The Poor Knights Islands are an internationally renowned diving destination, and the hole in the rock is an iconic must see NZ activity. Tick them both off your bucket list with this incredible combo of experiences!
Poor Knights Islands:
An epic day awaits you at the world famous Poor Knights Islands marine reserve!
On the ride over, one of the crew will have a chat with you about your experience level and how they can tailor the day to suit you. The snorkeling at the Knights is simply fantastic and don’t feel like you will see less than the divers, because, oh my goodness, that is simply not true!
The life in the top 5 meter’s is probably the most prolific, and the light makes it the most colorful area. The kayaks are yours to use for the day, and the bottom is often seen from the surface.
The crew will anchor up and serve lunch and stay in one spot for about two and a half hours. Here you can bomb off the boat, try kayaking and SUP, go snorkeling, have lunch, grab a hot shower, jump back in the crystal waters, and eat some more!! The time is yours, the crew are there to help you enjoy the time in this magical place.
Worried about the water? Can’t swim as well as you would like? There are life jackets, reef boards, noodles, and flotation devices – as well as a camera that screens the fish action from below. You don’t have to get wet to see the fish! There is an onboard photographer, so jump in front of the lens if you want to capture some memories. The photos are yours for free.
At about 2.30pm, you up anchor, and start a tour of the Islands, including the World’s largest sea cave, huge arches, and majestic cliffs. The knowledgeable and passionate crew will tell you stories and educate you about the Islands as we travel. There is a tragic Maori history that unfolds around you, the dramatic cliffs and breath-taking scenery lend itself to the tale, and the birdlife is unique to the Island. Granted full marine reserve status and being a nature reserve as well, the islands are well protected and very special. Giant weta, 1000 tuatara, 2.5 million Buller shearwater birds, dolphins, gannet colonies, whales, sting rays, teeming schools of fish…..an awesome and unforgettable experience!
There is plenty of time to use the kayaks provided, to go for a snorkel, and to relax in the sun and eat your yummy buffet lunch. Then you are headed for home and back inside the harbor at around 4pm
Hole in the Rock cruise:
The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand so this helicopter scenic flight offers exceptional views of these beautiful islands leading to the infamous “Hole in the Rock”.
Departing from the beachfront helipad in Paihia the flight heads across Russell with views over to Opua and surrounds before tracking along the stunning peninsula coastline to Cape Brett and it’s lighthouse where you will experience an exciting turn to fly around the Hole in the Rock.
The return portion of the flight flys directly over the main islands of the area with birds eye views of their white sandy beaches, inviting turquoise waters and some of the luxurious private residences. Coming into land you will fly past the Paihia township.
For generations a visit to Hole in the Rock has been something that Kiwi’s have done – but here’s a more exciting way to get our and experience it!
