Tour Type:
Duration: Day
Tour Starts In:
Tour Finishes In:
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from NZ $ pp
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Day Touring Route:
Cruise Inclusions:
- Accommodation charges on board
- All meals
- Captain's welcome and farewell cocktails
- Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities
- Group transfers during the cruise
- 24 hour tea/coffee station
- Port & landing fees
- Coach transfer on day of arrival/departure between Auckland and Paihia
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Day
1 |
Auckland - Coach to Bay of Islands
This morning meet your travelling 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 Maori leaders and the British Crown in 1840. Perhaps enjoy a short cruise across the harbour 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. (B/L/D) |
Day
2 |
Whangaroa Harbour
This morning we join the Guest Lecturers for a guided walk on beautiful Tiri Tiri Island. We may be lucky enough to see the rare Takahe, a colourful native bird previously thought to be extinct but now part of an endangered species breeding program on the island. On our return to Oceanic Discoverer, we cruise to historic Kawau Island before travelling ashore to view the abandoned Coppermine. A leisurely walk leads us to the historic Mansion House where you can wander the old stately grounds and tour the historic home of Governor George Grey. In the afternoon we depart for Great Barrier Island cruising past Little Barrier Island before entering spectacular Port Fitzroy through the narrow Man-O-War Passage. We pass by oyster farms and spectacular scenery before anchoring in the bay for the evening. (B/L/D) |
Day
3 |
Bay of Islands
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. (B/L/D) |
Day
4 |
Burgess Island
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. (B/L/D) |
Day
5 |
Tiri Tiri & Kawau Islands
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 colourful 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. (B/L/D) |
Day
6 |
Bay of Islands - Coach to Auckand
9:00am. This morning we farewell new-found friends, the Captain and his crew before disembarking Oceanic Discoverer in Auckland. (B) |
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This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may effect the operation of the vessel.
Also operates in reverse direction, coach transfer Auckland to Paihia then cruise Paihia to Auckland. More> |
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Cruise Prices
All tour prices are per person. |
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*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 southbound cruise. |
| 2009 |
Jan: 9, 30. |
| 2010 |
Jan: 23. Feb: 2. |
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Cruise Notes:
Important information about the cruise. |
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The Oceanic Discoverer
Oceanic Discoverer (formerly Oceanic Princess) is a luxury expedition cruise vessel designed by Coral Princess Cruises to provide maximum stability and guest comfort. Launched in Cairns in January 2005, Oceanic Discoverer carries a maximum of 72 guests and offers the relaxed atmosphere of a private yacht. In addition to our Zodiacs, we will have on board a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel, the "Xplorer". This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Xplorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers, tributaries and islands. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Xplorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet. More>
General Information
We have put together some information below on this remarkable cruise of New Zealand.
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