The Rock Overnight Adventure Cruise Paihia New Zealand
When you visit New Zealand’s North Island, the Bay of Islands will likely be on your itinerary. But do not just visit the beach. If you book an overnight cruise from Paihia, you have the opportunity to spend the night anchored off shore and experience the natural wonders around you.
Imagine kayaking in the pitch black, only to look up and see the milky way above you, thousands and thousands of stars, scattered across the sky, and nothing but the sound of your paddle stroking the water. As you paddle, the milky way suddenly starts to sparkle under your paddle, but it is not the reflection of the stars, it is the phosphoresce algae, releasing their stored light right under your boat, making you feel as if you are paddling in fairy dust.
Experiences like these are just one of the many special features of taking a Rock the Boat Adventure cruise.

Kayaking in the bay of Islands
Check out this post for Beach Packing Lists
Rock the Boat Adventure Cruise Details
You will be picked up at the Paihia dock mid-afternoon, and cruise until dinnertime. With a bar on board, a pool table, chess, plenty of room to lounge around and relax, you will never feel as if you are trapped aboard a ferry, waiting to reach a destination, the Rock the Boat cruise is so much a part of your destination and your Bay of Island’s experience.

Day 2 involves some hiking or hanging out on the beach. What a view!

Playing Chess while we cruise from Paihia
Along the way, expect a game of paintball target shooting to start off your trip, and a few minutes to get to know each other. Yes, I hate the idea of ice-breaker activities, but you will be with these people for 24 hours and it was nice to hear where everyone was from before they had their three shots at a target off the back of the boat!

Paintball Target shooting on the Rock Adventure Cruise
After dinner, you can go on a guided kayaking trip to experience the phosphorescence in the pitch black dark. The staff will man the bar as long as guests desire it, and you will find other guests playing cards at the tables, enjoying a game of pool, or enjoying the company of the other guests, visitors from all around the world.
Snorkelling and tasting sea urchins is another part of the trip! Check out the best snorkel gear, or borrow theirs.

The staff on the Rock work so hard, 24 hours they are constantly there for anything you might need

The sleeping area is upstairs, and pretty awesome!
The Rock the Boat staff are what make this an exceptional experience. Anyone can put a boat on the water and offer these experiences. But it is the genuine personalities of the captain and the crew, their attention to even the youngest guests and their desire to ensure your experience is memorable.

Sea Urchins caught while moored. Do you know how much this delicacy sells for in Japan …. A LOT!!! and the seabed is full of them!
Features of the Bay of Islands Cruise
- paintball off the back deck
- pool table and chess as well as board games and cards
- dinner, breakfast and lunch aboard the boat
- hiking on one of the islands
- beach time, beach games and time to swim
- kayaking
- snorkelling

Your bunks for the night on the Rock Adventure Cruise
Things to Bring
- sunscreen
- hat
- bathing suit
- camera
- towel
Things to note
- those with mobility issues may have difficulty getting to the top desk where the bedrooms are. We had an older woman on our cruise who spent a lot of time in a wheelchair, but was able to walk enough to get upstairs, as well as navigate getting onto the boat.
- hostel style accommodation with private rooms and family rooms and shared bathrooms. All rooms have bunk beds, but some have a double on the bottom and single on the top which is more comfortable for couples or families with young children (We had a room with three sets of single bunks. I pulled the top bunk mattress on the floor for my youngest (he is 4) rather than worry about him on the top bunk at night.
- the bar works on a tab system. You can charge your drinks, extra snacks, wet suit rental to your tab and then pay by cash or credit card at the end of your trip.
- expect to be barefoot on board, you do not need to bring shoes, just sandals will do. Our hike was done barefoot, but was a bit rough for some people, so I would recommend sandals next time. Check out the best walking sandals to get a pair before your trip.

Fishing for dinner in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand
You can book this overnight Paihia Cruise here
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If you are looking for more information on some of the things we did in New Zealand:
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.
Hugh Dougal
Tuesday 31st of July 2018
Still the best experience I had in New Zealand and there were many to be had. The crew were exceptionally helpfull. Don’t be afraid if you don’t have your sea legs, you will be looked after with great care and attention. Try everything, you will never be made to feel foolish and the crew will assure your safety and comfort no matter how trying you feel it is. I kayaked into the pitch black of the bay. I snorkeled way beyond anything I’d done before. The Rock crew were there to instruct, inform and protect. Life on board is brilliant. Great selection of food, BBQ and freshly caught whatever. My Compadres were a huge diversity of folk, age, race, background. We all had a ball. The scenery is amazing. If anything 24 hours is to short. To wake up to sunrise over the bay is spectacular. I will be back.
Lindsay Nieminen
Tuesday 31st of July 2018
Amazing! And ALL TRUE! Glad you enjoyed your trip as much as we did!
Sonal Kwatra Paladini
Saturday 23rd of June 2018
The pictures look so good and looks like you had a lot of fun. :) The bunk beds look super comfy! I'd love to do this too.
Dave Briggs
Friday 22nd of June 2018
It looks like a great cruise for families, and the kayaking looks fantastic! Snorkelling though? Maybe a little cold for that?
Ami Bhat
Thursday 21st of June 2018
Love the sound of this adventure. The kayaking overnight with those glowing lights must be one hell of an experience. I definitely want to do it. And the boat activities like the Paint ball add to the fun. I know that one day with all this will feel so short. Cheers
Claire
Tuesday 19th of June 2018
This sounds fabulous, and you're right the staff and team on the boat would really make the difference on a trip like this! My only concern is that I get sea-sick so I'm not sure I could handle sleeping on the boat, but the whole trip sounds fab so I might brave it with lots of dramamine!!