Paihia: Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock

Trying to find a way to see the best of New Zealand’s North Island without spending hours on land? The Paihia Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock offers a fantastic water-based adventure that combines scenic views, fun fish encounters, and a bit of natural wonder. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 283 reviews, this tour seems to deliver genuine value and memorable moments, especially considering its reasonable price of $73 per person for a 2.5-hour trip.

We love that this experience is family-friendly, offers an up-close look at the coast’s beauty, and gives travelers a chance to feed fish and peer through a glass floor—an activity that delights kids and adults alike. The natural highlight, of course, is sailing through the famous Hole in the Rock, a dramatic tunnel carved by the sea. That said, a potential drawback to consider is that weather conditions can sometimes prevent getting through the hole, which might be disappointing if you’re hoping to experience that specific part of the tour.

This trip is especially well-suited for families, first-time visitors, and water lovers who want a relaxed yet engaging way to explore the Bay of Islands. If you’re after a small-group experience with knowledgeable guides, this tour ticks those boxes too.

Contents show

Key Points

Stunning scenery including beaches, cliffs, and secluded coves
Unique experience of sailing through the Hole in the Rock
Glass bottom viewing offers a fascinating look at underwater life
Feeding the fish adds a fun, interactive element
Small group size ensures personalized attention and safety
Weather dependent—can affect the ability to pass through the Hole

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Paihia Glass Bottom Boat Tour is designed to maximize the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands while keeping the experience light and fun. The boat departs from Paihia’s Main Wharf, making it easy to access, and the two and a half hours is a perfect length—long enough to see key sights without feeling rushed.

The tour’s star attraction is, of course, sailing through the famous Hole in the Rock. If weather permits, your captain will confidently guide the boat right through this natural tunnel, which is quite a sight to behold. Several reviewers, including those who faced choppier waters, shared that the captain’s skill and local knowledge made for a safe and smooth passage. Jeff, the guide, especially earns praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable—even when weather conditions were less than ideal, he managed to make the trip enjoyable.

The tour also takes you past Deep Water Cove and through the Okahu Passage, offering excellent viewpoints of the rugged coastline. The last stop is Otehei Bay, where the boat’s glass floor is lifted, revealing the inviting blue water below. Here, feeding the fish becomes the highlight, with some reviewers describing it as a “fabulous” activity that allows close-up interaction with colorful snapper swimming beneath the boat.

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Paihia

Itinerary Breakdown and Highlights

Departure and First Stops

The tour begins at the Main Wharf in Paihia, where you’ll meet your small group and board a fast, well-maintained boat that promises both comfort and agility. The small group size—limited to 14 participants—means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and your guide has more time to answer questions and customize your experience.

Sailing through the Hole in the Rock

The most anticipated part of the trip is navigating through the Hole in the Rock. The guide’s expertise is clear, with many reviewers noting their guides’ local knowledge and safety awareness. While weather can sometimes prevent passage—some guests mention choppy seas or swell—when clear, this is a truly spectacular moment. Several reviews, including one from a visitor who sailed through with “fabulous views,” emphasize how memorable this part is.

More Great Tours Nearby

Viewing Coastal Wonders

As you sail past golden beaches, secluded coves, and dramatic cliffs, you’ll get a chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of the coast from the water. One reviewer pointed out that the trip felt “well organized,” and the boat’s speed allowed for a comprehensive look at the coastline in a short time, making it excellent value for money.

There's plenty more to explore in Paihia

Fish Feeding and Glass Bottom Experience

At Otehei Bay, the boat’s glass floor is lifted, revealing the marine life beneath. Feeding the fish with provided food is a hit with guests, who describe the activity as “awesome” and “thrilling.” Several mention the clarity of the glass bottom and the vibrant fish, including snapper, swimming close enough to touch.

Additional Stops and Viewpoints

During the trip, the boat also traverses Deep Water Cove and Okahu Passage, giving you plenty of picture-worthy moments of the bay’s natural landscape, often commented on by guests as “beautiful” and “breathtaking.”

The Experience and Practicalities

Duration and Group Size

The 2.5-hour tour strikes a good balance—long enough to see multiple sights and enjoy the fish-feeding, but not so long that it drags on. The small group limit of 14 enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction with the guide and less crowding.

Comfort and Accessibility

The boat is described as “amazing,” with comfortable seating and excellent visibility. However, it’s worth noting that not suitable for wheelchair users, so if mobility is a concern, you might want to consider alternative options.

Weather Considerations

Several reviews mention that choppy waters can hinder passage through the Hole in the Rock, but the guides generally make the most of conditions, offering alternative sightseeing when needed. The safety-first approach is repeatedly praised, with guides like Jeff and Pete earning compliments on their handling of the boat in rougher seas.

Price and Value

At $73 per person, this tour offers great value—especially considering the personalized experience, knowledgeable guides, and unique activities like fish feeding and the glass bottom floor. Guests mention that it’s “worth every cent” and a “good value for money”, particularly because it combines scenery, wildlife, and interactive fun.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes the boat ride and food for the fish, but you’ll want to bring your own snacks, water, sunscreen, and sun protection gear. There’s no included food or drinks, and transportation to the meeting point is not provided, so plan to arrive a few minutes early at the Bay of Islands Adventures Office.

Authentic Guest Insights

Many guests comment on the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Jeff and Pete. One described Jeff as “very knowledgeable and very friendly,” emphasizing how the guides make the experience both informative and fun. Others appreciated the fabulous captain on the boat and how safety was always prioritized, even in choppy conditions.

The feeding activity consistently earns praise, with guests describing it as “awesome,” and “very interactive.” Several mention how much the kids enjoyed the fish swimming beneath the glass, making it a family favorite.

Some reviews highlight the small boat size—with only six to twelve people onboard—creating a more intimate atmosphere and better access for wildlife viewing.

Final Verdict

This tour is ideal for those wanting an authentic, engaging way to explore the Bay of Islands with minimal fuss. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and unique features like the glass bottom floor make it stand out among other options. Although weather conditions can influence the experience, the guides’ expertise ensures a safe and enjoyable trip most of the time.

The value for money is clear—you’re paying for a well-organized, intimate adventure that offers more than just scenery. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a solo traveler craving a different perspective on New Zealand’s coastline, this tour is worth considering.

For those who love marine life, scenic coastal views, and a bit of thrill, this trip hits the mark. If passing through the Hole in the Rock is a must-do for your bucket list, and you want a fun, safe, and memorable experience, this tour will serve you well.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 2.5 hours, offering plenty of time for sightseeing, fish feeding, and enjoying the scenery.

What is included in the price?
Your fare includes the boat tour itself and food for the fish, making it easy to enjoy the interactive activity without extra costs.

Can I expect to go through the Hole in the Rock?
Most of the time, yes. Weather conditions can sometimes prevent passage, but your guide will do their best to navigate through when possible.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids generally love the experience—feeding fish and seeing the underwater view through the glass bottom floor is a highlight for families.

Are there any accessibility issues?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and pet policy prohibits animals onboard.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, snacks, and water are recommended to stay comfortable during the trip.

To sum it up, the Paihia Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, interactive fun, and expert guidance. It’s a fantastic way to see the Bay of Islands from a different perspective—especially if you’re traveling with family or seeking a memorable, laid-back adventure. While weather can be unpredictable, the overall experience, guided by passionate locals, provides genuine value and authentic fun for everyone.