Bay Of Islands Cruise (trip)
Bay Of Islands Cruise
- Airport near Bay Of Islands, Waikato, New Zealand
- Boats, Barges & Small Ship Cruises
| from $2,495* per person | 6 Days | January-March |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Relaxing Journeys | 12 people max | |
5 adventure-filled nights watching dolphins play, fishing, visiting the "Hole-In-The-Rock", Waitangi Treaty House, Rainbow Warrior's final resting place - it's the Ultimate Bay of Islands Adventure!
Step aboard the 'Island Passage' for what promises to be the awesome cruising experience of a lifetime! A Bay of Islands Cruise that not only lets you explore these beautiful islands in a way that no other cruise does, but leaves you with an ever-lasting impression of one of the most exciting maritime playgrounds on Earth.
The 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands are a haven for adventure seekers - especially those who enjoy sea activities and the beauty of the uncrowded sub-tropical sandy beaches and native forests. It's also an area of considerable historical significance, made famous over a century ago by legendary author and game fisherman, Zane Grey. It's the cradle of European civilisation in New Zealand.
5 nights luxury cruising on the New Zealand 'Island Passage' Vessel
En-suite accommodations - all outside cabins
All included shore excursions as described
Onboard professional cruise leader
Use of all tenders, kayaks, snorkel and fishing gear
All onboard chef prepared cuisine
Complimentary coffee, tea, juices, water or soft drinks
All port charges, taxes, fees and onboard services
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Locations visited/nearby
New Zealand, Australia and Pacific
Itinerary
Day 1Opua to Assassination Cove
We depart the port of Opua this afternoon cruising up the Veronica channel lined with moored yachts. Have a glass of champagne and canapés on the back deck as we cruise past the bustling towns of Russell and Paihia with the historic Waitangi Treaty House. In less than two hours we arrive at picturesque Opunga Cove. The Cove is a haven for cruising yachts and launches enjoying the perfect sunset.
Opunga, also known as Assassination Cove, has a fearsome history. French Explorer Marion Du Fresne and 26 of his crew were killed and eaten in this bay in the 1800’s. Utu (revenge) was carried out as the crew ignored warnings and fished in a tapu (sacred) area. Thankfully the Tapu has long been removed so our fishing guides can take you to their favourite spots.
Day 2
Roberton Island & Paradise Bay, Urupukapuka
We visit Roberton Island today to swim, snorkel and kayak in the crystal clear lagoon, or wander on the perfect white sand beach. Walking to the top of the hill rewards you with a magnificent view of the Bay of Islands. Roberton or Motuarohia Island also has a murderous history. Mrs Roberton and her farm manager mistreated a Maori worker, which instigated a vicious axe attack (Utu) by Makutu. Mrs Roberton unwisely threatened him with an English hanging and he retaliated by murdering Mrs Roberton and her two daughters and threw her son a 60-metre cliff to his death!
We motor through the islands late afternoon to anchor in beautiful Paradise Bay, Urupukapuka the largest Island in the Bay. Tonight we enjoy our chef’s gourmet BBQ with fresh seafood and produce from the local farmers' markets
Day 3
Urupukapuka Island
A relaxed morning with time to discover Urupukapuka Island. Swim, laze, fish or kayak. Join the captain on our landing craft to remote bays or take a walk along some of the Department of Conservation walking tracks marked with signs interpreting archeological and historical sites. Take in the sensational views, Maori Pa sites (fortified Maori villages), and unspoilt coves and beaches.
We cruise through the narrows of the Albert Passage and out into deep water. The colour change in the water is spectacular as we make our way towards Deep Water Cove passing stunning cliffs, Gannet colonies and Cape Brett peninsula. Deep Water Cove is a nature reserve complete with an idyllic waterfall framed by steep forested hillsides. Swim with the Dolphins here, a once in a lifetime experience. A popular option from Deep Water Cove, once the favoured angling base for famous Zane Grey, is a fishing trip to Piercy Island, the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. If conditions allow we will overnight in this spectacular cove.
Day 4
Oke Bay
Our next destination is Oke Bay, a favourite for local yachts because of its remote location and totally unspoilt surrounds. We are regularly visited by the local residents…a large pod of dolphins providing a great opportunity for keen photographers. As the sun sets we return through the Albert Passage to our anchorage in Parekura Bay.
Day 5
Te Pahi Islands
This morning we cross to the other side of the Bay of Islands sailing through the islands dotted with stunning homes tucked into remote bays. Enroute we anchor off the Black Rocks, small outcrops in deep water smothered in Green lipped mussels. Collect fresh mussels for our BBQ lunch. We drop anchor at the Te Pahi Islands just off the Purerua Peninsula. Time to visit Marsden Cross on the mainland, the site of the first Missionary settlement in New Zealand and the first Christmas service taken by Rev Samuel Marsden, with the local Maori in 1814. Tonight is the Captain's gourmet dinner and watch the sunset with a glass of pinot on the aft deck.
Day 6
Russell
This morning we pass through the Kent Passage on the way to Russell. All ashore for the last time to explore the little town with it's craft shops displaying local artisans work, a museum and historic Pompallier French Mission House. Take morning tea on the veranda of the iconic waterfront Duke of Marlborough Hotel overlooking the boats at anchor. The final part of the cruise is us up the Veronica Channel to Opua for a 12.30 disembarkation.
More information from Relaxing Journeys:
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www.relaxingjourneys.co.nz/cruises/ie/ieboi6.php… - Company profile, experience, and history
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