Motukōkako Island, more commonly known as "The Hole in the Rock", is one of the most iconic locations in Northland. The dramatic rock towers 148 metres above the sea and is famous for its sheer cliffs and 60-foot hole, which has been sculpted over centuries by wind and waves.

Today, it's one of the most beautiful and visited sites in New Zealand. To visit Motukōkako Island, book a tour from Paihia or Russell. Your guide will take you out near the Cape Brett Peninsula. As you pass by the cape, keep an eye out for the red-roofed DOC hut and Cape Brett Lighthouse. If you want to visit them up close, I highly recommend doing the Cape Brett Track from Deep Water Cove or Rawhiti. It's long, but one of the best hikes I've done!

The best part of the whole tour is when the captain steers the boat through the narrow archway. The crossing isn't always possible and depends on the weather conditions. But if you're lucky to visit on a calm day, you'll get a great look at the rocks as you pass through.