Cruise New Zealand Destinations
Hauraki Gulf
The waters of the Hauraki Gulf and the islands off the Auckland region’s east coast create some of the world’s finest cruising waters. Shelter is always nearby, but the freedom of the South Pacific is within easy reach. Nowhere else in the world gives you so much variety, all within a few effortless hours of our home mooring in the heart of Auckland City. The Hauraki Gulf is host to an abundance of picturesque islands large and small. Exquisite golden sand beaches are plentiful, many of which are completely deserted and ready for your enjoyment.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is a short 1.5 hour cruise from downtown Auckland. With beautiful white sandy beaches and clear waters, it’s certainly a yachting haven. Carpeted with olive groves and vineyards, Waiheke Island is a little patch of the Mediterranean in the Hauraki Gulf.
Wander the islands boutique shops, olive groves and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the award-winning vineyards. Waiheke Island is a fantastic destination to escape the hectic city to enjoy the slower pace of island life.
Coromandel Peninsula/ Mercury Islands
The Coromandel Peninsula is renowned for its un-spoilt natural beauty. Cathedral Cove and the Great Mercury Islands are one of our top destinations from a boating perspective. These locations provide dreamy sandy beaches that blend into crystal clear, aqua blue water.
Mercury Island offers the experience to enjoy snapper fishing, waterfall walks and exceptional kayaking, a cruise to Cathedral Cove and its surrounding marine reserve for snorkeling is a must.
Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island being the sixth largest Island in New Zealand offers an extensive range of experiences. Great fishing, scuba diving and wonderful scenic walks can be enjoyed or perhaps enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot pool. This island is home to New Zealanders who wish to get away from it all.
Solar and wind power are utilized in many homes and residents relish a back to nature lifestyle. Great Barrier is also world renowned as a “dark sky sanctuary” so is a unique place for viewing the stars and milky way throughout the night.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand's native and coastal birds situated in the Hauraki Gulf only a 90 minute cruise from downtown Auckland. The island is a protected haven for native and endangered species, and is a nature lover’s paradise, particularly for avid birdwatchers. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you’ll be serenaded by bird songs while exploring walking tracks through native bush and coastal forests.
Tiritiri Matangi, meaning “tossed by the wind” is one of the world’s most successful volunteer conservation projects. It’s been re-vegetated with around 300,000 native trees, this predator-free island is home to many rare and endangered birds some that exist only in New Zealand. In total, 71 bird species can be observed on or near the island along with a variety of reptiles and invertebrates
As well as wonderful wildlife, Tiritiri Matangi has a 150 year old lighthouse, great walks, views and beaches. Guided tours can be arranged if required.
Kawau Island
Kawau Island is one of the larger islands that make up the Hauraki Gulf and can be found 8kms off the coast about 45 km north of Auckland. The climate is sub-tropical with the majority of the island covered in bush, mainly Kanuka, Manuka and Pohutukawa but there are also excellent stands of Puriri and Kauri plus many more pockets of other native species.
Peaceful walking tracks lead through native forest to beaches, Maori Pa sites and an old copper mine. The magnificent Mansion House and park-like gardens are open to visitors, and colourful peacocks still strut the lawns.
The Hen and Chicken Islands
The Hen and Chicken Islands lie to the east of North Island Peninsula. The Hen and Chicken Islands were declared scenic reserves in 1925 on account of their valuable flora and fauna.
The islands are noted for their bird life, with colonies of seabirds as well as forest birds which have become scarce or extinct on the mainland and are now a nature reserve for seabirds, tīeke (saddlebacks) and tuatara.
Poor Knights Islands
The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is a protected area off the coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The reserve, established in 1981 and covering an area of 1,890 ha (4,700 acres) is administered by the Department of Conservation and is a fantastic place for exploring the underwater world. With 30 meters of visibility this area is the home to 125 species of fish, soft corals, sponges, anemones, kelp forests and gorgonian fans.
The Poor Knights Islands are one of the world's top dive locations and they are home to the Rikoriko Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an area on the east coast of the far North Island of New Zealand. It is one of the most popular boating destinations in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula and includes a range of boutique towns including Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri.
This area is rich in culture and heritage, with a variety of historic sites and places of interest to be discovered. The region is steeped in Maori history, and New Zealand’s first capital city, Russell, is located here and on the opposite shore Waitangi where the the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Cruise past Piercy Island, famous as the site of the Hole in the Rock, a huge naturally formed rock archway 18 meters wide. Swim and snorkel in turquoise lagoons and spot Whales, Penguins and Dolphins. Kayak and Paddleboard in the calm island bays and if you wish enjoy a walk to the top of Roberton Island to get a magnificent view of the bay.
Motuihe Island
Leave the city behind and cruise to an island paradise. Motuihe Island, just a 45 minute cruise from Auckland is one of the inner Hauraki Gulfs most popular boating destinations with sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and native birds. Enjoy walks on this pest free island with the unique opportunity to perhaps see Tuatara , our native lizard in the wild.
The ships tender is available for transport to the islands pristine beaches while kayaks and paddleboards provide a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quieter escape.