Great barrier & Great Mercury Islands Expedition, New Zealand / 250nm / 29 dec 2024 - 7 jan 2025

10 days / cat 3 motor expedition / EVENT #2462 / Sea Breeze III: Berths available

Overview

The Category 3 expedition departs the Viaduct Harbour Marina in Auckland’s City of Sails to head to “The Barrier” for a combined expedition and New Years Eve celebration. What better way to bring in the first day of 2025, than anchored in one of the most coveted spots in the Hauraki Gulf?

This adventure includes sailing past Little Barrier Island and enjoying multiple anchorage stops while circumnavigating the Great Barrier and Great Mercury Islands. We’ll venture ashore to enjoy the white sand beaches, hiking tracks, natural hot springs, a canyon walk and the natural island scenery.

These remoter islands of the Hauraki Gulf are rugged, rich with sea and bird life and a great way to get out of the city and off the beaten track for end of 2024 celebration and recharge.

We will plan cruising stopovers at locations that take advantage of the prevailing weather and activities on offer. We’ll enjoy barbeque’s, fresh seafood, roast dinners and relax to take in the sunset in idyllic anchorages each night. We’ll complete the the cruise by sailing back into the Viaduct Harbour Marina in Auckland.

Passage plan

The islands of this expedition offer multiple anchorage and exploring opportunities

Crew registration

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

FIRST MATE'S DEAls - BOOK NOW

Aotea suite $7,750

Waikawa suite $5,750

Te Anau cabin $3,750

10 DAYS

SEA MASTER’S SAVER $4,950-$9,950: TO RELEASE
CAPTAINS CHOICE $5,750-$11,650: TO RELEASE

Prices are in $AUD and per person, twin share

Join this adventure

guest accommodation

The guest suites and cabins are situated on Sea Breeze III’s lower level and include 8 berths in total. The prices vary based on location on board, suite / cabin size and ensuite facilities.

EXPEDITION DESCRIPTION

Auckland Harbour

Auckland Harbour, also known as the Waitematā Harbour, is the vibrant heart of New Zealand’s largest city. The harbour is bustling with activity and offers excellent facilities for sailors. It is surrounded by lively waterfront areas such as the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, featuring world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. The harbour's central location provides easy access to numerous attractions, including cultural sites, museums, and outdoor activities. Auckland Harbour's dynamic atmosphere and stunning scenery make it an ideal starting or ending point for any sailing adventure in New Zealand.

Little Barrier Island

Little Barrier Island, also known as Hauturu, is a sanctuary for New Zealand’s native wildlife. The island is home to many endangered species and offers a unique opportunity to experience New Zealand's natural heritage. While access to the island itself is restricted to protect its delicate ecosystem, sailing around Little Barrier Island provides stunning views of its rugged landscapes and a chance to see rare birds and marine life. The island’s unspoiled beauty and conservation significance make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and sailors alike.

Port Fitzroy

Port Fitzroy, located on Great Barrier Island, is a favourite anchorage for sailors due to its sheltered waters and picturesque surroundings. The harbour offers excellent facilities for boats and is a gateway to exploring the island’s natural wonders. Nearby, you can find beautiful walking tracks, hot springs, and secluded beaches. The surrounding native bush and clear waters make Port Fitzroy an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing. Its tranquil environment and scenic beauty make it a perfect stop for those looking to relax and explore the natural splendour of Great Barrier Island.

Rakitu Island

Rakitu Island, also known as Arid Island, is a remote and rugged destination offering stunning landscapes and excellent diving opportunities. The island's clear waters are rich with marine life, making it a haven for snorkellers and divers. Its secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs provide a picturesque and peaceful escape for sailors. Rakitu Island’s untouched beauty and serene atmosphere make it a captivating spot for those seeking adventure and tranquillity.

Great Mercury Island

Great Mercury Island is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and stunning landscapes. The island offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and diving opportunities, with abundant marine life and beautiful coral reefs. Its remote location and unspoiled environment make it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility. The island's scenic beauty and diverse marine life provide a perfect setting for a memorable sailing experience.

Tryphena

Tryphena, located on Great Barrier Island, is a charming harbour village known for its welcoming community and beautiful surroundings. The harbour offers safe anchorage and is a great base for exploring the island. Tryphena’s beaches are perfect for swimming and relaxing, and the nearby trails offer stunning views and excellent hiking opportunities. The village has several cafes and shops, adding to its quaint charm. Tryphena’s blend of natural beauty and friendly atmosphere makes it a delightful stop for sailors.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is renowned for its natural beauty, with rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and clear waters. The island offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and diving. Its remote location and unspoiled environment make it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and tranquility. Great Barrier Island’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty provide a unique and memorable experience for sailors, making it a highlight of any sailing itinerary.

Activities included

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Here’s what you will experience onboard

Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.

Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.

WEATHER IMPACT

With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.

EXTRA READING

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Check out photo gallery highlights from ocean passages.

itinerary

You can fly directly into Auckland on the 28th of December 2024 or early on the 29th. Our crew will officially assemble at 10am on the 29th of December at the Viaduct Marina in Auckland and we will aim to depart as soon as we complete the yacht familiarisation and safety training process and head for our first of our island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 28th of December, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 28th , you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.

Our plan is to return to Viaduct Marina by 2pm on the 7th of January 2025 and you can plan to depart out of Auckland Airport (a 75 minute car ride from the marina) later the same day.

Arrive at the vessel in Auckland by 4pm on 28/12/24
Crew welcome dinner on 28/12/24
Crew training and safety familiarisation 29/12/24
Depart Auckland around 10am on 29/12/24
Arrive back in Auckland by 3pm on 7/1/25
Depart Auckland on 7/1/25

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Auckland and at all island stopovers, accommodation onboard, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.

Meal Preparation

Meal preparation duties are shared equally amongst our guests and crew onboard. A meal plan and ingredients are provided. This is a hands-on adventure and this helps lower the cost of cruising significantly, for all onboard.

PRIVATE CABINS

A private cabin for exclusive, sole use is available on request. The cost of both available berths, will be included in your booking price.

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.