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Whangarei to Bay of Islands
A winding drive through lush, old-growth Kauri forest to the Bay of Islands where you’ll find some of the world's most beautiful waters. Board an evening/overnight cruise on “The Rock.” On a clear night, the stargazing is spectacular!
Wednesday, December 19
Proposed Schedule
10:00am Leave Whangarei
2:00pm Arrive Paihia
5:00pm Board “The Rock”
Overnight Cruise
Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise with "The Rock"
24-hour cruise (5pm - 5pm)
NZ$168.00 per person
http://www.nzinfo.com/therock/index.html
"The ROCK" is big, (100ftx 28ft) extremely stable (nobody gets sea sick) & is NZ’s first purpose-built ‘Backpackers Cruise Ship.’ Downstairs is spacious with a lounge area, bar, pool table, piano, fire place, dining & activities area. All rooms offer great sea views & have balcony access.
The Rock FAQ
Q. Where do we depart from?
A. Bay of Islands Overnight Cruises departs from the Paihia wharf, Bay of Islands.
Q. What should I bring on the cruise?
A. If you are able to leave suitcases/rucksacks at your accommodation this is best, bring a small overnight bag, towel, swim wear, toiletries, spare clothing. You need to bring a packed lunch for the following day, this can easily be purchased in Paihia from the local shops.
Q. Is there safe parking to leave my car?
A. There is no secure lockup in Paihia available, we tell our guests to park opposite the police station, which is only a 3 minute walk to the wharf for departure.
Q. What happens if the weather is really bad?
A. If it is terrible weather on the day of departure, we have the latest forecasts available, as we don't depart until 5pm it is the following days weather we are more concerned with, as this is the day where we are doing most of our beach activities. If you are concerned give us a call at the office or pop in and see us and we will let you know what is happening.
24-Hour Cruise Itinerary
• A 24 hour Bay of Islands Exploration & Eco-Cruise departing in the afternoon.
• Accommodation at sea-Great sea views from every bed with 6 private cabins available.
• BBQ Buffet Dinner with the evenings seafood catch, Continental Breakfast, Free tea & coffee
• A Full Day Island Cruising & Exploring.
• Dolphins, penguins, hundreds of feeding sea birds & shoaling fish often cross our path.
• Island Kayaking
• Evening Snapper Fishing
• 2 or 3 Island visits & interesting treks
• Phosphorescence Swim
• Snorkeling tour
• Beach volleyball tournament
• Target Shooting competition
• Mussel Diving
• Informative Historic & Cultural discussions.
• Night Kayaking Paddling in a phosphorescence fireworks display
• Night Time Entertainment -Reasonably priced bar - Free Pool Table - Log Fire place -Dusk Fishing, piano, guitars, music, Fantastic Sunsets, Stars
Day One on "The Rock"
We cruise out, the bar opened and we slowly cruise the local coastline for a few hours to find a calm, sheltered bay. Try your hand at fishing. For the lucky, fresh fish on the dinner table! BBQ Dinner Buffet is served at sunset.
The Rock is big enough that in the evening it seems to hold 2 atmospheres: (1) Romantic and nautical; (2) fun-filled with good music, good company, pool table competitions, swap stories around the Bar, dance the evening away.
Try Night Kayaking with the "glow paddle" and a phosphorescent fireworks display of streaking fish, glowing paddles, and millions of stars. For the daring, join in on our evening swim where millions of tiny ‘sea glow worms’ light up when excited by swimmers.
For those who wish to go to bed at a reasonable hour, the main generator is turned off at midnight, leaving "night owls" to relax by the fire or candlelight around the bar.
Bay of Islands Activities Info
Kerikeri
Russell
Driving
Whangarei to Paihia
(Google Maps Driving Directions)
2 hrs 30 min
174 km
Websites
Bay of Islands (Wikipedia entry)
Bay of Islands.net (includes many business listings and boat hires)
Whangarei (official site)
What to bring...
- Bring a packed lunch, nibbles & smokers bring extra cigarettes!
- Sleeping bags, towel, swim wear, camera, film, jacket.
- Bring only an overnight bag (leave any bulky bags at your hotel/hostel)
- Walking shoes, sandals are fine (hiking boots not to be worn whilst aboard)
- Extra cash for the bar. (Sorry no credit card facilities aboard)
Optional Extras...
- Private Cabins - these are no problem for groups of 4 & 6.
- Double cabins however are only available when cruise numbers allow. ($20 pp min 2)
- Vegetarian Meals - Let us know when booking
- Duvets $4, Doubles $6, Night Kayaking* $5, Wetsuits $5
The 2007 Excursion |
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