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Seasons of Island Escape Hauraki Gulf - Auckland 2009/10

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Seasons of Island Escape Hauraki Gulf - Auckland 2009/10 SEASONS OF ISLAND ESCAPE HAURAKI GULF - AUCKLAND 2009/10 LUXURY BOUTIQUE EXPEDITIONS Sheltered Waters, Big ship coMfort and Exceptional intiMacy. TREASURE ISLANDS OF AUCKLAND VARIOUS CHARTER ESCAPES Treasure Islands of Auckland Mokohinaus Hen and Chickens S U MM luxuryer – Dece escapesMber to April New Zealand Geographic and Island Escape sea kayaks, a five-seater helicopter and snorkelling Expeditions have formed an alliance to offer equipment. Never a dull moment, although lazing in a Little Barrier Island luxury expeditions within New Zealand. deckchair is always an acceptable option. Great Barrier Island Our shared passion for adventure, discovery and During each journey, our eight-person crew are on conservation has inspired a series of extraordinary small hand to share their knowledge of the ocean and ship voyages to some of the most remote and fascinating local landscapes. On selected trips, the learning places in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. experience will be enhanced by a New Zealand The ‘Island Passage’ is our beautifully-appointed Geographic scientist, historian, photographer or Kawau Island small ship. Weighing in at almost 500 tonnes, explorer. The NZ Department of Conservation has Great Mercury she’s equipped to travel to inaccessible areas while granted Island Passage permission to operate in DOC Tiri Tiri Matangi Island Island delivering the highest level of passenger comfort. sites throughout the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Mercury Islands On board you’ll find 10 spacious ensuite cabins, a large The alliance between Island Escape and New dining room and saloon lounge, a library and generous Zealand Geographic is assisting research and Rangitoto Waiheke Island outdoor living spaces. In the galley, our chef works with exploration projects around the Auckland region. the freshest local ingredients and delicacies to create Together we support the New Zealand Geographic Auckland memorable meals that reflect the day’s adventures. Trust with funding for research and conservation in CitY Alderman Islands the areas we visit. Coromandel For entertainment and exploration, Island Passage carries purpose-built landing craft, three large tenders, Welcome aboard. FACT FILE COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION Every booking on a Hauraki Gulf expedition will receive a complimentary 12 month (six issues) subscription to New Mayor Island Zealand Geographic. For two decades this magazine has been the definitive journal of life in New Zealand. Readers enjoy stories that take them from the deepest oceans to the stars above, and all the locations and cultures in between. Auckland’sA magical corner of the Pacific OceanHauraki between the Hibiscus Gulf Coast and – Coromandel a panoramic Peninsula, the Hauraki Gulf view includes 4000 square kilometres of ocean and a multitude of islands. In the Maori language, Hauraki means north wind - apt because the gulf is protected from all sides except the north. Within this oceanic haven, nature is still very much at home. Volcanic landforms, deserted beaches, native forests, bird sanctuaries and historic sites await your discovery. Welcome to paradise, Island Escape style. Pristine environments Fascinating history Forest ecosystems Rare wildlife Lifestyle afloat Lapping at the doorstep of New Zealand’s Although people have been part of Replanting programmes are revitalising Encounters with animals of the land Usually a vessel the size of Island biggest city, the Hauraki Gulf Marine the Hauraki Gulf’s life for less than the forests of the Hauraki Gulf, however and sea are an essential element Passage would carry 40 or more Park is a blue-green paradise for sailing, 1000 years, the relics of early you won’t have to wait a hundred years of every Island Passage expedition. passangers for multi-day expeditions, fishing and beach life. The mood of the settlement are absorbing. Motutapu for a satisfying botanical experience. The Hauraki Gulf is home to pods however we limit occupancy to just weather paints the seascapes. On some Island was inhabited while Rangitoto On Motutapu you can discover of dolphins and orca; sei, minke 20. Accommodated in luxuriously- days, the gulf is a limpid pool of calm; on was erupting 600 years ago - there the Home Bay Forest – a healthy, and Bryde’s whales are also sighted appointed cabins, our guests enjoy others, white horses gallop across water are fossilized footprints in volcanic regenerating native ecosystem. And regularly. The expedition’s wildlife five star service - but without the stiff as yachts stretch their legs to reach the ash to prove it. Gun emplacements, Great Barrier Island has a tract of highlight is a guided walk on Tiritiri formality you might find in a hotel. farthest anchorages. Always the gulf is remnants of New Zealand’s staunchly original kauri forest near the summit Matangi, where the resident birds Onboard dining is strictly fabulous. achingly beautiful – a cruising ground defensive past, are an almost sculptural of Mount Hobson, as well as extensive seem to have no fear of humans. You’ll Using the freshest local ingredients, that’s up there with the world’s best. feature of many inner-gulf landscapes. areas of mature coastal forest. On encounter rare takahe, hihi, kokako and organic wherever possible, our master With more than 50 islands, the gulf can On Great Barrier Island, historical Kawau Island a towering stand of saddlebacks, as well as a plethora of chef will win your heart at every meal. show you a huge variety of landscapes. sites are beautifully blended into the redwoods is a beautiful surprise. bellbirds, fantails and tui. And if you catch a fish while on board, Waiheke’s coastline presents you with landscape. There are Maori pa sites that simply hand it over and wait for the a succession of pretty beaches and are centuries old, copper mines that delicious result. Our extensive cellar rugged headlands – inland you can you can visit by boat and awe-inspiring of fine New Zealand wines promises glimpse vineyards and olive groves. kauri dams that were once used to flush a perfect match with your lunch and Then, at the outermost reaches of logs down to the beach. The wreck of dinner choices. Before and after, the gulf, the wilderness of Great the SS Wairarapa at Miners Head isn’t the saloon bar is open for sociable Barrier Island will capture your soul. visible, but you can visit the resulting refreshment. The sundowner hour is On the return journey to Auckland the cemetaries. Kawau Island also has a an Island Passage tradition that our scenery continues with Kawau Island’s colourful past with historic buildings, guests always remember fondly, and magnificent Bon Accord Harbour, carriage roads and groves of exotic New Zealand’s daylight saving ensures complete with historic mansion house. trees. Even the peacocks that wander there’s plenty of time for conversation The finishing touch is Tiritiri Matangi, a tall the lawn at Mansion House Bay are on the aft deck before you call it a day. sandstone island with photogenic birdlife relics of days gone by. and an iconic lighthouse. Island Passage at anchor for the evening, as one of our tenders returns after the day’s adventures. About the islands Motutapu, which means ‘Sacred Island’, is preparing to become New Zealand’s largest island conservation park. Its pastoral scenery is being slowly transformed YExploreour Island Passage adventure Waiheke begins when you and board the ship lateMotutapu Sunday afternoon. - days 1 & 2 into coastal native forest. At the same time, the cultural landscape - created by Maori, early settlers On the way to our anchorage for the night, the ship glides past the volcanic Rangitoto and military operations – is being protected and island. A few decades ago this island was a barren landscape of tumbled basalt lava; interpreted. Waiheke, the most populated island in the gulf, is memorable for beautiful beaches, vineyards, today it supports New Zealand’s largest pohutukawa forest and prolific birdlife. olive groves and artistically-inclined residents. Your first night aboard Island Passage will be spent at anchor in Home Bay, Motutapu Island. The next day provides the opportunity to explore Motutapu or neighbouring Waiheke Island. Begin with a refreshing ocean swim, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast on the aft deck, then choose the morning’s activity. Options include a guided walk on Motutapu, an eco tour of Waiheke or an indulgent Waiheke wine experience. Beachcombing on these islands is the perfect start to your adventures. Motutapu on foot Waiheke wine time Waiheke’s secrets Our walking tour of Motutapu was A vineyard discovery tour will introduce A Waiheke eco-tour can take you RAKINO designed with assistance from the you to the island’s famous cabernet to beautiful native forest parks and ISLAND Motutapu Restoration Trust, a volunteer sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and wetlands, where you might see rare organisation that is “breathing new malbec. Waiheke’s clay soils have a layer New Zealand dotterels and giant life into an ancient landform”. Your of ‘rotten rock’ beneath, which helps to kokopu, as well as not-so-rare kereru exploration of this remarkable island produce complex, intense red wine. (wood pigeons), tui, fantails, song will be enhanced by interaction with a thrushes, kingfishers and many other knowledgeable guide. species. Along the way you’ll learn about the history, folklore, architecture and customs of the island. MOTUTAPU ISLAND Home Bay Palm Oneroa Beach Matiatia Beach RANGITOTO Onetangi Bay ISLAND PAKATOA WAIHEKE ISLAND ISLAND ROTOROA ISLAND PONUI ISLAND The Needles Great Barrier Island – days 3 & 4 Miner Head You’ll awake to the extraordinary beauty of Fitzroy Harbour, your launching pad for two days of soft, medium or hard adventure on Great Barrier Island. The choices are many: forest hiking to the kauri dam, Kaitoke hot springs or the summit of Mount Hobson; a peaceful kayak tour on the pristine waters of the harbour; a trip to Miners Head in one of our tenders; fishing at a spot known only to the locals; seabird photography from a chair on the deck.
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