★★★★★
"Fishing, kayaking, bioluminescence under the stars, fresh sushi from fish we caught — hearty meals, wood stove, fantastic crew. Totally worth it. A++ experience, high recommendation."
The Only Overnight Cruise in the Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise — Sleep on the Water
Wake up in the Bay.
22 hours · 144 islands · Three meals · Night kayaking through bioluminescence
★ 4.9 · 1,500+ reviews · 27 seasons · Bay of Islands since 1999
There's one overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands. This is it.
You leave Paihia at 5pm and you don't come back until 3pm the next day. In between: fishing at dusk, night kayaking through glowing water, falling asleep to the sound of the Bay, waking up to a sunrise you won't find anywhere else. Every meal included. Every piece of gear included. Nothing to organise except getting yourself to the wharf.
27 seasons of guests say it's the best thing they did in New Zealand. We tend to agree.
★★★★★
"Best thing we did in NZ. Outstanding experience — only wished it lasted days, not one night. From the camaraderie with crew and fellow guests to the incredible sights. Truly one of a kind."
★★★★★
"Family trip — kids 3.5 years to 4 months, eldest was 71. We all equally had the best time. Night kayaking, swimming with bioluminescence, toasting marshmallows watching the sunset. Absolutely magic."
What actually happens
Day 1 · 5pm
Cast off from Paihia
Settle into your cabin, grab a drink from the bar, try your hand at target shooting off the stern. The Bay opens up ahead of you. The week behind you starts to feel far away.
Day 1 · 7pm
Fish for your dinner
Lines in the water in a sheltered bay. Fresh snapper caught that afternoon is what's on the table that night. The sun drops behind the islands while you eat.
Day 1 · 9pm
Night kayak through bioluminescence
Paddle out in the dark. The water lights up around every stroke — locals call it fairy dust. Stargaze from the water. Listen for kiwi calling from the shore. Night swim if you want it. Fire and a drink when you get back.
Day 2 · 8am
Sunrise at sea
Watch it from the deck or from your bunk. Either way, it's yours. Breakfast when you're ready.
Day 2 · 9am
Snorkel the outer reefs
Blue maomao, snapper, stingrays. Gather kina straight off the kelp. Water this clear doesn't need a filter.
Day 2 · 10:30am
Islands, beaches, your call
Kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, walk. Remote beaches that most people in New Zealand have never stood on.
Day 2 · 1pm
Head for home
Lunch on the water. Watch for dolphins on the way back. Back to Paihia around 3pm. Different person than the one who left yesterday.
Pick your cabin
Classic Shared Bunk
From $310 NZD with BOOKDIRECT20
Six bunks, good people. The way most guests do it.
See Dates & Book
Double Cabin
From $1,160 NZD per cabin with BOOKDIRECT20 (2 guests)
One double plus one single — book as a couple, a twin, or two adults + one child. Sleeps up to 3.
See Dates & Book
Family Cabin
From $1,560 NZD per cabin with BOOKDIRECT20 (3 guests)
One double plus three singles. Priced from 3 guests, sleeps up to 5. Kids love this boat.
See Dates & Book
Group Cabin
From $1,800 NZD per cabin with BOOKDIRECT20 (5 guests)
Six singles. Priced from 5 guests, sleeps up to 6. Bring your crew, take the whole cabin.
See Dates & BookUse code BOOKDIRECT20 at checkout for 20% off all cabin types.
Everything's sorted
On the boat
- Dinner, breakfast and lunch
- Licensed bar
- Hot showers
- Private and shared cabins
- Cast iron fire
On the water and islands
- Kayaks and paddleboards
- Snorkel gear
- Fishing rods, bait and tackle
- Guided island walks
- Beach games gear
No hidden extras. No gear hire. Just turn up. Learn more about The Rock →
★★★★★
"As a solo traveller, I felt looked out for, included and like I'd lucked out. Fishing, swimming, kayaking in the night phosphorescence, snorkelling — even got to try the freshest filleted sushi. You will remember this as a highlight for sure."
★★★★★
"100% worth the money. Fun activities, lovely crew, great food, chill atmosphere. Not rushed like other tourist trips. You get to do night kayaking and swim in bioluminescent plankton — it felt like being surrounded by fairy dust. Don't mistake this for a Hole in the Rock sightseeing tour. It's way better."
The only overnight in the Bay. 27 seasons.
Season runs mid-October through May. Spaces fill fast — especially December through February.