This overnight cruise through the historic Bay of Islands is a unique journey into the youngest country on earth. The Bay of Islands is the nexus of New Zealand for Maori and Pakeha alike. This two day cruise will showcase the past and the present of New Zealand's finest sub tropical and maritime destination.
The Bay of Islands is a stunning region consisting of 144 islands, abundant in natural wonder and marine life. With some of the warmest waters in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a natural wonderland where you can encounter bottlenose and common dolphins, whales, seals, penguins and a diverse range of birdlife
The first European to visit the area was Captain Cook, who named the region in 1769. The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans. Whalers arrived towards the end of the 18th century, while the first missionaries settled in 1814.
The bay has many interesting historic towns including Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and Kerikeri. Russell, formerly known as Kororareka, was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, and dates from the early 1800s. Kerikeri contains many historic sites from the earliest European colonial settlement in the country. These include the Mission House, also called Kemp House, which is the oldest wooden structure still standing in New Zealand. The Stone Store, a former storehouse, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction having begun on 19 April 1832.
| Day One |
|---|
| 7.30am |
Coach Option – GreatSights® Coach pick up from Auckland Hotel |
| 11.30pm |
Coach Option – GreatSights® Coach arrives in Paihia |
| 12.30pm |
All Ipipiri Guests - Please Check in at the Maritime Building |
| 1.00pm |
All Guests depart the Maritime Building to Opua to board Ipipiri |
| 1.30pm |
Ipipiri departs Opua. |
| 1.30pm - 3.00pm |
Ipipiri cruises through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. Afternoon Tea is served (assortment of freshly baked muffins and coffee/tea.) |
| 3.00pm - 5.30pm |
Afternoon activities |
| 7.30pm |
Buffet Dinner is served
|
| 9.00pm |
Dinner complete. Relax, unwind, view the stars and take in the stillness of staying overnight on a luxury catamaran anchored in a sheltered bay. |
| Day Two |
|---|
| 6.30am |
Coffee and tea available |
| 7.30am |
Breakfast to be served in The Dining Room
|
| 8.30am |
Optional activities available departing from Ipipiri. These must be pre booked the evening before |
| 9.00am |
Vessel departs for Cruise back to Opua |
| 9.30am |
Optional Activities available via Russell on the way back to Opua |
| 10.00am |
Vessel Arrives back in Opua, Coach Transfer back to Maritime Building |
| 10.30 - 11.00am |
Passengers arrive back at the maritime building |
| From 11.00am |
Make the most of your time in Paihia and explore this region in more detail with an afternoon tour or cruise. |
| 4.15pm |
Coach passengers only – Your coach will depart the Maritime Building at 4.20pm to Auckland |
The new small ship will feature 30 identical ocean view cabins, spread over two decks. All ocean view cabins will include full sized ensuites and sea views so that passengers can watch the sun rise and set from the privacy of their cabins. Your room can be configured as either one king bed or two single beds.
Two other decks will include a spacious sundeck and a 70-seat restaurant with indoor/outdoor dinning and a bar.
When the ship anchors at sea, the onboard tender (small run-about) will ferry passengers to and from nearby islands to enjoy activities like snorkeling, swimming and kayaking. The crew will help visitors with local information and provide interpretation of the many legends and stories unique to this area.
The catamaran will cruise at 12 knots providing maximum stability and minimum wake. At 44 metres (around 150 feet) long and a hull depth of 1.4 metres this new small ship will provide a truly impressive cruise experience in one of the most spectacular regions of New Zealand.
Ocean View Rooms
All cabins are identical on both decks and feature sea views. Cabins can be configured as one king sized bed or two singles. Bed linen, duvet, 4 towels (2 bathroom and 2 outside) and pillows are provided.
Vessel Summary
- Type: Catamaran
- Length: 44 metres (circa 150 feet)
- Width: 13m (circa 40 feet)
- Heigh: 11m (circa 30 fet)
- Decks: 4 decks
- Two identical accommodation decks
- One dinning/bar deck with indoor/outdoor flow
- One sundeck
- Cabins: 30 identical ocean view cabins with full sized ensuite's and sea views.
- Stern Plate: The vessel has been fitted with a large stern plate which can be lowered below the waterline for ease to access in to and out of the water.
Coach and Cruise Package, Departing Auckland
Why not let your indulgent escape onboard Ipipiri start from Auckland. Travel north from Auckland onboard GreatSights®, New Zealand’s premier sightseeing tour company. Our experienced and knowledgeable drivers will take you through rolling countryside, rural towns and past sandy beaches to Paihia, situated in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Your tour will arrive in Paihia at around 11.30am with plenty of time for lunch before you board your Ipipiri cruise. After your Ipipiri experience concludes, explore the region in the afternoon before boarding the GreatSights® coach back to Auckland at 4.15pm
|
| Season |
Twin Share |
Single |
Child |
| 01 September 2010 - 31 October 2010 |
$349 per adult |
$549 per adult |
$224.50 per child |
| 01 November 2010 - 31 January 2011 |
$399 per adult |
$549 per adult |
$249.50 per child |
| 01 February 2011 - 31 April 2011 |
$439 per adult |
$624 per adult |
$275 per child |
| *Prices are retail, in NZ dollars, include GST at 12.5% and are indicative only. Coach departs and returns to Auckland. One child (2-14 years inclusive) sharing with one adult will be charged on an adult/child twin share basis. |
Ipipiri Cruise Only, Departing Opua
Ipipiri Overnight Cruises offers you one unique night, surrounded by nature and immersed in history at very competitive prices. Nightly rates start from $249pp for an ocean view twin and include a cruise through the sheltered Bay of Islands, on-board activities, afternoon tea, full buffet dinner and breakfast. Bar charges and third party activities are not included.
|
| Season |
Twin Share |
Single |
Child |
| 01 September 2010 - 31 October 2010 |
$249 per adult |
$449 per adult |
$124.50 per child |
| 01 November 2010 - 31 January 2011 |
$299 per adult |
$449 per adult |
$149.50 per child |
| 01 February 2011 - 31 April 2011 |
$339 per adult |
$524 per adult |
$175 per child |
| *Prices are retail, in NZ dollars, include GST at 12.5% and are indicative only. One child (2-14 years inclusive) sharing with one adult will be charged on an adult/child twin share basis. |
Terms and conditions
Reservations/Confirmations/Payment/Cancellation Procedure
- Pricing seasons 01 October – 31 January, 01 February – 30 April.
- Single, Twin, Double and Triple occupancy available. For sole occupancy of a cabin, a single person rate will apply.
- All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars and includes GST at 12.5%. Prices are subject to change without notice. Due to exchange rate fluctuations, at times their may be some variance in the amount refunded compared to the initial amounts charged. Fullers GreatSights® does not accept any liability for these variances or any subsequent credit card / bank charges relating to these transfers to customers accounts.
- Suitable for all ages.
- Infants (0-24 months) - $20 (incl GST) fee for a porta cot, otherwise child rates applies.
- Child rates apply for 2-14 year old inclusive.
- Dietary Requirements – Crew can cater for a majority of dietary requirements, however advance notice must be given at the time of booking.
- Disabilities - Passengers restricted to a wheelchair are welcome if they are independently mobile. (i.e. have their own helpers to manage stairs and sea sills)
- Smoking on the vessel is limited to the mid deck aft only.
- Cabin Allocations: All cabins are identical on both decks. Cabins will be allocated on a runoff the vessel basis at the discretion of the Cruise Coordinator.
- Complimentary pick up and drop off service available from Paihia accommodation. Pick ups from Kerikeri Airport can be arranged for $30pp. All pick ups must be prebooked, at the time of booking.
- Minimum numbers do apply.
- All agreements and contracts are subject solely to New Zealand law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.
- Fullers GreatSights® reserve the right to amend timetables, cancel departures, substitute plant and equipment and alter ticket prices at any time. Departures and itineraries are subject to weather conditions. Fuel – due to the uncertainty of fuel prices Fullers GreatSights® reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge.
- To the extent permitted by law, all our liability for damage to your property, disruption to travel plans, or mental injury is excluded. This exclusion is subject to any rights and remedies you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
- Where another company or persons operate part of the tour or cruise Fullers GreatSights® is acting only as Sale Agent. Responsibility and liability for the operation lies with the operator.
- Fullers GreatSights® accept no responsibility if activity inclusions are not be available due to weather, and no refund will be due.
- What to bring: Non-slip shoes or boots, warm / waterproof jacket, fleece or jersey, change of clothes, sunscreen and sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, cash for bar and snacks. Overnight bag only.
- Limited Luggage storage facilities exist on check in.
Payment Terms / Cancellation Policy
- Your acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined above is required to process your reservation. / Please ensure your have read and accept our terms and conditions.
- To secure a reservation we require your credit card details. Full payment must be made 30 days prior to departure.
- Group Bookings: A $30 + GST per person non refundable deposit is required to confirm a group booking. Reconfirmation and draft rooming list required 60 days prior to departure. Full payment and rooming list required 30 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations: All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellation fees are charged on the following basis:
- Outside 30 days prior to departure: no charge
- 29-10 days prior to departure: 50% of full fare
- Within 10 days of departure: 100% of full fare
- Once the cruise has departed no portion of the package payment is refundable in the event of the individual or group being unable to proceed.
- Cancellation fees are non negotiable – we strongly recommend travel insurance.
- Should Fullers GreatSights® cancel a cruise due to weather, failure to reach minimum numbers or mechanical failure, a full refund will be made.
- Force Majeure – no refund
