Meet The Locals

Get to know us and our beautiful piece of paradise, The Bay of Islands before you join the cruise.

Jonny

Owner/Skipper

Friendly and out-going. Nothing is too much trouble

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Erin

Crew

Living her best life loving all the great outdoors has to offer!

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Daniel

Crew

Our newest face all the way from California!

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Bay of Islands

Local Places

Our local marine playground - come join us.

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YHANZ

YHANZ - More than an affordable bed

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The Rock

Our Story

The story of how The Rock came to be

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Tiaki Promise

The Rock is proudly committed to the Tiaki Promise

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Qualmark Certification

The Gold Seal Approval

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Kayaking

Bay of Islands Activities

Explore the Bay of Islands waters aboard your own kayak

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Dusk Fishing

Bay of Island Activities

Get a taste of the life in the Bay of Islands by fishing in its waters

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Snorkelling

Bay of Island Activities

Get in touch with nature and the Kiwi marine wildlife!

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Kai Moana

Bay of Islands Activities

Feed your curiosity they say, get a chance to collect fresh seafood with us!

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Target Shooting

Bay of Island Activities

Test your shooting skills aboard our boat and win a prize!

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Paddleboarding

Bay of Island Activities

Find joy in paddleboarding around the coasts of Bay of Islands

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Dolphins

Marine Life

Bottlenose | Maori name - Terehu

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Orca

Marine Life

Orca | Maori name kākahi / maki

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Snapper

Marine Life

Snapper | Maori name tāmure

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Red Gurnard

Marine Life

Gurnard | Maori name - Kumukumu / Pūwhaiau

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Kiwi

Bird Life

Kiwi - New Zealand's National Symbol

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Little Blue Penguin | Korora

Bird Life

Known as Korora in Maori

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Kereru | Kukupa

Bird Life

New Zealand Pigeon | Maori name Kereru | Kukupa

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Tui

Bird Life

Tui

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Kingfisher | Kotare

Bird Life

Sacred Kingfisher | Kotare

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New Zealand Dotterel

Bird Life

Tūturiwhatu Pukunui

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Black Shag | Kawau

Bird Life

Also known as the Great Cormorant and Kawau

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Morepork | Ruru

Bird Life

Ruru the protector of the night

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Fantail | Piwakawaka

Bird Life

Fantail | Maori name Piwakawaka

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Pohutukawa

Flora & Fauna

NZ Christmas Tree

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Stingray | Whai

Marine Life

Known as Whai in Maori

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Kingfish | Kahu

Marine Life

Known as Kahu or Haku in Maori

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Mussels | Kutai

Marine Life

Best tasting mussels in New Zealand

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Kahawai

Marine Life

Also popular as Australian Salmon

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Sea Urchin | Kina

Marine Life

Taste the flavours of the sea in one shell!

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Stargazing

Bay of Island Activities

Explore the Milky Way in the Bay of Islands

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Octopus | Wheke

Marine Life

Best underwater escape artist

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Cockles | Tuangi

Marine Life

A Kiwi classic heart shaped shellfish

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Night Kayaking

BAY OF ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Experience the night skies out in a kayak.

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Island Walks

Bay of Island Activities

Take a walk in the Bay of Islands!

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Bird Spotting

Bay of Island Activities

Get to know New Zealand Birds in their natural habitat

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Marine Life Spotting

Bay of Island Activities

Come and see marine life in all its glory!

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Seafood Tasting

Bay of Island Activities

Taste the freshest seafood straight from the ocean!

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Paihia

Local Places

The gateway to the Bay of Islands!

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Scallops | Tupa

Local Marine Life

Do you know what a Tupa is?

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Norfolk Pine

Local Flora and Fauna

This is how Christmas smells like!

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Crayfish | Red Lobster

Local Marine Life

Read up on the delicious New Zealand Red Lobster or Crayfish!

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Waitangi

Local Places

Find out more about the Maori history in Waitangi!

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Russell

Local Places

Check out the historic Russell or also known as Kororareka!

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Opua

Local Places

Top things to do in Opua, Bay of Islands.

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Mountain Biking in Paihia

Local Activities

Ride around Paihia and see the amazing views!

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Oyster | Tio

Marine Life

New Zealand is home to the best tasting oyster in the world!

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Paihia Walking Tracks

Local Activities

Explore the Bay of Islands by foot!

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Oystercatcher

Local Birds

Known as Torea in Maori!

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Waitangi Museum

Local Activities

Let's learn more about the Maori history and culture!

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Rimu

Local Flora and Fauna

Hard to miss out on this one!

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North Island Robin

Bird Life

The singing North Island Robin or Toutouwai

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Water Phosphorescence

Local Flora and Fauna

Amazing light show in the water!

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Waewaetorea Island

Local Places

Waewaetorea an idyllic island in the Bay of Islands

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Moturua Island

A local sanctuary for many of our native birdlife

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Motuarohia Island

Roberton Island or "Robbies"

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TESTIMONIALS

"Anyone considering this, consider no more and just book it! This was one of my first experiences solo travelling up in the north after a tour and as...

"To start the crew aboard was absolutely fantastic and easy going. Just having them be the leaders of our stay made it very relaxed as if you were traveling...

"The crew on The Rock are so friendly! The boat is an old ferry and has a lot of character. I’m sure there are plenty of other positive reviews, so...

"The crew are wonderful and swimming in the fluorescent algae was one of the most surreal and beautiful moments of my life. Highly highly recommended!"

"The entire tour from start to finish was incredible. There was a constant stream of activities and you could pick and choose what you wished to do. We shot...

All Reviews