6 Day / 5 Night Bay of Islands Cruise From $2,935pp
A maximum of 72 guests enjoy 5 nights of discovery, adventure and personalized service onboard a luxury expedition vessel, 'Oceanic Discoverer'. Gain a personal insight into the awe-inspiring scenery and intriguing wildlife with the help of our informative onboard experts. This cruise can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you choose – laze on the sun deck or in the spa with a cocktail, enjoy the finest of local dining, or put on your walking shoes and explore some of the region’s 144 islands. The choice is yours!
Cruise Itinerary * Itinerary also operates in reverse direction, cruise Auckland to Paihia then coach transfer Paihia to Auckland. Due to weather, tides or mechanical reasons the itinerary may be subject to change without notice.
Day 1: This morning meet your traveling companions and board our chartered coach for the scenic drive to Paihia and the Bay of Islands, where we enjoy time to self explore. There is time to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of national significance commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi first signed between Māori leaders and the British Crown in 1840. Perhaps enjoy a short cruise across the harbor to the historic seaside village of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital city, before boarding our luxury small-ship Oceanic Discoverer at 2:00pm. We cruise north through the picturesque Bay of Islands and along the dramatic coastline. This evening we sail through the headlands of beautiful Whangaroa Harbour and invite you to join the Captain’s Welcome Cocktails.
Day 2: We awaken moored in the protected waters of rarely visited Whangaroa Harbour, an area of exquisite natural beauty. We join our Cruise Leader and experienced Guest Lecturer aboard the Xplorer to discover the delights of these secluded bays. Following a busy morning we depart through the headlands and cruise to our overnight anchorage close to one of the many islands scattered throughout the bay.
Day 3: The renowned Bay of Islands offers a multitude of experiences. We enjoy a full day exploring and discovering this spectacular area. From the Hole in the Rock to Deep Water Cove, Urupukapuka, and more, the day promises unforgettable experiences. Landing ashore at Roberton Island, enjoy time to relax on the white sandy beach or join a walk through native bushland to the Island’s lookout. A photographer’s delight, the lookout affords breathtaking views over many of the bay’s 144 subtropical islands.
Day 4: We visit the remote nature reserve of the Mokohinau Islands where we land ashore at Burgess Island to enjoy the scenery and join our Guest Lecturer on a nature walk. We rejoin Xplorer for a cruise around the island to observe the seabird rookeries. Later in the day we cruise into beautiful Port Fitzroy through the narrow Man-O-War Passage. We pass by oyster farms and spectacular scenery before joining our experienced Guest Lecturer and Cruise Leader on a guided walk through the native bush to learn the history of the mining and Kauri logging industry.
Day 5: This morning we cruise to Tiri Tiri, one of only two Scientific Reserves in New Zealand. We join the Guest Lecturer for a guided walk on this beautiful island. We may be lucky enough to see the rare Takahe, a colorful native bird previously thought to be extinct but now part of an endangered species breeding program on the island. Reboarding Oceanic Discoverer, we cruise a short distance to the Mahurangi Islands to explore the wreck of Rewa, a 3,000 ton, four masted baroque - the biggest afloat in her day. Cruising into historic Bon Accord Harbour and Kawau we indulge in the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails as we enjoy our final evening aboard.
Day 6: 9:00am. This morning we farewell new-found friends, the Captain and his crew before disembarking Oceanic Discoverer in Auckland
Package includes:
Accommodation (based on double occupancy) charges on board,
Services of expedtion staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activites;
Group transfers during the cruise;
All meals;
24 hour tea/coffee station; post mix soft drinks;
Captains welcome and farewell cocktails;
Port & landing fees;
Coach transfer on day of arrival/departure between Auckland and Paihia.
Not Included:
International or domestic air travel;
Optional sightseeing experiences;
Meals (unless specified);
Travel Insurance
Cruise Operates Nov-Feb Call for departures dates! (800)-425-9036
