Bay of Islands Cruise Tour

Package Overview

Life on board Island Passage delivers equal quantities of luxury, fun and adventure. You’ll get the rest and relaxation you’ve been waiting for, accompanied by your choice of mild or wild outdoor experiences – fishing, kayaking, hiking and swimming. Helpful, charming crew will ensure that every moment is pure pleasure. The 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands are a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You’ll discover perfect beaches, untouched native forests, fabulous day walks and interesting historic sites. Nearly a century ago this area was named ‘the angler’s Eldorado’ by Zane Grey, and in terms of New Zealand’s history it’s the birthplace of our nation.

Other Information
When we designed our small ship the instructions were simple: we wanted a luxurious layout, spacious and comfortable for a maximum of 24 like-minded travellers. Similarly, oversized cabins, generous en-suites, wide halls and decks that prevented that feeling of being cramped in small spaces and to create an overwhelming feeling of being on board a small private yacht. We wanted an experience designed around the little details that really mattered; fine linens, ever changing selection of natural soaps and shampoos, nightly turndown service with delicious chocolates and bottled water, the fresh smell of flowers, ample lighting, storage and seating areas, individually controlled air conditioning in each cabin, fabulous cuisine and a crew who love to be of service to our guests.

For fun trips away from the ship, Island Passage carries purpose-built landing craft, three large tenders, sea kayaks, a five-seat helicopter, fish and snorkel equipment. Never a dull moment, although lazing in a deckchair is always an acceptable option. During each journey, our eight-person crew is on hand to share their knowledge of the ocean and all of the local activities.

Our expedition boats are designed to provide fast and efficient transport to and from the ‘Island Passage’ and are well suited for exploring the local bays, islands, and rivers that are right on your doorstep. All boats are manned with guides, two-way radios and safety equipment for your peace of mind.

We hope that you will come and join us on our adventures. You will visit remote islands and beaches, snorkel over beautiful reefs, visit local communities and experience fabulous locations in New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrival

  ​Your ship departs the port of Opua at 5pm this afternoon, cruising up the veronica channel towards the tourist hub of Paihia and the historic village of Russell. You’ll be sipping champagne, nibbling canapés and getting to know your fellow cruisers as the exquisite scenery slips by. Our crew is always on hand to explain points of interest, or refill your glass. Your first night will be spent at picturesque Opunga Cove, a tranquil haven for cruising yachts and launches. The cove faces west, so you can sit and enjoy the sunset from your comfortable steamer chair on deck. 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 1800s. Utu (revenge) was carried out as the crew ignored warnings and fished in a tapu (sacred) area. Thankfully the tapu was removed many years ago, so our fishing guides can take you to their favourite spots.

• Day 2 : Motuarohia/Roberton Island

  Today you’ll visit beautiful Motuarohia/Roberton Island, which you can explore in many different ways. Snorkel in the sheltered lagoon, kayak around the bay or hike up to the historic Maori Pa site.
  From the summit you’ll be rewarded by blockbuster views of the entire Bay of islands area – green jewels in a sea of sparkling blue. Like Opunga Cove, this island has a murderous history.
  Ask one of the crew to tell you the horrific story that ends with a 60-metre plunge off the island’s cliffs. Late afternoon we’ll motor to Urupukapuka, the largest island in the bay.
  
  While anchored in gorgeous Paradise Bay (which is very aptly named), you’ll enjoy our chef’s gourmet barbecue with fresh seafood and produce from the local farmers’ markets.

• Day 3 : Urupukapuka Island

  Today there’s plenty of time to discover Urupukapuka Island. You could hike around the island, which has historic pa sites and several fabulous beaches. Or explore the edges of the island by kayak, stopping for a picnic along the way. Fishing from one of our tenders is also an option – maybe you’ll catch dinner! if this all sounds too much, simply lounge around on board with a great book and regular deliveries of cold drinks and tasty nibbles. After lunch we’ll cruise through the narrows of the Albert Passage and along Cape Brett Peninsula towards Deep Water Cove. Watch for gannets and dolphins along the way. Deep Water Cove is a magical nature reserve complete with an idyllic waterfall framed by native forest. We hope you’ll get the chance to swim with the dolphins here – an amazing experience you’ll remember forever. A popular option from Deep Water Cove, which was Zane Grey’s favourite angling base, is a fishing trip to Piercy Island (also known as the ‘hole in the rock’). if conditions allow we will overnight in this spectacular cove.

• Day 4 : Parekura Bay.

  ​Today’s destination is beautiful Oke Bay, an anchorage that will certainly tempt you over the side for a swim. Dolphins often visit this bay, so you might have another dolphin encounter here. The water is beautifully clear – swimming to the beach is always an option for fitter guests. When the sun begins to set we return through the Albert Passage to our anchorage in Parekura Bay.

• Day 5 : Bay of Islands.

  ​After a sumptuous breakfast on deck, we’ll make ready to motor across to the other side of the Bay of islands. Along the way you can admire stunning homes tucked into remote bays and beaches. We’ll make a detour to the Black rocks, to collect fresh green- lipped mussels for our barbecue lunch. The sauvignon blanc is chilling and the chef is determined to impress you, yet again.
  
  Our anchorage for the night is the Te Pahi Islands, just off the Purerua Peninsula. Before dinner there’s time to visit iconic Marsden Cross on the mainland, the site of the first missionary settlement in New Zealand and reverend Samuel Marsden’s first- ever Christmas service (1814). Watch the sunset while sipping a sundowner, then look forward to a night of indulgence with the Captain’s gourmet dinner.

• Day 6 : Special Treat

  ​Today is a special treat. After breakfast the helicopter arrives onto the ship and all guests are taken for a complimentary 20-minute scenic helicopter flight around the Bay of islands. Flights depart right off the heli-deck on the ship and fly over the crystal clear turquoise waters of the main island group to the world famous “hole in the rock”. The townships of Russell, Paihia and Waitangi are also viewed from the air. Then experience the thrill of landing back onto the ships heli-deck. When the flights are finished we’ll anchor off the historic village of Russell, known in whaling times as ‘the hell-hole of the Pacific’ because it was a place of loose women and drunken sailors. In Russell you can go ashore to explore craft shops, museums, churches and the historic Pompallier French Mission house (1839). You’ll also enjoy an elegant afternoon tea on the veranda of the iconic waterfront Duke of Marlborough hotel.

• Day 7 : Departure

  ​On your final day we have breakfast on the way back to Opua and disembark at 9am.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Meet and transfer from Bay of Islands or Auckland Airport to the ship/hotel on arrival.
• 6-Nights on ‘Island Passage’ with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wine with dinner.
• 1 Night pre cruise staying at Auckland Waterfront Sebel Suites with breakfast, or
• 1 Night pre-cruise staying at the Bay of Islands Copthorne Hotel with breakfast.
• All cabins/suites offer private en-suites, individual air-conditioning.
• Shore excursions and complimentary scenic helicopter flight onboard.
• Use of kayaks, tenders, snorkel and fishing equipment carried onboard.
• Transfer to Bay of Islands or Auckland airport after the cruises returns.

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Price & Rates

* Mentioned prices may vary depending upon date of travel, hotel availability, surge pricing and seasonal rush.

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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