Highlights
- Explore the Bay of Island
- Buffet dinner & cooked breakfast
- Kayaking & Snorkelling
- All rooms have stunning ocean views
Description
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.
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.
Trip Includes
- 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
Duration
Departures
- 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
Other Information
- 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
Normal Retail Prices
- Shared Cabin (Bunk Bed) : NZD$478.00
- Private Cabin (Double/Twin): NZD$1350.00
- Family Cabin (Family of 3): NZD$1955.00
- Family Cabin (Family of 4): NZD$2430.00
Read Risk Disclosure Statement
All prices shown in NZD$.
