Bay of Islands & Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand / 300nm / 22 feb - 5 mar 2025

12 days / motor expedition / EVENT #2551 / Sea Breeze III: Berths AVAILABLE

Overview

The expedition style cruise, combines the stunning Bay of Islands and the wider Hauraki Gulf for a fortnight of exploration and adventure. It starts in the heart of the Bay of Islands, treks as far east as Great Barrier Island and Great Mercury Island and finishes at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland’s City of Sails.

This 300nm adventure includes stopovers we can select from more than 30 options and there’ll be new anchorages to discover every day. We‘ll review the weather before departing Opua and plan a unique route to Auckland, which will include overnight stops and exploration ashore multiple locations.

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

Passage plan

Crew registration

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

Opua Marina

Opua Marina is a bustling hub in the Bay of Islands, known for its excellent facilities and vibrant atmosphere. As the gateway to the Bay of Islands, it offers a perfect starting point for sailors. The marina has a rich maritime history and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Visitors can explore local shops, cafes, and the nearby Opua Forest, making it an ideal spot to begin your sailing adventure.

Roberton Island

Roberton Island, also known as Motuarohia Island, is famous for its twin lagoons and historical significance. It was one of the first places in New Zealand to be charted by Captain Cook. The island offers stunning snorkelling opportunities, clear waters, and fascinating historical sites. It's a perfect anchorage for those wanting to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the Bay of Islands.

Urupukapuka Island

Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands and a popular destination for its pristine beaches, walking trails, and archaeological sites. The island has a deep cultural history with ancient Maori pa sites scattered across its landscape. Its clear waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling, making it a favourite stop for sailors seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Te Toroa Bay

Te Toroa Bay is a secluded and picturesque bay known for its tranquil environment and stunning natural beauty. The bay's clear waters and sandy beaches make it a perfect spot for swimming and picnicking. The surrounding native bush offers excellent walking tracks, providing a serene escape for those looking to connect with nature.

Whangamumu Harbour

Whangamumu Harbour is a hidden gem with a fascinating history as a former whaling station. Today, the remnants of the station can still be explored, offering a glimpse into the past. The harbour is surrounded by lush native bush and provides a peaceful anchorage with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and exploring the historic site.

Whangaruru

Whangaruru is a picturesque harbour that offers safe anchorage and beautiful scenery. The harbour is surrounded by rolling hills and native bush, providing a tranquil setting for sailors. The area is rich in Maori history and offers excellent fishing and diving opportunities, making it a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural beauty of the region.

Tutukaka Harbour

Tutukaka Harbour is a renowned marina and gateway to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. The harbour offers excellent facilities for sailors and is a popular starting point for diving excursions. The surrounding area boasts beautiful beaches, walking tracks, and a vibrant community, making it an ideal spot for both adventure and relaxation.

Whangarei Heads

Whangarei Heads is a stunning coastal area known for its dramatic landscapes and outdoor activities. The region offers excellent hiking, with tracks leading to breathtaking viewpoints and secluded beaches. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing, providing a diverse range of activities for sailors to enjoy.

Mokohinau Islands

The Mokohinau Islands are a remote and unspoiled group of islands known for their rugged beauty and rich marine life. The islands offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities, with clear waters and abundant marine species. The dramatic cliffs and scenic anchorages make the Mokohinau Islands a perfect destination for adventurous sailors.

Rakitu Island

Rakitu Island, also known as Arid Island, is a remote and rugged island offering stunning landscapes and excellent diving opportunities. The island's clear waters are home to diverse marine life, making it a haven for snorkellers and divers. Its secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs provide a picturesque and peaceful escape 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.

Little Barrier Island

Little Barrier Island, also known as Hauturu, is a wildlife sanctuary with a rich biodiversity. The island is home to numerous endangered species and is a haven for birdwatchers. Access to the island is restricted to protect its delicate ecosystem, but sailing around its coastline offers stunning views and the chance to see rare wildlife in their natural habitat.

Omaha Cove

Omaha Cove is a peaceful anchorage known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. The cove offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and fishing opportunities, making it a popular spot for sailors. The surrounding area is home to native bush and scenic walking tracks, providing a tranquil and picturesque escape.

Kawau Island

Kawau Island is rich in history and natural beauty, with a range of attractions including the historic Mansion House and beautiful gardens. The island offers excellent walking tracks, stunning beaches, and sheltered anchorages. Its fascinating history and diverse natural environment make Kawau Island a must-visit destination for sailors.

Moturekareka Island

Moturekareka Island is known for its scenic beauty and the remains of the Rewa shipwreck, which lies just offshore. The island offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities, with clear waters and abundant marine life. Its secluded beaches and peaceful anchorages make it a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.

Mahurangi Harbour

Mahurangi Harbour is a scenic and sheltered harbour known for its beautiful landscapes and tranquil waters. The harbour offers excellent anchorage and is surrounded by native bush and rolling hills. Its peaceful environment and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for sailors looking to unwind and explore.

Shakespeare Bay

Shakespeare Bay is a picturesque bay known for its stunning scenery and clear waters. The bay offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and fishing opportunities, making it a popular spot for sailors. The surrounding area is home to beautiful beaches and scenic walking tracks, providing a serene and picturesque escape.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary known for its successful conservation efforts and rich biodiversity. The island is home to numerous endangered species and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Its walking tracks and pristine beaches make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and sailors looking to explore New Zealand's unique wildlife.

Cooks Bay

Cooks Bay is a beautiful and tranquil bay known for its clear waters and stunning scenery. The bay offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and fishing opportunities, making it a popular spot for sailors. The surrounding area is home to native bush and scenic walking tracks, providing a peaceful and picturesque escape.

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.

Kennedy Bay

Kennedy Bay is a picturesque bay known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. The bay offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and fishing opportunities, making it a popular spot for sailors. The surrounding area is home to native bush and scenic walking tracks, providing a peaceful and picturesque escape.

Elephant Cove

Elephant Cove is a hidden gem known for its stunning coastal scenery and clear waters. The cove offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and fishing opportunities, making it a popular spot for sailors. The surrounding area is home to native bush and scenic walking tracks, providing a serene and picturesque escape.

Te Kouma Harbour

Te Kouma Harbour is a sheltered harbour known for its beautiful landscapes and tranquil waters. The harbour offers excellent anchorage and is surrounded by native bush and rolling hills. Its peaceful environment and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for sailors looking to unwind and explore.

Rotoroa Island

Rotoroa Island is a unique destination with a rich history as a former rehabilitation centre. The island has been transformed into a sanctuary with beautiful gardens, walking tracks, and pristine beaches. Its fascinating history and diverse natural environment make Rotoroa Island a must-visit destination for sailors.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is renowned for its vineyards, stunning beaches, and vibrant arts scene. The island offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and diving opportunities, with clear waters and abundant marine life. Its diverse attractions and beautiful landscapes make Waiheke Island a popular destination for sailors.

Motuihe Island

Motuihe Island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and rich history. The island offers excellent swimming, snorkelling, and walking tracks, with stunning views of the surrounding area. Its peaceful environment and historical significance make Motuihe Island a perfect destination for sailors.

Motutapu Island

Motutapu Island is rich in history and natural beauty, with a range of attractions including ancient Maori pa sites and beautiful beaches. The island offers excellent walking tracks, stunning views, and clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Its fascinating history and diverse natural environment make Motutapu Island a must-visit destination for sailors.

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is an iconic volcanic island known for its rugged landscape and stunning views. The island offers excellent hiking opportunities, with a track leading to the summit for panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. Its unique geological features and natural beauty make Rangitoto Island a captivating destination for sailors.

Auckland Harbour

Auckland Harbour, also known as the Waitemata Harbour, is the bustling heart of New Zealand's largest city. The harbour offers excellent facilities for sailors and is surrounded by vibrant waterfront areas, including the Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. Its central location provides easy access to a range of attractions, from world-class dining and shopping to cultural sites and outdoor activities. Auckland Harbour's dynamic atmosphere and stunning scenery make it an ideal starting or ending point for any sailing adventure.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Adventure ashore

• Coastal exploring

• Dining out

• Fishing

• Historic places

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

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

• Past events

• Why sail with us?

• What to expect onboard

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

• Check out photo gallery highlights from ocean passages.

itinerary

You’ll fly into Keri Keri Airport (30 mins by taxi/shuttle from Opua) and arrive at the vessel at the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua by 10am on the 22nd of February 2025. We will aim to depart as soon as we complete the yacht familiarisation and safety briefing process and head for our first of our island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 21st of February, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 21st of February, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore. 

Our plan is to sail into the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland by 2pm on the 5th of March and you can plan to depart out of Auckland Airport (a 30-45 minute car ride) later the same day.

• Arrive at the vessel in Opua after 5pm on the 21/2/25 or by 10am on 22/2/25

• Crew safety briefing on 22/2/25

• Depart Bay of Islands Marina around 11am on 22/2/25

• Arrive in Auckland by 2pm on 5/3/25

• Depart Auckland Airport after 5pm on 5/3/25

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.

Review sailing calendar for all events