Discover The Bay

  • Duration
    4.5 hours
  • Category
    Cruising
  • Location
    Bay of Islands
  • Operating Season
    Daily
  • Price
    From $180
    Adult
    From $90
    Child

Experience the very best of what the Bay of Islands has to offer. Discover the spectacular scenery, captivating wildlife, the iconic Motukōkako - The Hole in the Rock - and Otehei Bay on our premium cruise

Discover the Bay Cruise including Island Buffet Lunch
Price
$180 Adult
Adult price is 16 years+
$90 Child
Child 5 -15 years | Under 5 years travel free

Discover the spectacular scenery of this New Zealand paradise and learn about the area’s rich culture and history with full commentary from our local skipper. When conditions permit, get up close to the dramatic cliffs at Cape Brett and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako.

Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings and keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, birdlife and seals during your cruise.

Your trip includes a stop at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation’s Urupukapuka Island and a delicious Island Buffet Lunch^ at the Otehei Bay Café & Bar. You will also have time to explore the island, enjoy a swim at the sandy bay or hire a kayak (during peak season).

Highlights:

  • Scenic cruise on board our purpose-built vessel with large viewing decks and air-conditioned cabin
  • Visit the Cape Brett Peninsula and travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako, when conditions permit
  • Opportunity to view marine mammals including dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and more (conditions permitting)
  • 1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay including a delicious Island Buffet Lunch^ at the Otehei Bay Cafe & Bar with a selection of meats and salad
  • Time to explore Urupukapuka Island, take a swim, snorkel, or hire a kayak (kayaks available in peak season)
  • Drinks and snacks available to purcase on board
  • Option to extend your stay at Otehei Bay and return on a later Explore ferry at no extra cost (morning cruise only - please contact our reservations team to book your return ferry)


Explore Group is one of only two operators in the Bay of Islands licensed by the Department of Conservation to interact with Marine Mammals. Please note that as marine mammals are wild there will be occasions where we do not encounter them during our cruise.

This cruise operates in partnership with Fullers Bay of Islands Cream Trip Super Cruise / Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise - some departures may code share.

^Island Buffet Lunch is subject to minimum numbers. A lunch voucher for Otehei Bay will be provided if the buffet is not available.

Department of Conservation Approved