Bay of Islands Adventure: Exploring the Famous Hole in the Rock
Bay of Islands Adventure: Exploring the Famous Hole in the Rock
Posted by Everything New Zealand: 20 Jun 2024 @ 14:18:19 - Comments
It could be easy to get overwhelmed when planning a Bay of Islands marine adventure - after all, there’s 144 islands just between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula alone! How are you possibly meant to know where and how to visit?
Fear not: with an incredible range of Bay of Islands tour and island cruising options, the planning’s been done for you. All that’s left for you to do is to get ready to soak in an island adventure you’ll never forget. Our personal recommendation? Exploring the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ at Piercy Island!
What’s so great about this Hole in the Rock?
Far from just another natural beauty hot spot for your tourist highlight reel, the Hole in the Rock is a rare and unique geological formation that’s been shaped inch by inch over thousands of years as a result of wind and wave erosion. As a result, there’s now a hole large enough that boats can pass through, giving us the benefit of getting up close and personal with this natural phenomenon during a Bay of Islands attractions tour.
In these sheltered waters, you can enjoy first-hand sightings of dolphins, whales, and other marine life while making your way to the Hole in the Rock. This island features sheer cliffs that tower close to 150 metres out of the sea, commandeering your attention. It’s common for visitors to hold their breath while ‘squeezing’ through the Hole, safe and sound on their boat - you’re going to be in good hands with an experienced local skipper who’s done it many times before, but it’s fun to join in the breath-holding routine anyway!
Not only is this Hole in the Rock an unforgettable example of nature’s dramatic evolutionary rhythms, but it’s also a beautiful excuse to sail through the crystal-clear waters that surround the Bay of Islands. This is a prospect made all the more enticing by the fact that there’s truly no bad weather when it comes to planning a visit: with no deep winter chills, you can enjoy this experience year-round.
Other Bay of Islands attractions
Once you’ve experienced the natural magic of squeezing your way through the Hole in the Rock, what else do you have to look forward to when it comes to Bay of Islands attractions?
This one may be obvious, but it’ll still catch you by surprise when you experience it for yourself: this area is teeming with vibrant marine life. This is the perfect spot to set sail for if you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply ready to spend some time taking in dolphins and whales in their natural habitats. With all kinds of seabirds also calling the area home, there’s no shortage of local New Zealand animals for you to meet during this island tour.
You’ll also get to soak in the rich history that defines the region. The Bay of Islands is a key area in New Zealand’s early European history. Islands within the group can give you powerful glimpses into the past, with well-preserved buildings and the Russell Museum speaking to local history of interest.
If you’re more in the mood for a wander, the Bay of Islands over-indulges when it comes to scenic walking paths. These are views you’ll never get sick of, with experiences ranging from coastal walks at Cape Brett through to forest hikes on Urupukapuka Island. Once you’ve had your fill of island cruising and rock formations, it’s time to hit the trails.
You can also indulge in the rhythm of dreamy, inviting island life, with no shortage of sandy beaches to relax on, local cuisine to sample, and a laid-back lifestyle to adapt during your visit. With tourist attractions in hubs like Paihia, you’ll find yourself welcomed to shore. That stress knot you’ve been carrying around on your shoulders thanks to your 9-5 commitments? It’ll be gone before you know it!
Finding your Bay of Islands tour
Boat tours, day tours, overnight tours and skydiving - with a plethora of options, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is make your choice.
There are all kinds of beautiful ways to experience the Bay of Islands for yourself, with different tours offering different experiences of the Hole in the Rock and surrounding Bay of Islands attractions. Take a look at some of our favourite options and find the adventure that’s designed just for you.
Whether incredible rock formations are your cup of tea or you’re simply ready for an island cruising adventure in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, the Bay of Islands is the destination you’ve been searching for. Book your adventure today and get ready to witness this natural playground for yourself!
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