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hauraki gulf, Auckland, New Zealand / 60nm / 29 Nov - 2 Dec 2024

4 days / 4 nights / cat 3 sailing cruise / Event #2458 / Te Kaihōpara: last 2 CREW positions available

Overview

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.

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.

Passage plan

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

Event registration

  • Secure your place on this adventure with a 20-50% deposit / All prices in AUD

  • Current price release: Final Release

Pre-release - SOLD OUT

Early bird - SOLD OUT

PRIVATE CABIN - sold out

SHARED CABIN: Final Release $1,790 pp


Expedition Description

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

  • 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

Itinerary

You can fly directly into Auckland on the 28th of November 2024 or early on the 29th of November. Our crew will officially assemble at 10am on the 29th of November 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 28th, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 28th of November, 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 2nd of December.

  • Arrive at the vessel in Gulf Harbour Marina by 10am on 29/11/24

  • Crew training and safety familiarisation 30/11/24

  • Depart Gulf Harbour Marina around 12pm on 30/11/24

  • Arrive in Gulf Harbour Marina by 2pm on 2/12/24

  • Depart Auckland on 2/12/24

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.

PRIVATE CABINS

There are only two private cabins available on each leg and they include a double and single berth in each.

  • If you book a private cabin, you can have 1 , 2 or 3 occupants.

  • The price for a private cabin is the combined price of 3 berths, less 10%.

  • If the single berth rate is already discounted, there is no further discount for a private cabin.

 

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