Islands of the hauraki gulf, New Zealand / 300nm / 30 Apr - 8 May 2022
9 days / cat 3 expedition cruise / SILVER FERN: CREW FULL WAITLIST ONLY
This Category 3 expedition explores the islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park that covers 12,000 square kilometres of the precious gulf that merges with the Pacific Ocean north-east of Auckland. This is an explorers expedition that takes in islands, beaches, hikes, sea life, fishing and the stunning island jewels of the world famous - Hauraki Gulf.
On this expedition we will visit and explore up to 13 islands that include;
Rangitoto Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Great Barrier Island
Slipper Island
Great Mercury Island
Waiheke Island
Motuhie Island
Kawau Island
Elephant Island
Motutapu Island
Moturekareka Island
Rotoroa Island
Goat Island
Mokohinau Islands
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.
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.
AUD$4,250
9 days
The 300nm expedition around the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park which includes multiple island stopover options
Itinery
You can fly directly into Auckland on or before the 30th of April 2022. When you arrive we'll familiarise you with the yacht systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. Our crew will officially assemble on the 1st of May at the designated marina berth in Auckland and we will aim to depart on the 1st of May 2022 and leave the marina, and head for our first of many island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive, but if you plan to arrive prior to 30th April, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.
The goal is to circumnavigate the Hauraki Gulf, stopping at numerous scenic bays, anchorages and islands en-route, while managing around the weather to ensure a comfortable and safe expedition. This may include waiting for bad weather to pass while safely anchored or moored in a sheltered bay, inner sound, harbour or anchorage.
The coastlines you will encounter include some of the most stunning maritime scenery in New Zealand. The voyage starts with departing Auckland Harbour and sailing in an anti-clockwise direction to Rangitoto Island, Motuhie Island and Waiheke Island for a winery luncheon, then east to Te Kouma and north to Port Jackson at the northern end of the Coromandel Penninsula, then south to Whitianga, east to Great Mercury Island, before heading north again to to the wild coast of Great Barrier Island, 40nm NE of Auckland, before heading onto the isolated Mokohinau Islands for some great fishing.
Then we’ll sail south again toward Little Barrier Island and then to Goat Island marine reserve where the snorkelling is fantastic. Next stop is Bon Accord Harbour at Kawau Island to visit Mansion House, the former home of New Zealand’s Governor. We’ll visit the large ship wreck still visible above sea level on the treacherous shores of Moturekareka Island before heading to Tiritiri Matangi island, home of the lighthouse at the northern end of Auckland’s shipping channel entrance and built out of large steel rings forged in London in 1864, then shipped to New Zealand for assembly on the island’s cliff top. After departing Tiri, we’ll go in search of the elusive Elephant Island, with a rocky bay so small there’s only room for 3-4 vessels, before heading back toward Auckland on the 8th of May to complete our 300nm adventure.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals 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.
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