CRUISE LOG
Bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands — meet the largest NZ population on a cruise with The Rock.
Black Shag is a New Zealand native bird also known as Black Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Large Black Shag, and its Maori name Kawau.
The New Zealand Cockles or New Zealand Little Neck Clam are heart-shaped saltwater bivalve molluscs often likened to clams. Unlike clams, Cockles are small
Read up on the delicious New Zealand Red Lobster.
Scallops are one of New Zealand's most popular shellfish. Called Tupa in Maori, they are very delicious. You can find them around the Northland coasts, in
DOLPHINS CAME TO VISIT THE ROCK BOAT
DOLPHIN SIGHTING IN THE BAY OF ISLANDS
Known for its friendly 'cheet cheet' call and energetic flying antics, the aptly named fantail is one of the most common and widely distributed native bird
Also known as Australian Salmon — local catch.
The kererū is a large bird with iridescent green and bronze feathers on its head and a smart white vest. The noisy beat of its wings is a distinctive sound
There are over 100 species of kingfisher worldwide, but only the Sacred Kingfisher, Todiramphus Sanctus, breeds in New Zealand. It is also locally known by
Kiwi is the national bird of New Zealand — a flightless nocturnal bird with strong legs and loose hair-like feathers. The local inhabitants of New Zealand
You can find the world's smallest penguin in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The Little Blue Penguins, or Korora in Maori, are mostly nestled in the offsh
New Zealand is home to a lot of local wildlife. One of the many local birds is New Zealand's native owl, the Morepork — also known as "Ruru". It has a dist
New Zealand is home to a vast array of local birds which you cannot find anywhere else. One such example is the North Island Robin or Toutouwai in Maori. G
Octopuses have eight arms and one bulbous head. They can camouflage and change colour depending on their background — thought to be their defence mechanism
The killer whale/orca (Orcinus orca) is well known and can be identified relatively easily by its distinctive black and white markings and very tall, promi
New Zealand is home to the best tasting oyster in the world!
Paihia's beachfront is lined with Pohutukawa trees — a coastal evergreen tree in the myrtle family with leaves which are velvety-white underneath. Come Dec
Gurnard | Maori name - Kumukumu / Pūwhaiau
New Zealand is very abundant in plant life. Some flora are more common than others, while some are rare. Probably the most common native conifer you can fi
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEW ZEALAND'S SEA URCHIN?
Snapper (tāmure) in the Bay of Islands — sustainable fishing and fresh sashimi on The Rock Adventure Cruise.
More often than not Stingrays are publicized to be one of the most dangerous marine animals. In fact, Stingrays are peaceful and calm underwater floaters t
When it comes to local wildlife, New Zealand is full of them. There are thousands of different bird species, marine life, and beautiful undomesticated anim
Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) are endemic — native and unique — to New Zealand. The name Tui is derived from the Maori language, with the plural bein
Mussels or Kutai is a great bi-valve shellfish — juicy, salty, tender and a little bit sweet. Lucky for us Kiwis, we get to enjoy the bounty harvest of mus
Keen "Kingi" enthusiasts come to visit the Bay of Islands, New Zealand all year round for a chance to catch the mighty Yellowtail Kingfish. Locals and tour