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Bay of Islands Discovery Experience from Auckland incl. Hole In The Rock Cruise

Offered by ExperienceKart

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$1,049.00 per person

4.8 (12 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

13 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Private Bay of Islands day trip from Auckland with included Hole in the Rock cruise, island stop, wildlife viewing, Wi-Fi, and guided return transfers.

Tour Overview

Discover Northland’s coastal beauty on a private full-day trip from Auckland that includes the Bay of Islands “Hole in the Rock” cruise. After CBD pickup, travel by air-conditioned minibus with Wi-Fi and refreshments, with short comfort stops along the way. Pause in Kawakawa to see the colourful Hundertwasser public toilets before continuing to Paihia for your scenic cruise.

On the water, explore some of the 144 islands with live commentary from a local nature guide. Keep watch for dolphins, whales, or orca (wildlife sightings are at nature’s discretion), cruise past Cape Brett, and see the famous Hole in the Rock. Enjoy an island stop of about 1.5 hours where you can walk, swim, paddleboard, kayak, or relax, with a break for food and drinks available to purchase at Otehei Bay. Your cruise admission is included.

The day runs at an easy pace with fully guided private return transfers to Auckland at the end of the tour. All fees and taxes are included. Breakfast and dinner are not included. This experience is suitable for most fitness levels; infant seats are available on request.

What's Included

  • Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more
  • Private transportation
  • Complimentary High-Speed Internet on-board the minibus
  • Complimentary refreshments and water on board
  • Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
  • Discover self-guided bush walks for spectacular views over the Bay of Islands
  • Keep a lookout for dolphins, whales, or orcas (at mother nature's discretion)
  • Listen to entertaining live commentary from your local Nature Guide
  • Luxurious temperature controlled transportation in a minibus
  • Discover some of the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands on a scenic cruise
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Witness the iconic Hole in the Rock
  • Engaging and informative commentary in English
  • Journey by boat across the pristine Islands
  • Complimentary pick up and drop off from Auckland
  • Lunch stops at Otehei Bay
  • WiFi on board
  • Marvel at the breath-taking scenery en route
  • Admission to 4.5 hours Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
  • A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the tour
  • Stop off at Urupukapuka Island and lunch/dinner stop at Otehei Bay
  • Enjoy a 1.5-hour island stop-over and walk, swim, paddle board, kayak or relax

Not Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Opportunity to purchase lunch or dinner at your own expense

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Auckland Central

    We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Caffe Cozy

    We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Northland region.

    15 minutes

  3. 3

    Whangarei isite Visitor Information Centre

    We stop to get some great coffee at your own expense and a comfort break before we continue our journey into the Northland region.

    10 minutes

  4. 4
    We visit one of the main tourist attractions in Kawakawa, the colourful public toilet designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. First visiting New Zealand in the 1970s for an exhibition of his work, he decided to make the country his second home and bought property on the Waikare inlet, east of Kawakawa. In 1998 with the help of the community he transformed the town’s public toilets into a work of art.

    15 minutes

  5. 5

    Cruise to the Hole in the Rock

    The Bay of Islands is a natural playground offering a huge variety of activities to keep you entertained for days. With scenic landscapes to explore by land, sea or sky, abundant wildlife including the playful dolphins, plenty of rich and colourful history and of course water sport opportunities around every corner. Once a booming, bustling and bawdy seafaring centre, it’s now a peaceful and pristine spot, and offers the perfect base for exploring Northland. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to must-dos in the Bay of Islands! Embark on a voyage of discovery and enjoy the beauty of this area when you join a daily cruise to hole in the rock, the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

  6. 6

    Auckland Central

    After an exhilarating fun-filled adventure experience at Paihia, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland. We can also drop you at your accommodation in Paihia if you are staying locally in the region.

    15 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Or Meet At Meeting point

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland

8 Customs Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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End Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for the conditions, walking shoes, Sun protection, jacket/warm layer, & any essential personal items.
  • Bring a camera or a phone with camera capability as this is the perfect place to get some great experiences photos.
  • You are welcome to bring your own food. There is also hot and cold food available for purchase on board.
  • A full commentary is provided by your skipper. A limited number of multi-lingual headsets are available in German, French and Mandarin Chinese.
  • A portion of your fare contributes to marine mammal research and conservation.
  • You will be able to purchase lunch or dinner, depending upon the sailing time, from the café at Otehei Bay.
  • Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard the vessel.
  • Easy and good fitness level required.
  • Interacting with common and bottlenose dolphins, orca, whales and other marine mammals is subject to DOC regulations.
  • Tours are suitable for people of all ages and average fitness. Our scenic walks are short and optional. Please let our guide know at check in if you have any fitness concerns.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.