The Rock Overnight cruise was fabulous: it’s not often the same place that has your accommodation, also takes you hiking, fishing, canoeing, target shooting, snorkelling, has a skipper who lulls you to sleep with great piano playing, another plays the guitar, and Keiko who cooks tasty porridge and is full of good humour al all times – the list goes on. they were all great and I would recommend them wholeheartedly!
The Rock just maybe the BEST YHA in the world! (FYI I’m a gold-card member of that organisation)
I have just booked into The Pickled Parrot in Paihia – a small personal BBH hostel set in subtropical gardens and tonight I’m off to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds the annual free music concert which sets off the public holiday that marks the commemoration of the signing of New Zealand’s founding document – signed between the Maori tribes and the then Queen of England in 1840
The Rock at anchor at Roberton Island
Many thanks to Destination Northland for helping with my itinerary and Rental Cars New Zealand for the vehicle for this road trip:
I can recommend both as car and the travel plans are working perfectly 
Kiwi Travel Writer talks food, travel, and tips 
Hi Heather! So glad you enjoyed YHA Bay of Islands, the Rock! It’s such a unique hostel. Didn’t know the skipper lulls the guests to sleep with some tinkling of the ivories! We’ve pulled together a story recently about our Top 10 to do in Northland if you’re keen for a look! http://yhanewzealand.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/top-5-things-to-do-in-northland/
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he’s a VERY talented pianist 🙂
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Hi Heather, good to hear you’re enjoying Northland!!
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the 2 weeks went so quickly! So much more to see too I’ll have to come back again soon:)
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