WHANGAPARĀOA PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Catamaran, Dolphins and the Hole in the Rock: A Full Day in the Bay of Islands
A private, full-day catamaran tour from Auckland that visits Urupukapuka Island and the Hole in the Rock while hunting for dolphins — this guide focuses on route, highlights, and logistics.
Catamaran, Dolphins and the Hole in the Rock: A Full Day in the Bay of Islands.
Sail through the Bay of Islands on a private catamaran, scanning for dolphins and other marine life as you move among the region’s 144 islands. The full-day voyage includes a guided 4½-hour cruise, a stop on Urupukapuka Island for beaches and a summit view, a run to the famous Hole in the Rock at Motukokako Island and the Cape Brett Peninsula, and a scenic return drive to Auckland.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolphin encounters on a guided catamaran cruise
A guided 4½-hour cruise hunts for dolphins and other marine species while you sail a licensed catamaran across the bay among the 144 islands that define the region.
The Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett
The boat takes you to the iconic Hole in the Rock at Motukokako Island and out to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula for dramatic coastal views.
Urupukapuka Island’s beaches and summit
A stopover on Urupukapuka Island gives time to relax on sandy beaches or climb to the summit for a 360-degree outlook over this part of the Bay of Islands.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
The full-day private tour begins with a hotel pick-up in Auckland, then a scenic drive into the Far North before boarding a catamaran for a guided, wildlife-focused cruise. Expect several hours on the water—time spent hunting dolphins, moving among dozens of islands, pausing on Urupukapuka to stretch ashore, and approaching the Hole in the Rock—followed by a return to Auckland along Northland’s scenic roads.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private Bay of Islands tour works for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is listed as a Summer Tour.
There is an option to purchase drinks and snacks onboard the licensed vessel during the cruise.
The cruise operates on a licensed vessel where drinks and snacks can be purchased.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Bay of Islands Private Tour last?
The tour duration is 12 hours.
Where does the tour begin?
The full-day tour begins with a pick-up from Auckland; it starts with a hotel pick-up.
How long is the boat cruise portion?
The guided cruise lasts about 4 and a half hours.
What will we see on the cruise?
The cruise seeks dolphins and other marine life, sails among the Bay of Islands’ many islands, and includes visits to Urupukapuka Island and the Hole in the Rock.
Are food and drinks available on board?
There is an option to purchase drinks and snacks onboard the licensed vessel during the cruise.