from$ 4912 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Heritage Explorer
Auckland to Auckland or Tauranga
Overview
Discover the famed islands and coastlines of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park including Great Barrier Island and pristine natural beauty, gold sand beaches and misty rainforests of New Zealand’s subtropical playground The Coromandel. Explore island sanctuaries where native wildlife flourishes, and learn about the region’s conservation success stories and ongoing efforts on this incredible 7-day adventure. Spanning 1.2 million hectares of scenic glittering ocean between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, five marine reserves and more than 50 islands, the Hauraki Gulf is a veritable aquatic wonderland and lays claim to having some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and hidden coves, perfect for exploration by kayak or Zodiac. The union of three channels, Colville, Cradock and Jellicoe, connect Hauraaki Gulf with the Pacific Ocean putting it on the ‘whale super highway’ with almost a third of the world’s marine mammal species living in or visiting the marine park including Orca, Bryde’s Whales and Bottlenose and Common Dolphins regularly observed. Below the surface, numerous conservation efforts are underway to help restore the balance to the Gulf which is still recovering from industrialised overfishing and the impacts of the surrounding farming. Highlights on our voyage will include a visit to Tiritiri Matangi Island one of the country’s most impressive birding sanctuaries, bush walks on Great Barrier Island, and exploring pristine beaches and birding hotspots on The Coromandel Peninsula. For a change of pace we will have a day at Waiheke Island, where you can enjoy a day visiting the many wineries, or kayaking around golden beaches and hidden coves. Experience conservation success stories in action and explore remote, island paradises by foot, kayak and our luxurious expedition yacht Heritage Explorer as we sail through the world famous Islands of the Hauraki Gulf and The Coromandel.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Join Heritage Explorer, your home away from home, in Auckland this afternoon where your Captain and Expedition Leader will be waiting to welcome you on board (times will be confirmed with your voyage documents). When all are aboard, we will set sail from Auckland through the Hauraki Gulf to our anchorage for the night as our adventure begins.
Plan to rise early this morning for a landing on the world renowned Tiritiri Matangi Island – one of the country’s most successful conservation projects. Once completely cleared of forest, the island has been revegetated and rejuvenated thanks the tireless efforts of volunteers planting around 300,000 native trees between 1984 and 1994. Now home to 11 species of threatened native birds in addition to more common species, be on the lookout for Saddleback, Kokako, Stitchbird, Brown Teal and Takahe among others. During lunch we sail towards Kawau Island. We will visit Governer Grey’s mansion, and enjoy forest walks to old copper mines and swimming at the beach.
We have two full days dedicated to exploring Great Barrier Island. Existing entirely off grid through solar power and rainwater collection, 60 per cent of the island’s 285 square kilometres is public land managed by the Department of Conservation where spectacular towering cliffs meet white surf beaches, wetlands, fiords and bays home to Spotless Crake, Fernbird, Brown Teal, Banded Rail, North Island Kaka plus more than 13 species of lizard including the Chevron Skink. For the more active there are forest walks to explore, while those preferring to stay on, or near, the water there is the opportunity to take out the kayaks or join a Zodiac safari.
Today we will sail south to the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula. Here we plan to experience true expedition travel as we work with the weather to decide where we explore. We will visit the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, Port Jackson where there is a spectacular walk to the headlands towards the Wharekaiatua Pa and along the coast and take in the stunning views. While Port Charles is the perfect destination for those interested in exploring secluded bays, remote beaches and lush subtropical forest well off the beaten track.
Our plans for today see us sailing back to the heart of the Hauraki Gulf landing at Rotoroa Island and/or Waiheke Island. Rotoroa Island is an 80-hectare island sanctuary to the east of Waiheke Island. There will be time to explore the many delights of this island in depth, which has been predator free since 2014, offering excellent birdlife. Birds you can expect to see include Takahe, Dotterel, Saddleback, Whitehead, Brown Teal, Grey-faced Petrel, White-fronted Terns, Kereru (Wood Pigeon) and Waxeye. This afternoon we hope to explore Waiheke Island, one of the most popular islands for Aucklanders to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This spectacular island offers excellent vineyards, beaches, and a decidedly laid back and simpler way of life.
After breakfast and final farewells we dock right in the heart of Auckland at the Viaduct where the start of your next adventure awaits. Please note the 19 March voyage end in Tauranga Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.
Itineraries are subject to change. The 19 March voyage ends in Tauranga
Heritage Explorer
Vessel Type: Expedition Yacht Length: 30 metres Passenger Capacity: 18 Built: 2004 New Zealand-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer joins Heritage Expedition's small ship fleet creating new opportunities of discovery around the shores of New Zealand. Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.Heritage Explorer is a 30-metre, 4-deck New Zealand flagged vessel built in 2004 by the renowned wooden boat building family Carey's Boatyard in Picton. It features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins across three decks, dining room boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines, beers and spirits; and a well-stocked local library. Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, or ajourn to the Sun Deck perfect for wildlife spotting, sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying watch your voyage unfold. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use during the voyage, while two tenders allow for deeper exploration and the unforgettable wildlife encounters synonymous with all Heritage Expeditions adventures. As with as with our other vessels, Heritage Explorer will have an open bridge policy and a full commercial kitchen helmed by a talented chef focused on highlighting local produce and any guest catches of the day, as well as an enthusiastic and passionate expedition team, and will be shipped by a New Zealand captain and crew. The expedition yacht features state-of-the-art technology to provide a comfortable expedition with high performance dual Scania 653 horsepower engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound attenuated twin generators and a hydraulic aft ramp, while a comprehensive navigation package ensures the ultimate Kiwi adventure awaits all guests. Accommodation Details Royal: Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.Salvin's: Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin's cabins have the option of either a double bed or two lower berths. Both feature ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Wandering: Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. Buller's: Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller's cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Highlights
• Tiritiri Matangi & Kawau Island • Great Barrier Island • The Coromandel Peninsula – Port Charles and Port Jackson • Rotoroa and Waiheke Islands
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