Tour Type: Luxury Cruise Tour
Duration: 6 Days
Tour Starts In: Bay of Islands
Tour Finishes In: Bay of Islands
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from NZ $2995 pp
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6 Day Bay of Islands Cruise Touring Route:
Cruise Inclusions:
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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Day
1 |
Opua 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. |
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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. |
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Click on the icon to download the Island Escapes brochure in pdf format (2 MB). |
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Cruise Prices
All tour prices are per person. |
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| 'Island Passage' Deck Plans |
Twin Share |
Single |
| Expedition Cabin |
NZ $2995 |
NZ $4492 |
| Ocean Stateroom |
NZ $3995 |
NZ $5992 |
| Bridge Deck Suites |
NZ $4995 |
NZ $7492 |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Season Sale! Save 5% off the retail prices shown! Book this month to qualify! Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
Cruise Departure Dates
Departures for the 5 Night Bay of Islands Cruise. |
| 2012 |
- 8 January 2012
- 15 January 2012
- 22 January 2012
- 29 January 2012
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- 5 February 2012
- 12 February 2012
- 19 February 2012
- 26 February 2012
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- 4 March 2012
- 11 March 2012
- 18 March 2012
- 25 March 2012
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Cruise Notes:
Important information about the Bay of Islands Cruise. |
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What's Included
All meals, snorkel kit, water toys, fishing gear, guided walks, and boat excursion trips. All cabins are cleaned on a daily basis. We provide:
- Body Soaps
- Shampoo and Conditioners
- Hand-body towels and beddings
- A limited supply of toothpastes, toobrushes and toiletries, etc is available onboard
We carry five expedition boats on-board that allow our passengers to experience adventure and scenery in comfort and in small groups.
Onboard Cuisine
Cuisine on the 'Island Passage' vessel is designed to be a delectable experience. Fresh produce and Pacific inspired flavours are essential ingredients. Our signature dishes include;
- freshly caught kingfish - a revered sport-fish that could have been caught with your very own hands, and
- giant green-lip mussels served to your liking.
You can't go past our "heli-picnics" for an unforgettable way to enjoy a variety of seafood including: shrimp, squid and baked fish. There are also plenty of other mouth-watering dishes to savour including our famous "Hauraki Ribs" and exquisite lamb racks. Fresh vegetables and garden salads are never in short supply either! Our chefs are more than happy to prepare any special dishes. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance so that we can accommodate you.
Dining times
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and coffee and tea is available 24 hours a day. Standard hours are;
- breakfast from 7:00-8:30am,
- lunch at 12:30pm and
- dinner at 7:00pm.
Meal times may vary according to the day's activities but we will always advise of times through the daily bulletins. The Rangitoto Dining Room is the main dining area and situated on the Promenade deck. There are 2 large tables, each seating 12 guests. On the aft deck there is a large barbeque and 2 teak tables to encourage alfresco dining. The indoor-outdoor licensed bar is located in this area and is a wonderful spot to share tales with your fellow adventurers.
What We Recommend
A waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses and brimmed hats are recommended. There is a considerable reflection of suns rays off the water and one should be well protected. Whilst we encourage a relaxed atmosphere onboard we do expect a casual but tidy dress code in the evenings. The evening tempuratures do drop and a light sweater is suggested for the summer months. During spring and autumn (fall) extra clothing will be needed.
Arriving and Departing
Within your travel documentation you will find an itinerary, boarding card and a map clearly showing departure place and time of boarding. If you made your own flight arrangements, it is especially important to notify us of your flight information (city of origin, flight departure and arrival times) prior to your arrival to ensure we know when you will be arriving.
General Information
We have put together some information below on this remarkable cruise of the Marlborough Sounds.
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