The Rock Day Tour Monday-January 27, 2014

MONDAY – JANUARY 27, 2014

BOTTOM LINE:

The Rock Day Tour

BACK STORY:

There is a relatively new tour offered in the Bay of Island called The Rock Tour.  The offering is for a day outing or an over night experience.  The Rock refers to the largest houseboat in New Zealand.  It is a salvaged auto ferry that has been converted into a houseboat.  The upper levels are the bedrooms and the lower level is for socializing and staging water activities.

We were picked up at the Paihia Wharf at 8:30am and shuttled over to the location of The Rock in the Bay of Islands.  The boat was waiting for us and welcomed us with a human arbor that we walked under.  We immediately felt at home and a part of the 18 passenger boat.  The four person crew headed by Ronan the Captain were warm and attentive offering breakfast, coffee and tea.

The Rock

 

Bruce and Cptn. Ronan

Inside the Rock

Boat bell

Ship lantern

 After pulling up anchor we were off to find a calm cove for snorkeling.  The wind was changing directions and building some swells in the bay.  Ronan found a cove and all interested swimmers were encourage to head to the back of the boat to prepare.  I asked what the water temperature was and was told once again that it was 70 degrees.  The wet suits offered were shorty’s Bruce wasn’t going to be left out so he borrowed a wet suit and fins to go with the mask and snorkel he brought from home. I played photographer!

Bruce snorkeling

Back of boat

On board I met and shared conversation with our first adult US travelers!!!  The husband graduated from Carlmont High School, a rival of my school.  The wife, Marsha was a clothing designer and had designed the “razor back” in 1967 while working for Esprit in SF.  They live in San Anselmo and were in New Zealand visiting Charlie’s brother.

Snorkelers were in within 30 minutes.  Bruce said that the clarity was about 10 feet and there was very little to look at.  He was asked to collect a number of sea urchins that would be served later for a snack (fresh uni!!!).

With everyone accounted for, the boat was moved to a beautiful beach on the northwest tip of Moturua Island. 

beach for the day

Across from us was Roberton Island that’s history holds a tragic death story of two Maori natives.  To this day no one knows for certain whether they were forced to leap or were pushed over a cliff to their death. (the light brown side of the island is the spot in the picture).  The father of the 22-year-old man, who was put in charge of protecting the natives turned in his son, convinced that he was responsible for their deaths and should pay for the crime.  He was found guilt and hung.

Roberton Island

The first activity on the island was to climb to the top of the island for an incredibly beautiful view of both sides of the island.  Indeed the view was gorgeous…in fact to view of the northwest side with a protected cove and the Hole in the Rock in the distance is my favorite water view of the trip!!!

There was a private house up from the cove in the trees that I would be very happy house sitting for the people.

cove at Mortorua Island

 

Pacific side of island

 

Speaking of houses, we passed an accommodation up on a cliff earlier.  The captain pointed it out saying that it was one of the most exquisite luxury accommodations in the world costing $20k per day!!!

While at the beach we were free to look for shells, relax, swim or play cricket.  Bruce was delight to try his first cricket game and loved it!

  

Bruce playing his first game of Cricket!

  










  


The sports of choice for New Zealand are rugby, cricket, tennis, sailing and fishing.  With all of the natural beauty and ruggedness of the country the locals seem to enjoy the thrill of a challenge.  The higher the risk, the better the challenge.  The adrenaline rush has to exist in the challenge, which is why sky-diving, bungy jumping, etc. are big here.  At times safety doesn’t seem to be a concern.

3 kinds of seaweed

shell rosette on kelp

Once back on board, lunch was served and we were off on our return trip to the wharf.  Everything had a lesson.  On the way back to dock they brought out the sea urchins that Bruce had collected.  As they spoke about the urchin they offered fresh uni to anyone willing to try it.

 

inside sea urchin, UNI

God was good in granting another beautiful day to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful north island.  Weather forecast had been for 40% chance of rain!

As we made it to the cove for shuttling back to the wharf a sea gull landed on the motor used for the inflatable.  The crew shared the story that the gull was rescued seven years earlier with a fishhook in its leg.  Once healed and let go, the gull returns to the boat every afternoon to just check in…and of course get any fishing scraps!  They named him Mr. Trumpie.

Mr. Trumpie