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Boat trip · Paihia, Northland
Hole in the Rock
Rocky islet next to Cape Brett, at the entrance to the Bay of Islands, crossed by a natural tunnel; it is the most sought-after boat destination from Paihia and Russell.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Hole in the Rock
Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, is a rocky islet beside Cape Brett at the eastern tip of the Bay of Islands, with a natural tunnel that goes through it. In calm seas, tour boats pass through the hole.
The tour departs from Paihia and stops in Russell, crossing the bay among islands and coves. Dolphins often appear along the way, and boats observe them from a distance in accordance with marine wildlife protection rules. At Cape Brett you can see the lighthouse on top of the cliff.
Many tours stop at Urupukapuka Island, the largest in the bay, with beaches, trails and Māori archaeological sites; it is part of a native wildlife recovery project. There are also fast-boat trips, which are shorter, and sailing tours.
Passage through the tunnel depends on the sea and wind conditions that day; when the sea is rough, the boat goes around the islet.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one and a half hours to 4 hours, depending on the type of boat and the stops.
Best time
From October to April, when there are more departures per day. In the morning the sea is usually calmer. Passage through the tunnel only happens with favorable sea and wind conditions.
How to get there
Boats depart from the Paihia pier, with a stop at the Russell pier, several times a day in summer and with fewer departures in winter.
Tip
Choose a tour that stops at Urupukapuka if you want to walk or swim. Bring a jacket and rain cover even in summer: in the open sea at Cape Brett it’s windy and spray can reach you.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hole in the Rock
Does the boat always go through the Hole in the Rock?
No. Passage through the tunnel depends on the sea and wind that day; when the sea is rough, the boat goes around the islet.
How long is the trip to the Hole in the Rock?
From one and a half hours on a fast boat to about four hours for tours that stop at Urupukapuka.
Where does the tour to the Hole in the Rock depart from?
From the Paihia pier, with a stop at the Russell pier.
Can you see dolphins in the Bay of Islands?
Dolphins commonly appear during tours at various times of the year, but sightings depend on the animals.