Auckland - Paihia

Day 1: Depart Auckland Boarding at 4:00pm we depart Auckland at 4:30pm to breathtaking views of the city, Harbour Bridge and Hauraki Gulf as we cruise to Tiri Tiri, one of only two Scientific Reserves in New Zealand. We anchor off the island and meet our travelling companions as we enjoy our first evening aboard with the Captain’s Welcome Cocktails.

Day 2: Tiri Tiri Matangi Island and Kawau Island This morning we join the Guest Lecturers for a guided walk on beautiful Tiri Tiri Island. We may be lucky enough to see the rare Takahe, a colourful native bird previously thought to be extinct but now part of an endangered species breeding program on the island. On our return to Oceanic Discoverer, we cruise to historic Kawau Island before travelling ashore to view the abandoned Coppermine. A leisurely walk leads us to the historic Mansion House where you can wander the old stately grounds and tour the historic home of Governor George Grey. In the afternoon we depart for Great Barrier Island cruising past Little Barrier Island before entering spectacular Port Fitzroy through the narrow Man-O-War Passage. We pass by oyster farms and spectacular scenery before anchoring in the bay for the evening.

Day 3: Great Barrier Island and Mokohinau Islands Join our knowledgeable Guest Lecturer and Cruise Leader on a guided morning walk through native bushland to learn the history of the mining and Kauri logging industries on Great Barrier Island. The less energetic may wish to join a sightseeing cruise in the Xplorer before returning for lunch. This afternoon we visit the remote nature reserve of the Mokohinau Islands where we land ashore at Burgess Island to enjoy the magnificent views of the rugged coastline from the island’s historic lighthouse.

Day 4: Whangaroa Harbour We cruise north to the rarely visited Whangaroa Harbour, an area of exquisite natural beauty only accessible by small-ship. With our expert Cruise Leader and Guest Lecturer, board the Xplorer to discover the delights of these secluded bays. We call in at charming Kingfish Lodge, where there is time to meet the locals before reboarding Oceanic Discoverer for a relaxing afternoon cruising along the scenic coastline.

Day 5: Bay of Islands The renowned Bay of Islands offers a multitude of experiences. We enjoy a full day exploring and discovering this spectacular area. From the Hole in the Rock to Deep Water Cove, Urupukapuka, and more, the day promises unforgettable experiences. Landing ashore at Roberton Island, enjoy time to relax on the white sandy beach or join a walk through native bushland to the island’s lookout. A photographer’s delight, the lookout affords breathtaking views over many of the 144 subtropical islands scattered throughout the bay. This evening we farewell new-found friends and enjoy our final night aboard Oceanic Discoverer.

Day 6: Paihia This morning we disembark Oceanic Discoverer and transfer to the pretty holiday town of Paihia where we enjoy time to self explore. There is time to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of national significance commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi first signed between Maori leaders and the British Crown in 1840. Perhaps enjoy a short cruise across the harbour to the historic seaside village of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital city, before joining a complimentary coach transfer to Auckland departing at 1:30pm.

Also operates in reverse direction, coach transfer Auckland to Paihia then cruise Paihia to Auckland. Note: Due to weather, tides or mechanical reasons the itinerary may be subject to change without notice.

Paihia to Auckland

Day 1: Paihia This morning meet your travelling companions and board our chartered coach for the scenic drive to Paihia and the Bay of Islands, where we enjoy time to self explore. There is time to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a site of national significance commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi first signed between Maori leaders and the British Crown in 1840. Perhaps enjoy a short cruise across the harbour to the historic seaside village of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital city, before boarding our luxury small ship Oceanic Discoverer at 2:00pm. We cruise north through the picturesque Bay of Islands and along the dramatic coastline. This evening we sail through the headlands of beautiful Whangaroa Harbour and invite you to join the Captain’s Welcome Cocktails.

Day 2: Whangaroa Harbour We awaken moored in the protected waters of rarely visited Whangaroa Harbour, an area of exquisite natural beauty. We join our Cruise Leader and experienced Guest Lecturer aboard the Xplorer to discover the delights of these secluded bays. We call in at charming Kingfish Lodge, where there is time to meet the locals before reboarding Oceanic Discoverer for a relaxing afternoon cruising along the scenic coastline.

Day 3: Bay of Islands The renowned Bay of Islands offers a multitude of experiences. We enjoy a full day exploring and discovering this spectacular area. From the Hole in the Rock to Deep Water Cove, Urupukapuka, and more, the day promises unforgettable experiences. Landing ashore at Roberton Island, enjoy time to relax on the white sandy beach or join a walk through native bushland to the Island’s lookout. A photographer’s delight, the lookout affords breathtaking views over many of the bay’s 144 subtropical islands.

Day 4: Mokohinau Islands and Port Fitzroy We visit the remote nature reserve of the Mokohinau Islands where we land ashore at Burgess Island to enjoy the scenery and join our Guest Lecturer on a nature walk. We rejoin Xplorer for a cruise around the island to observe the seabird rookeries. Later in the day we cruise into beautiful Port Fitzroy through the narrow Man-O-War Passage. We pass by oyster farms and spectacular scenery before joining our experienced Guest Lecturer and Cruise Leader on a guided walk through the native bush to learn the history of the mining and Kauri logging industry.

Day 5: Tiri Tiri Matangi Island This morning we cruise to Tiri Tiri, one of only two Scientific Reserves in New Zealand. We join the Guest Lecturer for a guided walk on this beautiful island. We may be lucky enough to see the rare Takahe, a colourful native bird previously thought to be extinct but now part of an endangered species breeding program on the island. Reboarding Oceanic Discoverer, we cruise a short distance to the Mahurangi Islands to explore the wreck of Rewa, a 3,000 ton, four masted baroque - the biggest afloat in her day. Cruising into historic Bon Accord Harbour and Kawau, this evening we farewell new-found friends and enjoy our final night aboard Oceanic Discoverer.

Day 6: Arrive Auckland 9:00am. This morning we farewell new-found friends, the Captain and his crew before disembarking Oceanic Discoverer in Auckland.

Also operates in reverse direction, cruise Auckland to Paihia then coach transfer Paihia to Auckland. Note: Due to weather, tides or mechanical reasons the itinerary may be subject to change without notice.

Rates

From AUD$2990 per person twin share. Click here for rate and departure details.

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