Where in the World?

Question: Where in the world can you sail through a massive rock arch formed by millions of years of erosion (or, according to legend, an ancient warrior’s spear)?

Answer: The "Hole in the Rock" in New Zealand's Bay of Islands.

Located off the wild end of the Bay of Islands' Cape Brett in New Zealand, the "Hole in the Rock" is a massive rock arch that sprouts proudly above the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. The open space within the arch—the actual “Hole in the Rock”—is approximately 52 feet high and 82 feet wide, making it just slightly smaller than a basketball court yet large enough for small boats to pass through during calm weather conditions.

This iconic arch is composed of ancient volcanic materials that have been battered and sculpted by the relentless, powerful waves and winds of the Pacific Ocean over the course of eons. The formation is part of the larger geological landscape of the Bay of Islands, which was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The soft rock has been gradually eroded over time, thus creating the distinctive shape that we see today.

For the Māori people—the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand—the "Hole in the Rock" holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. They call the rock "Motu Kōkako," which has ancient origins and, when literally translated, means “Kōkako Island.” The Kōkako is a bird that once inhabited the motu (or island), whose feathers were valued by a powerful iwi (tribe) known as the Ngāpuhi. Historically, young Ngāpuhi male warriors would journey to Motu Kōkako and climb its steep cliffs to gather Kōkako feathers for their feathered cloaks.

One Māori legend states that Motu Kōkako was the landing place of Tūnui-a-rangi—one of the great ocean-going, voyaging canoes that was used in the migrations that settled Aotearoa (New Zealand). Another legend tells of a great Māori warrior, Kahukura, who is said to have used his spear to pierce the rock and create a passageway: According to the tale, Kahukura created the hole to provide a safer route for his people to navigate through the treacherous waters surrounding the island.

The "Hole in the Rock" was first documented by European explorers in the late 18th century when, during his first voyage to New Zealand in 1769, the renowned British navigator Captain James Cook visited the Bay of Islands. Although Captain Cook did not specifically mention the "Hole in the Rock" in his records, it is likely that his crew observed this striking feature as they charted the coastline. They decided to name Motu Kōkako "Piercy Island" in honor of one of the Lords of the Admiralty.

Call it what you please, but there’s no denying that Motu Kōkako, "Piercy Island," or the “Hole in the Rock” is now a popular destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Boat tours depart regularly from the nearby town of Paihia, offering the opportunity to get up close and personal with this natural wonder. On a calm day, skilled skippers can even navigate their vessels through the narrow opening, providing an awe-inspiring experience for passengers. The surrounding waters are also home to an abundance of marine life—including dolphins (check out the “Interesting Facts” section below to learn more about these friendly fellows!), seals, penguins, seabirds, and even whales—making the journey to the "Hole in the Rock" a truly immersive nature experience.

Indeed, an immersive nature experience is exactly what the island’s shepherds are aiming to not only create but preserve: The "Hole in the Rock" and the surrounding Bay of Islands are protected as part of the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park (established in 1978). The Department of Conservation—in collaboration with local Māori tribes—works tirelessly to maintain the ecological balance of the area. In fact, Piercy Island is probably the most important island in the Bay of Islands in conservation terms, being in near pristine condition with no evidence of introduced animals.

5 Interesting Facts About the "Hole in the Rock":

• All throughout the year, the waters around the "Hole in the Rock" are home to a thriving population of bottlenose dolphins. These playful creatures often approach boats and delight visitors with their acrobatic antics.


• The "Hole in the Rock" is not the only rock formation in the Bay of Islands. Nearby, you can also find the "Cathedral Cave," another impressive sea cave that can be explored by boat. Here, a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves.


• The Māori name for the Bay of Islands is "Ipipiri," which means "many places to fish, swim, settle, and enjoy the beauty." This name reflects the roughly 150 islands that dot the bay, each ripe with natural bounties and breathtaking sights.


• Motu Kokako Ahu Whenua Trust—the island's owners—want payment for the thousands of tourists who go through the “Hole in the Rock” each year, while boat operators argue they have the right to navigate through it. It's a dispute that remains unresolved.


• According to folklore, if you make a wish while passing through the "Hole in the Rock," it will come true—just remember to keep your wish a secret, or it may not be granted!

Make a passage through the naturally sculpted Hole in the Rock aboard a catamaran during the New Zealand's Bay of Islands pre-trip extension of our Pure New Zealand adventure.