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This luxury diving adventure launches from Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. Here you will discover the thrill of our favorite "hunting and gathering" spots and feast on the Scallops and Crayfish that result.
Following that, we move up the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island to 2 spectacular nature and marine reserves - The Mokohinau Islands and Poor Knights Islands. On the way further north towards the Bay of Islands you will experience wreck dives on two "purpose sunk" Royal NZ Navy Frigates.
In between dives, or for non-divers, there are plenty of options. You can stay on board, or go ashore. Do lots, or do nothing. You decide! There are beautiful beaches and interesting walks as well as the sailing, fishing, kayaking, onboard entertainment system, fine food and wine that GAMESAILING offers.
After 7 days, your journey comes to an end in the world famous Bay of Islands, with more scenic, harvest and wreck diving available. From here, transfer back to Auckland, or stay on to discover this historical and beautiful part of New Zealand.
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Itinerary for days 1 - 7 continues below
 DAY ONE
Depart Auckland airport and take the half hour scenic flight to Claris on Great Barrier. From there it is a short transfer to Whangaparapara Harbour where Kupe or Te Okupu awaits.
Your first adventure is a "hunting and gathering" dive for dinner! Learn to prepare your catch - scallops or crayfish - and dine on board "kiwi style" in a secluded bay.
DAY TWO
Your luxurious adventure begins each day when you awake, with a beautiful breakfast in the sun. It continues at your pace - active or leisurely, one dive or two. Lunch on board or a picnic ashore, and dinner is the day's catch prepared freshly and simply with great New Zealand wine to accompany.
We spend the day again at Great Barrier - here are just 2 of the dive sites we may visit, depending on current weather conditions:
Horn Rock
Big Fish, Big excitement and a big reputation! Horn Rock is a weather dependent pinnacle just over 4 miles southeast of Little Barrier Island. This site is more suited to Advanced Divers due to the current which is often above 1 knot. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres
Rakitu Island
This designated Marine Reserve area offers many beautiful and bountiful dive sites at all depths on the eastern, seaward side of Great Barrier. One of our favourites is off the unusual rock formation on the western side of the island affectionately named "Wayne's World".
The Needles
At the very northern end of Great Barrier Island, the Needles rock formations stand tall and proud. In the waters below their distinctive profile, is an exciting, rugged and beautiful dive site. You will see many NZ underwater fish species and fauna. This area is prone to surges, which, under the guidance of your qualified dive master, will ensure an exhilarating and adventurous dive.
DAY THREE
This morning we head to the Mokohinau Islands. Dolphins and whales are often sighted en-route and this rugged cluster of islands 15 miles off the North western tip of Great Barrier, has pinnacles with deep drop offs and exciting wall dives. These islands are a photographer's dream with abundant fish life; cavern diving and large areas never dived before. Our favourite dive is at the Maori Rocks, watching the dozens of large Eagle Rays. Tonight, anchor in the amazing "Arch" and take an exhilarating dinghy tour of the caves, coastline and rock formations of the Knights group of small islands.
DAY FOUR
This morning we head north to the Poor Knights Marine Reserve - World famous for its spectacular marine life and crystal clear waters. You will hand feed 20lb snapper before lunch and can also explore the caves, arches and shoreline in the kayaks. Snorkelling is an excellent way for any non-divers to also enjoy this unique NZ location and experience.
The Poor Knights are undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of New Zealand diving and were rated one of the top 10 dives sites in the world by Jacques Cousteau. Just 24km off the coast, they boast spectacular water clarity, warm subtropical currents and varied and abundant sea life amongst the underwater caves, tunnels and archways.
DAY FIVE
Prepare for some high adventure! Just off the coast of Tutukaka lie 2 former Navy ships, purpose sunk for diving. Both the "Tui" and the "Waikato" are well prepared and maintained for diving excitement and easy access penetration diving.
HMNZS Waikato.
This is a Leander class frigate, is complete with guns and helicopter hanger.
She is 113 metres long and lies in 28 metres of water just 2km south of Tutukaka Heads.
HMNZS Tui, formerly a US Navy ship, was designed for hydrological survey and submarine hunting spy work and protected New Zealand's anti nuclear protest fleet at Mururua. 62 metres long she now lies in 30 metres of water just 2km north of Tutukaka Heads. Tonight, Kupe takes you north again to the world renowned Bay of Islands.
DAY SIX
This morning, you will awaken to the stunning scenery which is the Bay of Islands. This morning, take a trip through the "hole in the wall" in the boat, before heading down to gather a crayfish or two for lunch. This afternoon, we will visit 1 of 2 famous wreck sites (depending on weather).
HMNZS Canterbury
The Bay of Islands' first artificial reef was 'born' when this former Navy frigate F421, was scuttled in Deep Water Cove.
Rainbow Warrior
Greenpeace's flagship was on its way to protest France's nuclear testing on the Murora Atoll when it was bombed and sunk by French Government saboteurs on July 10, 1985, in Auckland Harbour. Three years after the bombing, Greenpeace gifted the Warrior to the sea and she now lies as an artificial reef in the Cavalli Island group off Matauri Bay.
DAY SEVEN
Today, after time for one more dive, you will bid farewell and continue your New Zealand travels. We can assist with onward travel arrangements and you can continue your journey by air or rental car.
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Included
- All meals. Cooked breakfast, morning tea, lunch, pre dinner snacks, 2 course dinner. Food is freshly prepared 'kiwi-style', homemade and organic wherever possible. View our
sample menus.
- Beverages. Great NZ Wine and Beers as well as all non-alcoholic drinks - tea, coffee, juice, sodas etc.
- All activities - diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, boogie boarding etc.
There are no hidden costs, taxes or levies.**
Not Included
- Flights and transfers
- On-shore excursions and restaurant meals
NOTE:
- All itineraries are subject to the weather and can be altered at the Skipper's discretion.
- Price on application.
Contact Us for further information. |
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MORE ITINERARIES
The results of a Great Barrier Island dive
Fascinating rock formations at the Poor Knights
Bottle-nosed dolphins
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Preparing for a dive
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The stunning Bay of Islands.
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Matauri Bay
Photo Credits
Banner 1: Aylene's first dive, by Christine Erkkila.
Banner 2:Fish feeding at the Poor Knights by Kim Westerkov
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Page Photos
Photos: Two divers by Sam Woolford
Photos 2 & 3:Crayfish by Christine Erkkila
Photo 4: Divers by Ron Given
Photo 5: Poor Knights Christine Errikla
Photo 6 Bottle-nosed Dolpins by Chris McLennan
Photo 7: Preparing for a dive by Christine Erkkila
Photos 8 &9: Scenes by Dmitri Kotelevski
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