Cruising The Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand

144 Subtropical Islands only a few hours drive from Auckland

Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise onboard The Rock departs from Paihia, nestled in the Bay of Islands.  Located 60 km north-west of Whangarei and about three and a half hours drive from Auckland. The Bay of Islands are one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since American author Zane Grey wrote about the region in the 1930’s.

As we depart Paihia and head out round Tapeka Point into the Islands we will pass Russell, the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, formerly known as Kororareka. The first island we catch sight of is Robertson Island. One of the sheltered bays on this island is called Cook’s Cove after Captain James Cook. Cook was the first European to visit the area, he named the region in 1769. Cook’s Cove is reputably where Cook came into the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to repair his ship after hitting a rock off the coast.

Throughout our cruise we see many of the Bay’s 144 stunning islands. Sandy beaches and rocky outcrops are surrounded by clear seas and make great backdrops to our New Zealand adventure. The Bay of Islands and the Far North of New Zealand is a region not to be missed, nor to be rushed.