The Rock Overnight Bay of Islands Cruise
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
December 2024
2. Select participants
What you can expect
The Rock Overnight Cruise offers a truly unique experience aboard a purpose-built floating houseboat, designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the Bay of Islands. This incredible cruise is perfect for those looking to explore New Zealand's stunning coastal landscape at a relaxed pace, with ample time to enjoy everything the area has to offer. A dedicated and professional crew is always on hand to ensure your comfort, safety, and enjoyment throughout the trip.
The Rock Cruise Overnight adventures is equipped with a variety of amenities, including an open fire, a spacious bar area featuring a pool table and piano, making it a welcoming place to relax and unwind. The cruise offers a fantastic range of activities, including snorkelling, fishing at dusk, and kayaking at night under the glow of phosphorescence. As night falls, indulge in a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars. Whether you’re eager to spot local wildlife, explore nearby islands, soak up the sun, or join in a friendly game of beach cricket, there's something for everyone. With plenty of free time, you can choose to be as active or relaxed as you like, making this an unforgettable, flexible adventure in one of New Zealand's most beautiful destinations.
Location
What you need to know
- Overnight cruise through the Bay of Islands
- Shared Cabin overnight accomodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Guided activities of kayaking, fishing, snorkelling
- Boarding begins at 5 pm from the Paihia Wharf (4 pm outside Daylight Savings)
- Introductions, safety briefing and cruise into the island
- Shooting competition or just playing pool and enjoying the scenery
- Trolling for Kahawai, a type of sea trout
- Drop anchor for the evening in a quiet bay and dusk fishing for snapper
- BBQ buffet dinner as the sun sets
- Night kayaking in the phosphorescence
- Music, bar, pool table or swapping stories around the open log fire
- Night swimming and star and planet viewing
- Quiet boat after 12 pm
- Day two breakfast bell at 8 am
- Cruising further around the islands
- Snorkelling and collecting seafood on an outer reef (if sea conditions allow)
- Cruise to an island for our lunchtime visit and island walk
- Exploring the island by kayak snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing on the beach
- Lunch on the beach
- Lift anchor and begin cruising home (approx 1 pm)
- Seafood tasting and trolling for fish
- Arrive back in Paihia approx 3 pm (or 2 pm outside Daylight Savings)
- This experience departs at 5pm and returns the following day at approximately 3pm.
- This experience departs from Paihia Wharf, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
- Snacks
- Towels and swimwear
- Warm jacket
- Camera
- An overnight bag
- Walking shoes and sandals
- No hiking boots are to be worn onboard
- Extra cash or credit card for the bar
- No drugs or alcohol to be brought on board The Rock
- The Rock is a hairdryer/straightener-free zone, this is due to limited power supply
- All other meals are included in a standard rate, for convenience a picnic lunch option is offered for the second day of the cruise. Please note lunch must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance of cruising. Choice of beef, ham or vegetarian sandwiches, fresh fruit, muesli bar, chocolate brownie and a soft drink
- Families with children of all ages are welcome on our cruises. However, it is required that families with children under the age of 16 take a private cabin for the comfort of both the children and the other guests onboard
- Child rate applies to children between 3-12yrs
- There is a maximum of 36 guests on this experience
- The Rock features a spacious and open downstairs living area that includes a bar, dining area, lounge, pool table, piano and open fire
- The exterior open deck is the ideal platform for fishing, target shooting, swimming, kayaking and snorkelling. Upstairs all cabins have sea views and doors that open onto observation decks perfect for viewing the scenery or wildlife
- Due to licensing regulations no alcohol is to be brought aboard the vessel. There is a full bar facility aboard The Rock Overnight Cruise
- All luggage and personal effects are at all times your responsibility
- Minimum number of 10 guests. Should the minimum numbers not be reached we reserve the right to cancel the trip and offer guests a full refund of the cruise price or transfer to another cruise date
- All departures, activities and itineraries are subject to weather, tides and sea conditions
- 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
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience.
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
Recent reviews
Mich
over 8 years ago
This cruise totally exceeded all expectations
This cruise totally exceeded all expectations! The boat itself is full of character as are all the friendly staff. We paid for the double room which I would highly recommend as the views were lovely from the bedroom (balcony out the front) and it was just that little bit more spacious. The dinner on board was really nice and we met so many cool groups of people on-baord. I travelled with my partner and parents and there were all ages, races and sizes on board and everyone got along. The night time kayaking was a blast and the snorkelling the next day even better! We were really lucky when we one to the bay to do the hill walk as there were orca whales chasing stingray in the bay - it was so awesome to see!!! It was such a beautiful way to explore the Bay of Islands and would highly recommend this.