Overnight Cruise - The Rock
Highlights & inclusions
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May 2026
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What you can expect
From the moment you step foot onto The Rock Overnight Cruise, you will realise that – not only do the crew love their jobs – but they all absolutely adore the Bay of Islands area! By the time you step off the boat the next day, you will know why. The stunning Bay of Islands is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s – and the world’s – most beautiful areas.
Thankfully, about a decade ago, some insightful kiwis decided to convert a circa 1969 car ferry into a purpose built cruise vessel, so now you can enjoy this gorgeous area for an entire 22 hours on ‘The Rock’! This amazing vessel features large, open decks (perfect for dropping a line in the water, swimming, kayaking, snorkelling or target shooting) and a gorgeous spacious downstairs living area that contains a dining area, lounge, bar, open fire and piano. The upstairs cabins all offer spectacular views, with doors that open out onto observation decks.
With an intimate cruise group size of no more than 36 guests, meal times are enjoyable and sociable. The small group sizes – as well as the overnight timeframe – means you get a chance to try out all of the many activities available during the cruise. The exciting itinerary (shown below) offers a plethora of fun activities to suit every taste and level of experience, and all equipment is provided. You can also choose to explore on your own during the island visit, and try to spot some of the amazing wildlife. Of course, you may choose to just simply relax, take in the sights, soak up the sun on deck with a glass of wine and a good book, or have a calming snooze – the choice is totally up to you! Whatever you choose, you can be sure of having an amazing trip that will leave you smiling for a very long time.
Location
What you need to know
- Dinner, lunch & breakfast
- Accommodation in a multi share cabin (sleep 6) or a private family cabin (sleep 4)
- Fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, island exploring, night kayaking, target shooting, seafood tasting & much more
- Typical Itinerary
- Day One Options Shooting competition (with plastic ducks, of course!), Two or three hours cruising to the gorgeous outer islands, Fishing for Snapper at dusk, Buffet dinner around sunset, Kayaking under the stars, Astronomy talk, Swimming at night, Music by the bar & comfortable log fire, Pool playing competition
- Day Two Options A.glorious sunrise from the deck, A delicious continental breakfast, Lunch (ham, beef or vegetarian options), Cruising & exploring the sights, Sea kayaking, Snorkelling, Mussel diving, Walks along the Islands, Beach-combing, Cricket, rugby & other games, Some of the amazing fauna you will spot may include rare sea birds, schools of fish, penguins & dolphins, as well as a variety of other sea-life & mammals on the islands.
- 22 hours (overnight)
- 5pm from Paihia wharf (returns by 3pm the next day)
- Summer (Oct-Apr) - departs Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
- Winter (May-Sep) - departs Saturdays only
- There are often extra departures so if you ware wishing to travel on a date that is not available to book on our website please contact us & we can check if there is a trip available
- Please note cancellation within 3 months will incur a 20% cancellation fee, cancellation within 30 days will incur a 100% cancellation fee
- Cabins are multi share (sleep 6), private cabins (sleep 1 or 2) or family cabins (sleeps 4). If you want to have a room to yourself you must book a private cabin (sleeps 1)
- All rooms have stunning ocean views
- Children are welcome but you must book a private family cabin or book 6 x multi share for a larger 6 bed cabin
- Only operates on Saturdays during winter months
- During peak times the boat can depart daily so contact us if you would like to go on a day other than a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday
- Bring cash for the bar, towel, swimsuit, a warm jacket & a sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag & wetsuits can be hired on board
- Vegetarian meals available
- Absolutely no alcohol or drugs to be brought aboard The Rock. A full cash bar is available onboard
- We recommend parking your car at the Pay and Display carpark ($8 overnight) opposite the police station which is only a 3 minute walk to the wharf where the boat leaves from
- Change your booking up to 72 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 72 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no-shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
Recent reviews
Great time had , looked after well
This is one of the best experiences I have ever had. My husband and I had a fabulous time and we recommend to all - even if you are a 'bit older'.
It was an amazing cruise, however it was hard to find, there did not seem to be many advertisements for it and it took a good couple of hours to find this cruise, with pages upon pages of searches just showing very expensive older adult type cruises or short ones.
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 5446
- This experience is supplied by The Rock Overnight Cruise through Bay of Islands