The Vessel: "The Rock"

cabins

Our private cabins are always booked months in advance. Shared cabins are a great option, they are spacious, cabin mates always get on well and of course it saves you money.

The Rock's size allows all the cabins to be situated upstairs with windows to take in the incredible views and balcony access to two quiet observation sun-decks. Downstairs has everything from a log fire, bar, piano, free pool table, lounge, dining area and a large fishing and kayaking ramp. Take a look at the upstairs layout and specifications of the vessel before you book.

Take a look around "the Rock" and get a feel for the place. Hopefully these photos give you an idea of the cabins, viewing areas and the layout downstairs. As well as a sneak preview of the scenery!

Vessel Specifications

• Over 27m long, 9m wide & cruises at 4-6 knots
• 1 x Double Private cabin
• 4 x Four berth private cabins
• 3 x Six berth shared cabins all with sea views
• Sleeps up to 36 guests
• Open fireplace and free pool table
• Outside decks & two upstairs viewing platforms
• Tables and Dining for up to 50 guests
• Complete stereo system, piano, guitars & other musical instruments
• Multi purpose tender

carbon foot print

In the initial efforts of setting up the Rock engine efficiency was everything! This allowed us to keep our prices low. The Rock's engines use a measly 14 litres per hour. Or 100 mls per customer per hour. Conventional tourist boats use approximately 100 to 400 litres per hour. With more and more travelers being aware of their carbon foot print, our initial efforts of low fuel consumption have not only equated to customer savings, but today have put the Rock amongst New Zealand's lowest carbon foot print cruises.

Vessel History

"The Rock" was custom built by overnight cruise pioneers Peter & Stacee Honey in the Bay of Islands. The now comfortable floating lodge started out life as a car ferry in New Zealand's Far North.

An overnight cruise concept is the most natural way to deliver travelers a true Bay of Islands experience. Having the best product doesn't always necessarily mean success in this world. And as a small tourist operator & being the first to pioneer this concept to the Bay of Islands I never imagined I would have been caught up in so much politics & how close it could come to affecting our survival. Thanks to the help, integrity & honesty of many individuals, crew & guide books like the Lonely Planet we are now a truly entrenched adventure with wonderful support from all over the world. Thank you all so much.

Peter Honey, Skipper, builder of "The Rock" and pioneer of Overnight Cruises

Originally "The Rock" started out as the "Normville" and worked as a car ferry running from Opua to Russel. Later she was moved to the west coast of Northland, New Zealand. Here in the Hokianga Harbour her second life began as the "Rawhiti". Still working as a car ferry crossing the Hokianga Harbour. It was here that Peter & Stacee Honey spotted her and saw potential for a whole different life for the boat. Peter and a few mates saw the opportunity to sail the boat from the west coast around Cape Reinga to the Bay of Islands as the perfect game fishing weekend away. So once firmly attaching a caravan to the deck they set off out of the Hokianga heading north. The group and vessel all arrived in the Bay of Islands safe and sound. And with a large tuna to show for a weekend's fishing.

Peter & Stacee spent nearly three years designing and converting the car ferry into the unique looking boat she is today. The Rock is now New Zealand's biggest houseboat and was truly a labour of love by it's creators. Now the Rock is complete and spending her time showing guests around the Bay of Islands. In her new outfits she oozes good times and allows us the chance to share an incredibly special cruise onboard a true item of kiwi ingenuity.