ISLANDS OF THE EXPEDITION CRUISING THE HAURAKI GULF AND BAY OF ISLANDS

EXPEDITION DOSSIER JANUARY – MARCH 2022

New Zealand

© Shaun Jeffers ISLANDS OF THE HAURAKI GULF

© Alistair Guthrie

© Northland Adventure HQ © Intercity

Cavalli Islands xplore the famed islands and coastlines of the Whangaroa Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and Bay of Islands as we Harbour Wangamumu E delve into the region’s early history, Paihia visit island sanctuaries where native wildlife Helena Bay Poor Knights Islands flourishes, and learn about the region’s conservation success stories and on going efforts on this 8-day expedition of Northland. Mokohinau Islands

Hen & Chickens Spanning 1.2 million hectares of scenic glittering ocean Islands Great Barrier between and the Coromandel Peninsula, five Island marine reserves and more than 50 islands, the Hauraki Gulf is a veritable aquatic wonderland and lays claim Tiritiri Matangi to having some of the country’s most beautiful beaches Island and hidden coves, perfect for exploration by kayak. Auckland

The union of three channels, Colville, Cradock and ITINERARY Jellicoe, connect Hauraki Gulf with the Pacific Ocean putting it on the ‘whale super highway’ with almost a Day 1: Auckland/Hauraki Gulf third of the world’s marine mammal species living in or Join Heritage Explorer, your home away from home, visiting the marine park with Orca, Bryde’s Whales and in Auckland this afternoon where your Captain and Bottlenose and Common Dolphins regularly observed Expedition Leader will be waiting to welcome you here. Below the surface, numerous conservation efforts on board (times will be confirmed with your voyage are underway to help restore the balance to the Gulf documents). When all are aboard, we will set sail from which is still recovering from industrialised overfishing and Auckland through the Hauraki Gulf to our anchorage for the impacts of the surrounding farming. the night as our adventure begins.

Day 2: Tiritiri Matangi & Great Barrier Islands The island hopping and national history continues in Plan to rise early this morning for a landing on the the subtropical haven of the sheltered waters of the world renowned Tiritiri Matangi Island – one of the Bay of Islands. Once a raucous seafaring centre with a country’s most successful conservation projects. wild past, this now low-key stretch of paradise is widely Once completely cleared of forest, the island has regarded as the birth place of the nation and aptly been revegetated and rejuvenated thanks the named with some 144 islands ranging from rugged tireless efforts of volunteers planting around 300,000 outcrops through to impressive oases. native trees between 1984 and 1994. Now home to 11 species of threatened native birds in addition Experience conservation success stories in action and to more common species, be on the lookout for explore remote, forgotten island paradises by foot, kayak Saddleback, Kokako, Stitchbird, Brown Teal and and our luxurious expedition yacht Heritage Explorer as Takahe among others. During lunch we cross the we sail through the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

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Hauraki Gulf sailing towards , 1800s to early 1900s. The beautiful scenery continues during this time guests will benefit from being out as Heritage Explorer sails northwards past spectacular on the deck as whales and dolphins are regularly Cape Brett and the iconic Hole in the Rock at Piercy seen in these waters. Arriving at Great Barrier Island Island. The more adventurous on board may wish to Heritage Explorer will navigate to the sheltered take the opportunity to walk some of the Cape Brett waters of where there will be time to Lighthouse Walk, the exertion rewarded by stunning take the kayaks for a paddle, head ashore by coastal scenery. Zodiac or perhaps even spend some time fishing with the Captain. Day 6: Whangaroa Harbour & Cavalli Islands Wake this morning to the breath-catching scenery Day 3: Great Barrier Island of Whangaroa Harbour. North of the Bay of Islands, Today we have a full day dedicated to exploring this dramatic harbour is defined by both its narrow Great Barrier Island. Existing entirely off grid through entrance, gravity defying volcanic spires, sheltered solar power and rainwater collection, 60 per cent of bays and tranquil sandy beaches. Head out on the island’s 285 kilometres is public land managed the water and explore by kayak or Zodiac, or by the Department of Conservation where head ashore and enjoy a morning hike to one of spectacular towering cliffs meet white surf beaches, the vantage points that provide epic panoramas wetlands, fiords and bays home to Spotless Crake, over these unforgettable surrounds. We then sail to Fernbird, Brown Teal, Banded Rail, Kaka the Cavalli Islands where there is the opportunity and more than 13 species of lizard including the to explore nature reserve and diving hotspot Chevron Skink. For the more active there are forest Motukawanui Island. Swimming and snorkelling walks to explore, while those preferring to stay on, or opportunities abound, explore powdery white sand near, the water there is the opportunity to take out beaches or tackle the Island track along the ridge of the kayaks or join a Zodiac safari. If conditions are the island where spectacular views over the forest- favourable, there may be an opportunity to visit Arid clad coastline and scattered islands await. Island – one of the most beautiful, remote and rarely visited outer islands in the Gulf. Day 7: Bay of Islands We have the whole day set aside to explore and Day 4: Mokohinau, Hen & Chickens Islands enjoy the Bay of Islands. Opportunities include & Whangaruru exploring predator free Urupukapuka Island fringed An exploration of the outer islands of the Hauraki by Pohutukawa forest, where Project Island Song Gulf starts early this morning as we sail over to the has successfully released North Island Robin, archipelago of predator free Mokohinau Islands. The Saddleback and Whitehead, and the dramatic, size of these tiny islands and outcrops, positioned unrestrained beauty of Roberton Island which is also uniquely at the edge of the continental shelf, rich in New Zealand history. Later in the day there is belie their importance as a refuge for some of an opportunity to explore historic Russell, a town of New Zealand’s most endangered species found New Zealand firsts including first seaport, European nowhere else on the planet. Continuing northwards settlement, capital and licensed hotel. Perhaps enjoy there is the option to set our course, depending a drink at the iconic The Duke of Marlborough and on the prevailing conditions, to either the Hen and brace yourself for one of Russell’s famed sunsets. Chickens Islands or Poor Knights Islands. Both of these island groups have been vitally important in Day 8: Paihia/Auckland the story of New Zealand conservation and we will After breakfast and final farewells we head ashore at delve into this history today as well as marvel at the Paihia where there is the opportunity for you to spend abundance of life both above and below the water some additional time or join our complimentary shuttle on these remarkable island outposts. transfer to Auckland. We expect to arrive in central Auckland around 12 noon this afternoon. Day 5: Whangamumu Harbour & Cape Brett This morning we plan to visit the old whaling station Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in at Whangamumu Harbour, this beautifully protected reverse. During our voyage, circumstances may make cove to the south of the Bay of Islands hides a dark it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed past as the site of one of the earliest European itinerary. This can include weather and opportunities for whaling bases in New Zealand. The only whaling making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader station in the world which caught whales with nets, will keep you fully informed. Voyages are planned and Whangamumu was Northland’s longest running and scheduled pending final regulatory approval. most successful whaling station operating from the

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DATES 7 – 14 January 2022 14 – 21 January 2022 12 – 19 March 2022

PRICES

Royal NZ$7,995 pp* 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 NZ$6,475 pp* 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 NZ$6,825 pp* Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins Sun Deck feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.

Buller’s NZ$5,775 pp*

Bridge 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. Bridge Deck * All prices are per person in NZ$ Bar Galley ADDITIONAL OPTION

Dining Room/ Lecture Room Premium drinks package Lounge Library NZ$200 pp*

Main Deck PRICE INCLUDES Landing fees, pre or post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship Engine Room accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. Crew GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides. Lower Deck PRICE EXCLUDES

Royal Wandering HXSFD080422CC All items of a personal nature, laundry, Salvin’s Buller’s domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

New Zealand

Freephone: 0800 262 8873 (within NZ) 1800 143 585 (within Australia) 1866 285 7884 (within USA/Canada) Antarctic House, 53B Montreal Street, P.O. Box 7218, Christchurch 8240, New Zealand. WWW.HERITAGE-EXPEDITIONS.COMTel +64 3 365 3500 [email protected] 4 [email protected] www.heritage-expeditions.com