passage through the Hole in the Rock.

“Such a beautiful experience — a stunning place with friendly staff. You get to enjoy a lovely walk on a beautiful island and swim at another. We were very lucky to see dolphins and orcas during the cruise. A must-do if you’re staying in the Bay of Islands!”

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2.Paihia/Russell: Hole in the Rock, Dolphins & Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 821 reviews · 4h 30m · from $95

Join Explore Group New Zealand from Paihia or Russell for a 270-minute catamaran cruise among 144 islands. Hear live English commentary, look for dolphins and whales, pass Cape Brett, attempt the Hole in the Rock, then swim or walk at Otehei Bay. Food and drinks cost extra.

“Captain and staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. No question asked was not answered. Only disappointing part was no dolphins or whales were spotted, but that can't be helped. We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise”

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3.Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour – with two island stopovers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 701 reviews · from $104Top rated

Join Island Getaway Tours from Paihia for a small-group cruise through the Bay of Islands. Expect local stories, wildlife spotting, two island stops, swimming, snorkelling, and a chance to pass through the Hole in the Rock with captains such as Hamish, Nick, or Blair.

“What an incredible tour! The captain/guide and his crew were phenomenal. We learned a lot and the weather was spectacular so we were able to go through the hole. We also had two island stops that allowed for short hikes, opening tRead more”

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4.The Rock Adventure Overnight Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 457 reviews · from $296

Spend 22 hours aboard The Rock in the Bay of Islands, with shared-cabin accommodation, meals, night kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, SUP boarding, target shooting, and island walks. Crew members such as Erin, Byron, Finn, and Jonny help keep the trip active, friendly, and easy to join.

“Fun trip all the way - night kayaking, morning snorkel, island walk, fishing and a friendly, fun crew who were enthusiastic and helpful. Food was great and the toilets and showers worked well. Overall it was a great night out on the boat with thRead more”

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5.Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 332 reviews · 3 hours · from $78

Join Island Getaway from Pier 10 in Paihia for a three-hour cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. You’ll walk to Roberton Island’s Twin Lagoons lookout, hear live commentary, watch for dolphins and penguins, and visit the Hole in the Rock when weather allows. Groups are capped at 49.

“The attraction was as cool as described in the guidebooks. Lots of historical and environmental information. A beautiful place on Earth. A wonderful crew and skipper, our guide.”

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6.Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 319 reviews · 2h 30m · from $74Best value

Set out from Paihia’s Main Wharf in a small boat with an English-speaking skipper and up to 14 passengers. Cruise past coves and cliffs, attempt the Hole in the Rock when sea conditions allow, then feed snapper at Otehei Bay while viewing them through the lifted glass floor.

“The 2.5 hour tour was perfect, we had calm seas and Jeff our Captain made stops and shared lots of history and information along the way. It was a fun experience to feed and see the fish, The passage and time at the Hole in the Rock was great! Highly recommend. Prefer the small group experiences. Jeff emphasized safety which is much appreciated.”

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7.4.5 Hour Day Cruise and Island Getaway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 283 reviews · 4h 30m · from $90

Spend 4.5 hours with Island Getaway cruising among 144 islands, walking to Roberton Island’s Twin Lagoons lookout, snorkeling from a quiet beach, and searching for dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds. Guides such as Nick, Blair, Hamish, and Blue vary by departure.

“The crew was friendly and helpful. There was excellent narration and information about the area and the stops. The length of time was great as well. Enjoyed it very much!”

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8.Discover the Bay Cruise with Island Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 265 reviews · 4h 30m · from $107

Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands from Paihia, with live English commentary, wildlife watching, and a weather-dependent passage through the Hole in the Rock. Lunch and a 1.5-hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island are included, with summer options for kayaks, paddleboards, and a longer island stay.

“No rain and calmer ocean meant we were able to go out to see The Hole in the Rock! In the last 10 minutes, we saw a pod of 10-12 dolphins! Absolutely fantastic morning!”

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