Cruise the Bay of Islands
Itinerary Overview - minimum 2 day cruise. You will join our vessel "Te Ngakau a Kupe" at Opua Marina, approx 10 minutes drive from Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Your crew will welcome you on board and then we will depart. En-route, we can discuss a plan for the next few days, combining just as much action and relaxation as you wish. We like to keep things flexible, so your actual itinerary will depend on the weather and wind, and your preferences each day.
As the area's name depicts, there are so many beautiful islands (144 in fact) and an endless selection of beaches to explore and picnic upon. The region is famed for its water-based activities and is a boaties and fisherman's paradise, so on-board Kupe you are in the best place for a Bay of Islands experience!
Dolphins, whales, penguins, world-class fishing and diving, sailing, water-skiing, kayaking - it's all here! This region holds all world and national records for Striped Marlin, Yellowtail Kingfish and Snapper. You just may fulfill your dream of catching a really big fish! At the very least, we will ensure there is plenty of seafood for great "kiwi style" meals onboard.
The whole area deserves our attention, but that could take weeks. In the few days you have on board, you will be sure to see the following highlights, plus much more.......
 DAY ONE
You will join our vessel "Te Ngakau a Kupe" or "Te Okupu" at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland. Your crew will welcome you on board and then we will depart.
Auckland is known as the "City of Sails", and you will see why first hand as we sail from central Auckland, out past historic North Head to the iconic volcanic profile of Rangitoto Island and beyond that Waiheke Island. We can stay for a while in this area, maybe for lunch or a walk ashore, or continue directly on to Great Barrier Island.
What you do each day is your choice!
Enroute, we can discuss a plan for the next few days, combining just as much action and relaxation as you wish - fishing, exploring deserted beaches and bays, kayaking, snorkelling, or just doing nothing!
View a map of the Bay of Islands
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND |
Interesting rock formation in the Hauraki Gulf |
Kayaking at Great Barrier Island |
Great Barrier Island has beautiful beaches |
This is our favourite playground! Just 40 nautical miles from central Auckland, Great Barrier Island feels a million miles apart from civilization and crowded cities. Visiting Great Barrier Island is a journey back in time, to the New Zealand of many years ago - untouched and unspoiled - just how the best vacation should be.
Our first job on arriving at Great Barrier is to catch dinner. Either you or the crew can dive for scallops (clams) or crayfish, or we can introduce you to our speciality fishing style - deep water stray lining for large snapper. This is very light line fishing which requires a fine touch and technique. In the next few hours you will both perfect the art and catch dinner. Nothing less than a seafood feast for your first night aboard!
On the Western Side of the island (
see our map), we will pass through the beautiful Broken Islands with a large Gannet colony high on the cliff. Here you can observe nests and baby birds being fed. We then head into the almost land-locked Port Fitzroy, a calm and sheltered harbour, containing many bays, bush walks and mussel farms.
You can take a bush walk up to one of the many waterfalls, enjoying the peace of the native bush and observing native birds along the way. Or go ashore at one of the islands many deserted beaches. There is also an additional eco-option of a tour at Glenfern Sanctuary, which offers a rare opportunity to experience many native species in one place. A swing bridge enables visitors to climb into the crown of a 600 year old kauri tree.
After all this excitement, we take anchor in a quiet bay for the evening. You may want to explore this secluded area further using the on-board kayaks or dinghy, or just watch the spectacular sunset as you wind down on the back deck. Following dinner, enjoy a DVD or simply surrender to your comfortable bed. Many guests claim to have had their best sleep ever on board, and even diehard early risers are often not seen until mid morning.
Next morning, your luxurious adventure begins again, with a beautiful breakfast in the sun. It continues at your pace - active or leisurely, lunch on board or a picnic ashore. Many guests enjoy learning about the running of the boat and taking a hand in steering, raising the sails or anchoring. Others prefer to relax and watch it all happen around them. It's your vacation and your choice!
Today, you may want to try some snorkelling, find another deserted beach or explore on the kayaks. Or we can take you to more diving and fishing spots to seek out more delicious seafood. |
Looking out to Arid Island from Great Barrier Islands - New Zealand's Christmas Tree - the Pohutakawa in the foreground
Bush walking, Great Barrier Island |
MOKOHINAU ISLANDS
The Mokohinaus Exploring the caves at the Mokes.
After a few days getting to know Great Barrier, we will depart north, to the Mokohinau Islands. Dolphins and whales are often sighted en-route to this craggy cluster of islands, just a 1.5 hour trip northwest. Your biggest decision is to sail or fish on the way. With the sails up and the engines off you will truly be in a peaceful paradise. This is known Marlin territory! It's your choice. When we reach "the Mokes" there is time for fishing, diving or exploring - not to be missed is an adventure tour in the dinghy through the unique caves, arches and rock formations of the islands.
Or, with the gamefishing lures in the water we can take our time and "work" the warm currents in this area. This is known Marlin territory! When we reach "the Mokes" there is time for fishing, diving or exploring - not to be missed is an adventure tour in the dinghy through the unique caves, arches and rock formations of the islands.
Tonight we may anchor in the amazing 'Arch' and switch on Kupe's underwater lights to create a remarkable 'live' aquarium at the back of the boat. An extensive array of fish life is drawn into the lights and clearly visible in the 40' plus illuminated clear water. For non-snorkellers and divers, this is a unique way to experience underwater New Zealand.
Next day after breakfast, the energetic amongst you (or just those wanting to compensate for all the beautiful meals so far) may wish to take the 30 minute hike up to the lighthouse on Burgess Island, the biggest of the three islands in the Mokohinau Group. This place is special to us, as John's Great Grandfather was a lighthouse keeper here early last century.
At the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the coast of New Zealand, Great Barrier Island and beyond, not to mention an aerial view of the boat anchored below you. There are several native species on the island, and helpful Department of Conservation signs and tracks help you spot these. Burgess is the only island in the group we are allowed to land on, as the other two islands are nature reserves. From the Mokohinaus, a 3 hour sail will take us to the beautiful marine reserve of the Poor Knights Islands. |
The Burgess Island lighthouse, Mokohinaus
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Kupe's amazing underwater aquarium
Dolphins will be spotted along your journey! |
THE POOR KNIGHTS ISLANDS
THE BAY OF ISLANDS
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The spectacular Bay Of Islands |
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View from Russell, Bay of Islands |
As the name depicts, there are so many beautiful islands (144 in fact) and bays to explore here, that we could spend an entire month. However, we will certainly have several days (depending on the weather en-route) to enjoy the fishing, snorkelling and gathering more seafood for great "kiwi style" meals. As well as the endless selection of beaches to explore and picnic upon.
This region is famed for its water-based activities and is a boaties and fisherman's paradise, so on-board Kupe you are in the best place for a Bay Of Islands experience! Dolphins, whales, world-class fishing and diving, sailing, water-skiing, kayaking - it's all here! This region holds all world and national records for Striped Marlin, Yellowtail Kingfish and Snapper. You just may fulfil your dream of catching a really big fish!
The Bay of Islands is also a historically significant area. It is the home of the Ngapuhi Tribe and has a history of New Zealand's earliest European settlement.
Exploring on-shore
Our Treaty of Waitangi was signed in this region at Waitangi Marae in 1840, and a visit is strongly recommended. The Treaty is the foundation of our nation and was unique in Britain's colonial spread through the world.
To complement your onboard cuisine, you may wish to take an excursion to sample the dining and sights ashore.
Highly recommended is Omata Estate. On your way to this classic vineyard restaurant, you can visit the historic site of Hone Heke's flagpole. The story of this flagpole is an insight into the Maori/Pakeha (European) relations of the time, leading up to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
If time permits, we suggest an afternoon / evening excursion to Kerikeri about 30 minutes away by car. Kerikeri has a vibrant shopping centre, with art galleries, craft shops and many cafes, vineyards and restaurants to try. There is also the old Stone Store to visit, the oldest building in NZ.
Next morning we suggest a walk around Russell Village. Russell was the first capital of New Zealand and has maintained its 'olde worlde charm', with many interesting and significant things to see -churches, an old gaol, historic homesteads etc.
Read more about the
Bay of Islands.
Soon it will be time to depart and continue your onward journey. We will deliver you to Opua Marina, where we can assist with ongoing transport or accommodation bookings. Before or after your Gamesail cruise, we recommend
Cooks Cove Retreat at Roberton Island in the Bay of Islands as a land-based accommodation option.
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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.
Talk to us and start planning your Bay of Islands adventure.
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Photos this page:
Banner 1: Bay of Islands arial view by Dmitri Koteleveski
Banner 2: Roberton Island, Bay of Islands supplied by Bruce Pasalich
Banner 3: Dolphin leap by Christine Erikkla.
Page
Photo 1 - Rock formation in the Hauraki Gulf by Art Fisher
Photos 2 -4 by Christine Erkkila
Photo 5 Walking track on Great Barrier Island by Scott Venning
Photos 6 - 11 by Christine Erkkila
Photo 12 Diving, Poor Knights from New Zealand Tourism
Photos 13, 14 by Christine Erkkila
Photos 15, 16 Bay of Islands by Dmitiri Kotolvelki
Photos 17, 18 by Christine Erkkila
Photo 19 Russell at sunset by Dmitiri Kotolvelki |
The Bay Of Islands - a fisherman's paradise
The Hole-in-the-wall at the entrance to the Bay Of Islands
The township of Russell, Bay of Islands
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Bay of Islands at sunset
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