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hauraki gulf, Auckland, New Zealand / 60nm / 14-17 Mar 2025

4 days / 4 nights / cat 3 cruise / Event #2458 / Te Kaihōpara: CREW positions available

MADISON completed?

This 4-day cruise is the perfect chance to enjoy some of the magical islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. This relaxing retreat takes in islands, beaches, hikes, sea life, fishing and the stunning island jewels of the world famous - Hauraki Gulf.

This expedition is a combination of sailing, cruising, exploring, relaxing and discovering numerous special places that very few people get to in their lifetimes.

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

SHARED CABIN: AUD$1,950 (PER BERTH)
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$5,265 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHS)

4 days

12 potential anchorages and stopovers on the Hauraki Gulf cruise (in purple)

EXPEDITION DESCRIPTION

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers an area of more than 1.2 million hectares. There are more than 50 islands within the gulf, many of which are public conservation lands. The islands and beaches are simply stunning and the gulf has islands that are extremely different in every sense, from wineries and cafes to the rugged wild beaches that face eastward across the Pacific toward the USA several thousands of miles away.

On this expedition we will visit and explore a selection of the following islands;

Auckland Harbour

Auckland Harbour, also known as Waitematā Harbour, is a premier sailing destination steeped in history and surrounded by the vibrant cityscape of Auckland. As the main maritime gateway to New Zealand, it offers state-of-the-art marina facilities and easy access to the Hauraki Gulf's stunning cruising grounds. The harbour is a hub of activity, hosting events like the America's Cup and the Auckland Anniversary Regatta. From the harbour, sailors can explore the nearby islands, enjoy the city's waterfront dining, or take in panoramic views from the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. With its blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, Auckland Harbour is an ideal starting point for any sailing adventure.

Rotoroa Island

Rotoroa Island, nestled in the Hauraki Gulf, is a unique sanctuary rich in history and natural beauty. Originally a rehabilitation centre, the island has been transformed into a conservation haven with pristine beaches, native bush, and an abundance of wildlife. Anchoring in one of its sheltered bays, sailors can explore scenic walking tracks that offer stunning coastal views and lead to secluded beaches. The island’s visitor centre showcases its historical significance and conservation efforts. With its serene environment, restored landscapes, and educational opportunities, Rotoroa Island is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful and enriching sailing experience.

Te Kouma Harbour

Te Kouma Harbour, located on the Coromandel Peninsula, is a picturesque and well-protected anchorage perfect for sailors. The harbour is surrounded by rolling hills and lush native bush, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation. Its calm waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling, while the area provides excellent fishing opportunities. Nearby, the historic town of Coromandel offers charming shops, cafes, and galleries. Te Kouma Harbour’s serene environment and natural beauty, combined with its convenient location, make it an excellent base for exploring the Coromandel’s stunning landscapes and vibrant communities.

Elephant Cove

Elephant Cove on Great Barrier Island is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and pristine natural beauty. Named for its distinctive elephant-shaped rock, the cove offers a sheltered anchorage with clear, calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The surrounding area is perfect for exploring, with rocky shores and hidden coves to discover. The underwater landscape is teeming with marine life, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers. With its unique geological features and tranquil setting, Elephant Cove provides a picturesque and memorable stop for sailors exploring Great Barrier Island.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, the crown jewel of the Hauraki Gulf, is a must-visit destination for sailors. Known for its stunning beaches, lush vineyards, and vibrant arts scene, the island offers a diverse range of activities. Sailors can anchor in one of the many sheltered bays and explore the island's boutique wineries, dine at gourmet restaurants, or stroll through art galleries. The island's beautiful walking and cycling trails provide breathtaking views of the coastline. Waiheke’s blend of natural beauty, culture, and luxury makes it a perfect destination for a memorable sailing experience.

Motutapu Island

Motutapu Island, linked to Rangitoto Island by a causeway, offers a unique blend of geological and historical attractions. This island, shaped by volcanic activity, features rolling farmland, native bush, and historic sites from both Māori and European settlements. Sailors can anchor in its sheltered bays and explore a network of walking tracks that traverse diverse landscapes. The island’s reforestation and wetland restoration projects have created a haven for birdlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Motutapu Island’s rich history and commitment to conservation make it an intriguing and rewarding stop for sailors.

Motuihe Island / Te Motu-a-Ihenga

Motuihe Island, or Te Motu-a-Ihenga, is a serene and historically significant destination in the Hauraki Gulf. The island boasts pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush native bush. It has a rich history, having been a Māori settlement, a quarantine station, and a military base. Today, sailors can explore its well-preserved landscapes, learn about its past through interpretive signs, and enjoy its abundant birdlife. The island’s walking tracks lead to stunning viewpoints and secluded beaches, providing a peaceful and picturesque setting for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island, the iconic volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf, is a must-see for sailors. Formed by volcanic eruptions around 600 years ago, Rangitoto features unique geological formations and the largest pōhutukawa forest in the world. Sailors can anchor in the sheltered bays and explore the island's well-marked trails, leading to the summit for panoramic views of the Gulf and Auckland city. The island's dramatic landscapes and rich history, including remnants of early Māori and European settlements, make it a fascinating destination for an adventurous and educational sailing trip.

Shakespeare Bay

Shakespeare Bay, near the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf, offers a tranquil escape for sailors. Named after the famous playwright, the bay is part of Shakespeare Regional Park, which features scenic walking trails, native bush, and stunning coastal views. The clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling. With its unspoiled landscapes and relaxing atmosphere, Shakespeare Bay provides a delightful retreat for sailors looking to unwind and connect with nature. The park’s rich biodiversity and serene environment make it a perfect spot for a peaceful and rejuvenating sailing experience.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi Island is a conservation success story and a paradise for nature lovers and sailors. Located in the Hauraki Gulf, this island sanctuary is home to rare and endangered bird species. Anchoring off Tiritiri Matangi, sailors can explore its well-maintained walking tracks that lead through lush forests and offer stunning coastal vistas. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species such as the takahe, saddleback, and little spotted kiwi. The island’s clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, revealing a rich underwater world. Tiritiri Matangi Island’s blend of wildlife conservation and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination for environmentally conscious sailors.

Mahurangi Harbour

Mahurangi Harbour, nestled on the northeast coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a scenic and historic destination for sailors. The harbour is known for its calm waters, sheltered anchorages, and picturesque landscapes. It offers excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The surrounding area is rich in history, with sites dating back to early Māori and European settlements. Sailors can explore the nearby Mahurangi Regional Park, which features beautiful walking trails and picnic spots. Mahurangi Harbour’s natural beauty and historical significance make it a charming and enjoyable stop for any sailing adventure.

Moturekareka Island

Moturekareka Island, located in the Hauraki Gulf, is a small island with a fascinating history and stunning natural beauty. The island is known for the wreck of the Rewa, a barque that was deliberately beached there in the early 20th century. Sailors can anchor nearby and explore the wreck, which has become an artificial reef teeming with marine life. The island's clear waters and sheltered bays are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. With its intriguing history and picturesque setting, Moturekareka Island offers a unique and memorable experience for sailors.

Kawau Island

Kawau Island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf, is a historic and picturesque destination for sailors. The island is home to the historic Mansion House, once the residence of Sir George Grey, a former Governor of New Zealand. Sailors can anchor in the island’s sheltered bays and explore its rich history through the restored mansion and surrounding gardens. The island also offers scenic walking trails, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife, including peacocks and wallabies. Kawau Island’s blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities makes it a captivating destination for a sailing adventure.

Activities included

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

EXPEDITION DESCRIPTION

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park covers an area of more than 1.2 million hectares. There are more than 50 islands within the gulf, many of which are public conservation lands. The islands and beaches are simply stunning and the gulf has islands that are extremely different in every sense, from wineries and cafes to the rugged wild beaches that face eastward across the Pacific toward the USA several thousands of miles away.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

  • Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).

  • Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.

  • 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.

  • Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

Itinery

You can fly directly into Auckland on the 13th of March 2025 or early on the 14th of March. Our crew will officially assemble at 10am on the 14th of March at Gulf Harbour 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 13th, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 13th of March, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore. 

The goal is to take in the magic of the Hauraki Gulf, stopping at a handful of scenic bays, anchorages and islands en-route, while managing around the weather to ensure a comfortable and safe 4-day cruise. Some of the sights you will encounter include some of the most stunning maritime scenery in New Zealand. We’ll aim to be tied up back at the Gulf Harbour Marina by 3pm on the 17th of March.

  • Arrive at the vessel in Gulf Harbour Marina by 10am on 14/3/25

  • Crew training and safety familiarisation 14/3/25

  • Depart Gulf Harbour Marina around 12pm on 14/3/25

  • Arrive in Gulf Harbour Marina by 2pm on 17/3/25

  • Depart Auckland on 17/3/25

GETTING TO AND FROM THE YACHT

  • Arrival at the yacht before departure: Auckland Airport

  • Departing from the yacht on arrival: Auckland Airport

  • Airlines that fly to Auckland: Multiple check webjet

  • Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com,  Wotif &  HomeAway

  • Land transport:

    • Auckland: taxis, Uber, buses and ferries available

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals ashore in Auckland and at various stopover islands and ports, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, 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.

 

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.

Review sailing calendar for all events