Overnight Cruise in the Bay of Islands

Get on the The Rock NZ boat for the most action-packed Bay of Islands cruise in New Zealand.

The Rock Adventure Cruise is suitable for all ages, but is it for you? Yes, if you enjoy great company, are seeking new experiences and you don’t mind getting your feet wet!

The Bay of Islands is world famous for its stunning beauty and history, and you’ll get a real sense of this and a true, down-to-earth kiwi holiday aboard The Rock. For cruising, relaxing and adventuring in the Bay of Islands, it doesn’t get any better than this.

We take pride in ensuring all our guests have the best possible experience while aboard. There are two options, our Classic Overnight Cruise is the ultimate Bay of Islands experience and the Day Cruise option is for you if your accommodation is locked in and are looking to enjoy the best of the Bay for the day.

Overnight Cruise - 22 hours, departing Paihia wharf at 4pm and returning to Paihia Wharf 2pm following day.

The Rock Overnight Cruise is a tour of the Bay of Islands with loads of fun activities like target shooting, dusk fishing, night kayaking, snorkeling, island exploring, sharing travel stories and experiences with our knowledgeable crew and more.

Accommodation in a shared cabin, all activities, dinner, breakfast and lunch included. Cabins can be upgraded to private cabins and you can do this when you book online.

Here's a sneak peak of the itinerary.

Day 1
We depart at 4pm from the Paihia Wharf, after settling into your sea view cabin you are welcome to grab a drink and enjoy the cruise out to the islands. Give target shooting a go as we cruise through the Bay of Islands, take a chance at a game of pool or relax and get to know your fellow travellers.
Once on anchor in a sheltered bay we'll do a spot of dusk fishing.

A healthy snapper baked on the barbecue is a welcome addition to an already delicious dinner (subject to guest's fishing ability, of course!). We sit down to dinner as the sun sets over the islands. The perfect time to swap fishing tales, travel stories and get to know the crew.

Now you can choose to go night kayaking (and we highly recommend you do!) to marvel in the phosphorescence (some call it "fairy dust") and lie back for a star-gazing session - your guide will point out the major constellations, planets and galaxies. Keep your ears open for the sound of Kiwi calling. If you're still up for action, you can jump in the sea for a night swim before settling in for a drink by the fire.

Day 2
Sunrise at sea is spectacular - you can watch it from your bed if you're not an early bird! The breakfast bell goes at 8am. We serve breakfast and then haul anchor and get underway for an exploration of the islands. If you're up early enough, you might even get a chance for a quick swim with the crew.

After we weigh anchor it's off for a short cruise to our snorkelling spot for the day. Snapper, Blue Mao Mao, Stingrays, plus more are all likely to join us as we explore the underwater world.

A further cruise through the islands will take us to our Island for that day. Kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, trekking across islands enjoying stunning vantage points are all on offer. Don't forget to join your guide for the walk to the viewpoint. Along the way they will point out our local bird life, flora & fauna and share the stories of the Bay of Islands. You will have time to enjoy the remote beaches - perfect for a game of beach cricket or volley ball.

On the homeward cruise, we'll enjoy our lunch including those mussels (if you managed to gather some), freshly steamed, and watch out for the abundant marine and bird life...hopefully we'll even see dolphins! We arrive back at Paihia wharf at approximately 2pm.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family and get out there and explore the best of the Bay! See you on the water.

Please note our cruise dates do change from time to time so for the most up to date availability check out our booking calendar online.