Islands of the hauraki gulf, New Zealand / 300nm / 13 - 25 May 2024

13 days / cat 3 expedition cruise / Event #2414 / TE KAIHŌPARA: CREW positions available

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.

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.

Join crew

SHARED CABIN: AUD$3,375 (PER BERTH) -Discounted 50%
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$6,750 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHS) - discounted 63%

13 days

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.

On this expedition we will visit and explore up to 13 islands that include;

Rangitoto Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Great Barrier Island
Rakitu Island
Slipper Island
Great Mercury Island
Mokohinau Islands

Waiheke Island
Motuhie Island
Kawau Island
Elephant Island
Motutapu Island
Moturekareka Island
Rotoroa Island

Crew sunset drinks anchored at Rotoroa Island

Itinery

You can fly directly into Auckland on the 12th of May 2024 or early on the 13th. Our crew will officially assemble at 10am on the 13th of December at The Viaduct Harbour 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 12th of May, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 12th , you will 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 and Rakitu Island, 40nm NE of Auckland, before heading onto the isolated Mokohinau Islands for some great fishing.

The canyon walk to the top of Great Barrier Island

Then we’ll sail south again toward Little Barrier Island and the 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. Our plan is to return to The Viaduct Harbour by 2pm on the 25th of May 2024 and you can plan to depart out of Auckland Airport (a 30 minute car ride from the marina) later the same day.

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.

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.

Hauraki Gulf sailing with Coromandel on the bow

Anchored at Parapara Bay, Great Mercury Island