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Hole in the Rock Bay of Islands: Complete Visitor Guide

The iconic sea arch at Cape Brett — one of New Zealand's most dramatic natural landmarks
The Hole in the Rock (Motukokako) at Cape Brett, Bay of Islands — a dramatic sea arch

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Essential Info

  • Māori Name: Motukokako
  • Location: Cape Brett, Bay of Islands
  • Access: Boat only — from Paihia or Russell
  • Cruise duration: Full day or half day
  • Drive to Paihia: ~35 min from Kerikeri
  • Dolphins: Common year-round

The Hole in the Rock (Motukokako) is one of New Zealand's most iconic natural landmarks — a 12-metre sea arch carved by waves through a volcanic island at Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands. Passing through the arch by boat is a bucket-list experience for anyone visiting Northland. From Kerigold Chalets in Kerikeri, the departure point of Paihia is just 35 minutes' drive, making this a perfect day trip.

About the Hole in the Rock

Motukokako (the Māori name for the island containing the arch) is a steep, dramatic rock island rising from the sea at the eastern end of the Bay of Islands. Over thousands of years, wave action has carved a natural tunnel — approximately 12 metres high and wide enough for boats to pass through when conditions allow.

The island sits within the Cape Brett Peninsula, which forms the eastern boundary of the Bay of Islands. The cape is managed by DOC (Department of Conservation) and features a historic lighthouse, walking track and hut. The surrounding waters are part of the Bay of Islands Marine Reserve approach zone and are rich in marine life.

The Arch

The passage through the Hole in the Rock is one of the most thrilling moments of any Bay of Islands cruise. Boats can pass through only when sea conditions are calm — on rougher days, the captain will assess conditions and may pass alongside rather than through the arch. Even on those days, the views are spectacular.

Cruise Options

All visits to the Hole in the Rock are via guided boat cruise from Paihia or Russell. There are several cruise types to choose from:

Full-Day Island Cruise

The most popular option — a full-day cruise visiting the Hole in the Rock, stopping at uninhabited islands for swimming and snorkelling, and often including a visit to the historic township of Russell. Lunch may be included or purchased on board. Duration: approximately 5–6 hours.

Hole in the Rock Express (Half-Day)

A faster option specifically focused on reaching the Hole in the Rock and returning, with stops for dolphin watching along the way. Duration: approximately 3–4 hours. Available morning and afternoon.

Sailing Cruise

Several operators offer sailing trips to the Hole in the Rock aboard traditional sailing vessels or modern yachts. A more relaxed, intimate way to experience the Bay of Islands. See our Bay of Islands Cruise guide for full details.

Mack Attack Speedboat

For a high-adrenaline option, Mack Attack offers a fast speedboat experience to the Hole in the Rock — reaching the arch in much less time than traditional cruises, with thrilling stops along the way.

Cruise Operators

Booking Your Cruise

  • Fullers GreatSights — the largest operator; full-day and half-day cruises, depart from Paihia and Russell
  • Explore NZ — sailing and eco-cruise options with dolphin guarantee
  • Mack Attack — speedboat adventure to the Rock
  • Carino Sailing — intimate sailing trips in the Bay
  • Dolphin Discoveries — dolphin-swim and cruise experiences

Cruises depart from the Paihia wharf, which is approximately 35 minutes' drive from Kerigold Chalets. Book in advance during peak season (December–February).

Dolphin Watching

The Bay of Islands is renowned for its dolphin population. Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are frequently encountered in large pods, and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are also seen regularly. Many operators offer a dolphin guarantee — if you don't see dolphins, you get a free repeat cruise.

Wildlife You Might See

  • Common dolphins — frequent, often in pods of 50–200
  • Bottlenose dolphins — the larger, more acrobatic species
  • Orca (killer whales) — occasionally, especially in winter months
  • Bronze whaler sharks — sometimes visible at the surface
  • Gannets and shearwaters — seabirds nesting on Cape Brett
  • Little blue penguins (kororā) — occasionally spotted near rocky shores

Visitor Tips

Making the Most of Your Day

  • Book your cruise online in advance, especially in summer — popular cruises sell out
  • Dress in layers — it can be cool on the water even on warm days
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
  • Take seasickness medication if you're prone — the outer bay can be choppy
  • A polarised lens helps for dolphin and underwater photography
  • The morning cruise often has calmer sea conditions for passing through the arch
  • Combine with a visit to historic Russell — New Zealand's first capital — via the passenger ferry from Paihia

Nearby Attractions

Getting to Paihia from Kerigold Chalets

Paihia wharf is approximately 35 minutes from our chalets in Kerikeri. Follow Kerikeri Road south, join SH10, then SH11 into Paihia. Paid parking is available near the wharf.

Where to Stay for a Bay of Islands Cruise

Stay at Kerigold Chalets in Kerikeri — 35 minutes from the Paihia departure point. Our self-contained chalets give you the flexibility to start your cruise day at your own pace:

Stay at Kerigold Chalets

The perfect Kerikeri base for your Bay of Islands cruise and Hole in the Rock adventure.

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