Exciting activities

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target shooting

Aiming at a moving target from a moving platform is a challenge for even the best marksmen. Our plastic duck, Matilda jibes and jives in “The Rock’s” wake as we head out to the islands providing our moving target. Each guest gets a chance to hit Matilda with our air rifles with a free drink up for grabs. Never shot before? Not a problem our crew does this every cruise and are able to talk you through the basics. Sometimes our first timers have even snatched the prize away from more experienced competitors.

Fishing

Fishing is a typical part of living in New Zealand. There is something really satisfying about   landing a tasty snapper and then putting it on the BBQ for tea. Onboard “The Rock” from the moment we start cruising there are lines out ready for a hungry fish. Whether you have fished before or are after your first fish our crews are on hand to help.

While cruising we are trolling for a New Zealand sea trout, locally known as Kahawai. Guests onboard help by keeping their eyes out for birds working a sign of fish feeding in a certain area. Once we drop anchor for the evening in a sheltered bay we drop baited lines to the seabed to attract snapper.  Whichever fish we catch both would be a tasty to addition to our dinner buffet when the fish are biting.

kayaking

The Bay of Islands offers up stunning scenery during daylight and at night. On our overnight cruise guests are given the chance to kayak under a starry sky. On an evening kayak we often hear Kiwi calling out, see the Milky Way, and get the chance to see phosperescence. Paddling through this sun charged algae is often a first time experience for travelers. We have heard it described as “fairy dust” and an underwater fireworks display. Our crew never tire of seeing it and guiding you on this fantastic experience.

Kayaking during the day lets you explore the Bay of Islands shoreline in your own time. With no motor to distract you or the wildlife you often see rare native birds close by on the shore and pass silently over Eagle rays in the sandy shallows.  If you are a beginner you won’t miss out we are always around to help out and have taught many first timers in the clear waters that surround these islands.

snorkeling

Aboard “The Rock” we love to show you our favourite reef. Here the resident fish have become used to our frequent visits and will happily feed on mussels right from your hand. We provide you with mask, snorkel and fins and guide you into the clear water. Crew members will snorkel with you and point out the abundant sea life hiding amongst the rocks or swimming beneath you. Octopus, crayfish, starfish, moray eels, snapper, rays and many more species of marine life can be seen in the water surrounding the Bay of Islands.

While snorkeling you will also notice the multitude of green lipped mussels and sea urchin (kina) on the rocks and on the sand. Gathering “kai moana” or seafood on New Zealand’s shores and reefs is an adventure many Kiwi children are introduced to at a young age. As you drive our coastal roads you will see many local families along the sand or rocks collecting the various meal options that are abundant on our shores. When sea conditions allow our crew and you can free dive down to the rocks and collect the mussels and kina. Once collected and back on the boat this seafood becomes afternoon tea. Now everyone aboard can try raw and cooked mussels as well as kina, a delicacy in Japan called Uni that sells for up to $500 US. We can’t wait to hear your opinion!

Explore the islands

The islands here in the North of New Zealand are rich in history. Captain Cook first came to shore in the Bay of Islands after his ship struck a rock not far from our sheltered waters. Before the Europeans arrived the islands made easily defendable sites, or “pas” as the Maori called them. During the second day of our overnight cruise we spend some time exploring one of the 144 islands. Each island has its own set of stories and landmarks created by both cultures.

Keen photographers love our walks which take us to stunning scenic lookouts. These allow a chance for that postcard family photo and to orientate yourself with the islands and the New Zealand mainland. From these lookouts we can point out the famous “Hole in the Rock”, Paihia, the largest islands of the group, and once we even saw a submarine! Just once mind you.

There is time to relax and eat lunch or for the more active there are plenty of options. Kayaks allow you to cruise the shores. Or take a walk along the beach and around the rocks. If you step lightly you may see a small native lizard bathing in the sun or a dotterel leading you away from her nest with a cunning broken wing display. And of course there is always time for a little international competition in beach rugby or cricket.