Private Charter: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Island Stopovers

The best thing about this charter is the freedom to shape the day. You can spend more time swimming off a quiet island, take the short lookout walk on Roberton Island, or focus on the famous Hole in the Rock. I like the included snorkelling and paddleboarding gear, and I like that the trip works for mixed-age families. The main catch is the price: $3,723.44 per group, shown for up to one participant, so you should confirm the group pricing before paying.

This is a weather-dependent boat trip, not a fixed sightseeing run. The skipper decides what is safe, and the route can change with sea conditions. Skippers named Nick, Adam, and Lin have led these outings, with a strong focus on local knowledge, friendly service, and careful boat handling.

Key points at a glance

• Roberton Island lookout: Take a short walk to views over the island’s Twin Lagoons.
• Hole in the Rock: Cruise past Piercy Island, Cape Brett Lighthouse, and Cathedral Cave, with a possible passage through the rock if conditions allow.
• Remote island time: Choose swimming, snorkelling, walking, lunch, or simple beach time at Urupukapuka, Waewaetorea, or Moturua.
• Free water gear: Snorkels and stand-up paddleboards are provided, making it easier to try more than sightseeing.
• Wildlife setting: The route passes through a Marine Mammal Sanctuary and Project Island Song Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Private flexibility: Only your group takes part, so the day can suit children, adults, and mixed interests.

A private way to see the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is made for a boat. More than 140 subtropical islands scatter across clear coastal water, and a private charter lets you see several sides of the area in one outing. You are not tied to a single beach or forced to spend the whole morning on one activity.

The advertised trip lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes and begins at 9:00 am. That makes it a half-day experience, though the water-based setting can make the time feel full. You will cruise, stop ashore, and have room for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or walking.

I like this setup for families and groups with different ideas about a good day. One person can walk, another can swim, and someone else can stay on the boat taking photos. The skipper can adjust the balance instead of following a rigid series of timed stops.

There is also a clear tradeoff. A private charter costs far more than a standard shared cruise, so it makes the most sense when the expense is divided among a larger group. The stated price is $3,723.44 per group, listed for up to one participant. Because that wording does not explain larger-group pricing, contact Island Getaway Tours before booking if you are travelling with family or friends.

Starting at Paihia Wharf

Check in at Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf. The waterfront location is easy to find and close to public transport. The trip can also begin from Russell Wharf, which gives you another option if you are staying across the bay.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the wharf. Allow enough time to find the pier and check in for the 9:00 am departure. Bring a swimsuit and towel, even if you think you will only cruise. The route includes several chances to swim or use the provided water equipment.

The boat is private for your group. That matters more than it may sound. You can ask questions, discuss the route, and make choices without trying to hear a guide over a large crowd. It also helps families with children, since the day can be shaped around energy levels and attention spans.

Cruising through 144 islands

The first part of the outing is a scenic cruise through the island-dotted bay. The skipper provides commentary and information along the way, with a chance to look for native birds and marine life.

The route passes through the Marine Mammal Sanctuary and Project Island Song Wildlife Sanctuary. These protected areas add more meaning to the cruise. You are not simply passing pretty islands. You are moving through places set aside for wildlife and conservation.

Keep your eyes open rather than treating the boat ride as a gap between stops. Marine life may appear in the water, while native birds can be seen around the islands. The supplied details do not promise a particular animal sighting, so I would treat wildlife as a possibility rather than a guarantee.

This part of the charter is also useful for getting your bearings. You see how scattered the islands are and why a boat is the practical way to reach beaches, coves, and walking tracks that are not connected by road.

Roberton Island and the Twin Lagoons

The first named island stop is Motuarohia, also called Roberton Island. You have about 40 minutes here, including the short walking track to a lookout over the Twin Lagoons.

This is a good early stop because it adds a little walking to a day that could otherwise be entirely on the water. The lookout gives you a broad view of the island and its sheltered lagoons, while the short track keeps the stop manageable for most ages.

I would wear shoes that are comfortable for a brief walk, though the activity is presented as suitable for all ages and most people. Forty minutes is enough for the lookout and photos, but it is not a long hike. If your group prefers swimming or snorkelling to walking, this stop may feel brief and less exciting than the later island time.

For families, the short nature of the walk is useful. You get a change of scene without committing to a demanding track. For keen walkers, it is best seen as a lookout visit rather than a hiking session.

Piercy Island and Hole in the Rock

The cruise then reaches Motukokako, better known as Piercy Island. Here the main sights are the famous Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett Lighthouse, and Cathedral Cave.

The signature moment is the passage through the rock itself. The boat will go through the hole if conditions permit. That final condition matters. Sea and weather conditions control the decision, so you should enjoy the approach, the rock formation, and the surrounding coast even if the boat cannot pass through.

This is one of the strongest reasons to book the charter. You get the classic Bay of Islands sight without giving up the private format. The skipper can explain the area and handle the boat while you concentrate on the cliffs, lighthouse, and cave.

The stop is listed at about 30 minutes, but this is primarily a scenic boat visit rather than a shore excursion. You should not expect to get out and wander around Piercy Island. The appeal is seeing the rock and nearby coastal features from the water.

Choosing your main island stop

The longest part of the charter is the final island stop, with about 1 hour and 20 minutes available. You may stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, or choose Waewaetorea or Moturua Island depending on the plan and conditions.

This is where the private format becomes most useful. You can put your time toward the activity your group actually wants instead of checking off another short viewpoint.

Urupukapuka Island and Otehei Bay

At Otehei Bay, you can explore walking tracks, swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach. The bay also has a cafe, giving you the option of buying lunch on the island.

The mention of feeding fish in the Marine Reserve may appeal to children, though you should follow the skipper’s instructions and any local rules. The reserve setting also gives you a reason to bring the snorkel gear. You may see marine life close to shore, but conditions and visibility can vary.

Otehei Bay is the most convenient choice if your group wants several options in one place. Walkers can take a track, swimmers can use the beach, and anyone who wants a quieter break can simply sit by the water. The cafe is helpful if you prefer not to carry a meal, but lunch there is not included.

Waewaetorea or Moturua Island

The other option is a stop at Waewaetorea or Moturua Island. These islands offer walking tracks, swimming, snorkelling, and beach time, along with a pre-packed lunch option.

This choice may suit you if you want a more picnic-style stop. The supplied details do not specify which island you will visit, so the skipper and conditions help determine the final plan. That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not book expecting one exact beach or walking route.

The 1 hour and 20 minutes goes quickly once you combine lunch, changing, swimming, and walking. If snorkelling is a priority, tell the skipper early so the stop can allow enough time. If you have young children, a relaxed beach stop may be more realistic than trying to fit in every activity.

Swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding

Snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are provided at no extra charge. That is a practical benefit because you do not need to rent gear separately or pack bulky equipment for a short outing.

Bring your swimsuit and towel. If you want to snorkel, ask about the best spot and timing rather than waiting until the final few minutes of the stop. The charter includes the chance to swim and snorkel, but it does not promise particular water conditions or marine sightings.

One skipper, Lin, has been associated with taking care of the snorkelling side of the outing and with showing people small marine life such as starfish and sea urchins. That gives you a sense of the close-up attention this charter can offer. Still, the actual guide and conditions on your day may differ.

The paddleboards are a nice extra for confident swimmers and active groups. They also give teenagers and adults something to do while younger children play near the beach. The activity is not only a sightseeing cruise, but it is also not a dedicated snorkelling expedition. The balance depends on your choices.

Lunch and the extra cost

Lunch is not included in the charter price. A pre-packed lunch can be arranged for $25 per person, or you can buy lunch at the Otehei Bay Cafe when that stop is selected.

This choice keeps the charter flexible, but it means you should plan ahead. A pre-packed lunch is simpler on an island stop. The cafe gives you a more casual meal option, but it depends on the route and the cafe being part of the day’s plan.

The published price of $25 per person is modest compared with the charter cost, but it is still an extra. If you have a large group, include lunch when working out the total. You may also prefer to ask the operator what is included in a pre-packed meal before confirming.

Is the high private price worth it?

At $3,723.44 per group, this is not a budget way to see the bay. The value comes from privacy, flexibility, equipment, commentary, and the ability to build the day around your own group.

For a couple, the price is difficult to justify unless private boat time is the main reason for booking. For a large family or a group of friends, the cost can make more sense when shared across the group. A large family party of 21 has used this kind of private charter, which shows that the format can handle a sizeable gathering, but you should confirm the exact passenger limit and price before booking.

I would compare this with the cost of several separate activities. The charter combines scenic cruising, island access, a Hole in the Rock visit, water equipment, and wildlife viewing. You also avoid spending the day on a preset schedule.

The drawback is that weather can affect the whole plan. The trip requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund, but personal cancellations are non-refundable and cannot be changed. This is important if your New Zealand schedule is tight.

Who should book this charter?

I would recommend it most strongly to families and groups who want control over the pace. It works well when some people want to swim, others want to walk, and everyone wants time on the water.

It is also a good choice for a special group outing. The private format keeps the experience personal, and skippers such as Nick, Adam, and Lin have been noted for friendly service, local information, and confident boat handling.

I would think twice if you dislike changing plans with the weather, want a low-cost cruise, or need a guaranteed passage through Hole in the Rock. The boat can go through only if conditions allow, and the final island choice can depend on the day.

Should you book it?

Book this private charter if you value freedom more than a fixed schedule. The best parts are the flexible island time, included snorkelling and paddleboarding gear, and the chance to combine the Bay’s major sights with a quiet beach stop.

Before paying, confirm the passenger pricing, the boat’s capacity for your group, the likely island option, and lunch arrangements. If the $3,723.44 cost works for your party, this is a strong way to see the Bay of Islands without spending the day following someone else’s timetable.

FAQ

Where does the charter begin?

You can check in at Pier 10 on the Paihia Wharf. Russell Wharf is also listed as an alternative starting point.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:00 am.

How long does the charter last?

The charter lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Does the charter visit Hole in the Rock?

Yes. The route includes Piercy Island, Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett Lighthouse, and Cathedral Cave.

Will the boat go through Hole in the Rock?

The boat may pass through Hole in the Rock if conditions permit. The passage is not guaranteed.

Are snorkelling and paddleboarding equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are provided at no extra charge.

Is lunch included?

No. A pre-packed lunch costs NZ$25 per person. You can also buy lunch at Otehei Bay Cafe if the route includes Otehei Bay.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Personal cancellations or amendments are non-refundable.