The Hole in the Rock is the classic boat-trip destination from Paihia and Russell. Tour vessels run out to Cape Brett, the eastern headland of the bay, where wind and waves have eaten a tunnel right through Piercy Island. On calm days the boats slip through the gap one at a time, ducking under the dripping basalt roof while gannets nest overhead.
Most cruises take three to four hours and combine the trip with island stops, dolphin spotting, and lunch at a sheltered bay. The standard departure points are Paihia wharf and Russell. Several operators run the route — Explore Group and Fullers GreatSights are the largest — and conditions can change quickly, so flexible bookings help. The water at Cape Brett is usually a vivid blue and the cliffs are nesting habitat for sooty shearwaters and red-billed gulls.