Discover the Bay of Islands with this brilliant pass from only $288*. Your journey begins in Auckland with travel to the Bay of Islands before boarding The Rock for a 22-hour fun-packed, nature-filled experience that's hard to beat!

See it all! Do it all!

...so you like to get your feet a bit wet?

Step aboard New Zealand’s biggest houseboat. She offers a warm, homely and stable environment and, with a capacity for 36, she’s big enough for groups but intimate enough for the independent traveller to make new friends.

...For the adventurous at heart

The relaxed onboard pace gives you time to take in all the scenery and try plenty of activities on the way. As well as exploring one of the larger of the Bay’s 144 islands on foot, you’ll have time to gather fresh seafood for dinner, to kayak the reefs, snorkel the pristine waters, take part in beach cricket and try some night-swimming.

Alternatively you can just sit back and enjoy the abundance of nature viewed from the Rock’s observation decks and enjoy a drink in the glorious sunset.

...We know you'll feel at home from the moment you step aboard

The Rock’s downstairs living area is spacious and complete with a bar, dining area, lounge, pool table, piano and open fire. The open deck is the ideal platform for onboard activities (target shooting, fishing). Your upstairs cabin guarantees enviable morning views and access to the upper deck. Dinner and breakfast are relaxed – cook up your catch of the day (if you’ve got one!) on the barbie and enjoy the good company of guests and crew. And later on the skipper might even pull out his guitar if you’re lucky...

..."A true down-to-earth Kiwi holiday"

Experience the thrill of catching and eating your own fish for dinner and then settle in for a cosy night on the ocean. As the sunset fades and darkness creeps in, the open fire and candle light create a warm atmosphere, perfect for swapping stories, listening to music or playing pool. Drink in the stars of the night sky and listen for kiwi from the upper observation deck, or take a guided night kayak and experience the firework-thrill of your paddle glowing as it cuts through the phosphorescence. And if you’re feeling brave, try some night swimming!

...Awash with nature

Look out for families of bottlenose dolphin playing, resting or hunting. You’ll see little blue penguins too, and dotterels, petrels, gannets and shags. Occasionally we’ll spot sharks, whales or orca on our gentle cruise through the abundant and unique Bay of Islands habitat.

The lowdown

Our crew will meet you on the Paihia Wharf at 4pm (summer departures meet at 5pm). After introductions and a safety brief, we set the fishing lures and make way for the islands...

Return travel from Auckland plus one night aboard The Rock

All our adventure activities (kayaking, snorkelling, beach landings, treks etc.) are suitable for persons of good health and they all involve risks. Whilst we do everything possible to safeguard our guests we cannot be held responsible for personal injury due to actions of our guests which are beyond our control. InterCity and Bay of Islands Rock Cruises will not be held liable for your belongings and we recommend that you are covered by travel insurance. All departures activities and itineries are subject to weather, tides and sea conditions. Cancellations made less than 72 hours prior to departure result in forfeiture of the full price. Full terms and conditions available at www.rocktheboat.co.nz.

Full InterCity Terms & Conditions.

* 2013 Dates of Travel are as follows:
March 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19, 22, 25, 27, 29, 30.
April 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29.
May 5, 9, 14, 23, 29.
June 4, 6, 13, 20.
July 4, 13, 18.
August 1, 3, 12, 15, 29.
September 2, 7, 11, 12, 16, 18, 21, 28, 30.