Kraken Travel

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Hauraki Gulf Explorer

From £1050 per person

Deposit 25%. Balance due 12 weeks before departure
A once-in-a-lifetime 4-day cruise through some of the stunning islands of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Experience New Zealand's maritime beauty on this unique expedition around the incredible Hauraki Gulf.
Clear
Pay a 25% deposit per item
Suited to
Singles, Couples, Families, Groups
Difficulty
Easy. Open to novice and experienced sailors alike
Nights onboard
3
Vessel type
Expedition Yacht
Vessel length
72ft
Skipper
Yes
Berth Style
Single bunks

Duration: 3 nights from 20 to 23 October 2023, 1 to 4 December 2023, 8 to 11 December 2023 and 3 to 6 May 2024

From £1050 per person*

*Trips are priced in the operator's local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, spanning 1.2 million hectares and including over 50 islands offers a wide variety of experiences. Explore up to 6 stunning destinations, including visiting famous wineries on Waiheke Island, known as the “Island of Wine”, hiking up to New Zealand’s youngest volcano on Rangitoto Island, or spotting flightless birds like the North Island, prehistoric reptiles and other rare species on Kawau Island and Tiritiri Matangi Island. There is something for everyone to discover on this 4-day cruise around this unique corner of the world. 

Why You’ll Love This Trip

  • Explore the magnificent Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Located in the North Island, it is New Zealand’s largest marine reserve.
  • Visit and explore up to 6 stunning locations including the wildlife paradise of Kawau Island, historic Mahurangi Harbour steeped in Maori Culture and colonial history, birders’ paradise Shakespear Bay and Elephant Cove with its iconic rock formations.
  • Hike up New Zealand’s youngest volcano or go fishing on the volcanic shores of Rangitoto Island, discover rare species like takahe flightless birds and prehistoric reptiles, or relax on the white sandy beaches of Motuhie Island.
  • Visit wineries like the famous Stonyridge Vineyard, Kennedy Point Vineyard and Wild on Waiheke, along with craft breweries serving up tasty lagers on New Zealand’s “Island of Wine”, Waiheke Island.
  • Discover special places that very few people get to in their lifetimes. 

Who The Trip Is For

  • Anyone with an interest in sailing, eager to explore the waters and islands of New Zealand. You don’t need to have been on an overnight sailing trip to join this adventure. 
  • Adventurous travellers who want to discover off-the-beaten-track places, thrilling hikes and discover a world-renowned area of New Zealand in a unique way.
  • Social travellers who enjoy the camaraderie that comes with living aboard a luxuriously appointed 72 ft steel hulled cruising ketch.
  • With plenty of free time to choose our own daytime itineraries, you’ll have the power to fit in as many escapades as possible, or just chill out on deck with a good book.

Itinerary:

You can fly directly into Auckland. Our crew will officially assemble at 10:00 at The Viaduct Harbour in Auckland. We will aim to depart as soon as we complete the yacht familiarisation and safety training process and head for our first island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of your arrival, but if you plan to arrive before the start date, you must 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.

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals ashore in Auckland and various stopover ports, accommodation onboard, your crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and a towel are also included along with sun cream.

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.

It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.

Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore on either side of the trip: AirbnbBooking.comWotif and Vrbo (HomeAway).

Activities included

  • Exploring ashore

  • Snorkelling

  • Swimming

  • Kayaking

  • Stand-up paddle boarding

  • Fishing

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Itinerary:

You can fly directly into Auckland. Our crew will officially assemble at 10:00 at The Viaduct Harbour in Auckland. We will aim to depart as soon as we complete the yacht familiarisation and safety training process and head for our first island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of your arrival, but if you plan to arrive before the start date, you must 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.