Experience The Thrill -

That's the Mack Attack byline and it's so right!

Wow! What a fantastic ride.  A short cruise away from the Paihia wharf then David slips the Mack Attack into turbordrive and we are racing for Russell to pick up some more passengers.

In a few short minutes we are there, faces covered in spray and our hair in disarray.  Soon we are off again, heading for Urupukapuka Island, Cape Brett and the Hole in The Rock.

We fly (literally at times) as we barrel across the waves, cruising at 65 kph.  Dave tells us later that the boat can do 100 kph and he especially loves it when there is a 6 metre swell.

Words aren't adequate to describe the exhilaration of flying up a wave and crashing down into the trough at speed.  It's sheer fun.  We are safely held in with seatbelts and life jackets and the boat handles every bump as if it has built in shock absorbers.

Dave stops the boat outside the Hole in The Rock to tell us about its history, Cathedral Cave nearby and the schools of fish bobbing on the surface.  The fish are Trevalli and there's probably a Kingfish nearby ready to sample some for dinner.

We cruise slowly into Cathedral Cave, looking up to admire its size and hear our voices echoing on the walls.  Unfortunately no opera singers with us this time to test the acoustics.

Out of the Cave again, Dave lines up the boat to pass through the Hole.  The sea swells through and we rise and fall as the waves pass under us.  It looks wild in there but the Mack Attack can handle it all with its powerful Volvo engines. 

We cruise through and out the other side followed by a short cruise around the island to view Princess Moana (Ocean) high on the rock face.  Maori legend says she protects the Waka (Maori Canoes) as they sail the seas.

Then we are off again to view Cape Brett lighthouse around the corner.  The old lighthouse is no longer in use, replaced by a much smaller automated and solar powered version.  It has been restored and sits proudly150 metres up the hill. There is a house below where keen trampers can stay the night but access is some distance away and civilisation even further so it's only for the fittest and keenest outdoor adventurers.

Sadly all good things end sometime and so its time for us to head back to Russell and Piahia.  As we head back the sun shines on us, the sea has calmed down and we sprint back home.

I want to do it again and soon.  In the meantime I have my picture taken by Eric as we boarded the boat to remind me.  I have a wide smile.  I'm sure it was even wider when I got back.

To find out more click here: => Mack Attack