Bay of Islands, New Zealand Yacht Charter

Sample 7 night Yacht Charter Itinerary – BAY OF ISLANDS

Day 1:  Join VvS1 in Opua in the Bay of Islands.  Long famed for its stunning coastal scenery, the Bay of Islands is punctuated by dozens of coves, offering a great base to explore the area.  Options: Big Game Fishing; go ashore for lunch in historic Russell and explore the town and its lovely waterfront; Visit Waitangi; Take a cruise in the tender up the Kerikeri inlet to the old stone store; dive the wreck of the HMNZS Canterbury.  Kayak, swim, hike, fish, walk on the beach.

Day 2:  Continue exploring the Bay of Islands.

Day 3:  Depart early for the Poor Knights Islands if weather permits.  A marine reserve, the Poor Knights Islands are reputed to have the best scuba diving in NZ, and has been rated one of the worlds top 10 diving spots.  There are underwater cliffs, and a labyrinth of archways, caves, tunnels and fissures.  There are also wrecks of two navy ships to explore.  Late afternoon departure for Whangaruru Harbour for a sheltered anchorage.

Day 3:  Early departure for Great Barrier Island (4 ½ hrs), the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf.  It is a rugged and scenic island with unspoilt beaches, hot springs, old kauri dams and a forest sanctuary.  Options: Hike to the top of Mt Hobson for fantastic views.  See Kauri dams on the way; Diving – there are pinnacles, shipwrecks, lots of fish and great visibility; Mountain biking through forests to the hot water springs; 8x8 adventures, traverse beaches, wetlands and volcanic terrain; Island tours with a local guide.

Day 4:  take the morning to explore around Whangaruru before heading to Whangamumu Harbour, an old whaling base in an idyllic anchorage.  Fish, dive, kayak, explore.

Day 5:  Head north to the Cavalli Islands to dive the wreck of the Greenpeace boat The Rainbow Warrior, or walk ashore at Matauri Bay to the Rainbow Warrior Monument. Explore the Cavalli Islands.

Day 6:  A little further north is the natural harbour sanctuary of Whangaroa.  Great walks, inlets to explore in the kayaks of dinghy.  Enjoy dinner at Kingfish Lodge.

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