Islands of the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand / 300 Nm / 28 Apr – 9 May 2022 / 12 Days / Cat 3 Expedition

You can fly directly into Auckland on or before the 28th of April, 2024. When you arrive, we’ll familiarise you with the yacht systems and safety equipment, and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner. We will aim to depart on the 28th of April 2024 and leave the marina, and head for our first of many island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard from the date you arrive, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 28th of April, you may need to arrange accommodation ashore.

Exploring the Hauraki Gulf

The goal is to circumnavigate the Hauraki Gulf, stopping at numerous scenic bays, anchorages and islands en route, while managing around the weather to ensure a comfortable and safe expedition. This may include waiting for bad weather to pass while safely anchored or moored in a sheltered bay, inner sound, harbour or anchorage.

The coastlines you will encounter include some of the most stunning maritime scenery in New Zealand. The voyage starts with departing Auckland Harbour and sailing in an anti-clockwise direction to Rangitoto Island, Motuhie Island and Waiheke Island for a winery luncheon, then east to Te Kouma and north to Port Jackson at the northern end of the Coromandel Penninsula, then south to Whitianga, east to Great Mercury Island, before heading north again to the wild coast of Great Barrier Island, 40nm NE of Auckland, before heading onto the isolated Mokohinau Islands for some great fishing.

Then we’ll sail south toward Little Barrier Island and to Goat Island marine reserve, where the snorkelling is fantastic. The next stop is Bon Accord Harbour at Kawau Island to visit Mansion House, the former home of New Zealand’s Governor. We’ll visit the large shipwreck still visible above sea level on the treacherous shores of Moturekareka Island before heading to Tiritiri Matangi Island, home of the lighthouse at the northern end of Auckland’s shipping channel entrance and built out of large steel rings forged in London in 1864, then shipped to New Zealand for assembly on the island’s clifftop. After departing Tiri, we’ll search for the elusive Elephant Island, with a rocky bay so small there’s only room for 3-4 vessels, before heading back toward Auckland on the 9th of May to complete our 300 Nm adventure.

Tips to visit the Hauraki Gulf

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) is the region’s economic development agency and an Auckland Council-controlled organisation. Their programmes help make Auckland a desirable place to live, work, visit, invest and do business. They created a wonderful website with lots of information about discovering Auckland and surroundings like the Hauraki Gulf Islands.

Your crew package includes:

• all meals onboard
• crew meals ashore in Auckland and on various stopovers islands and ports
• accommodation onboard
• your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt
• marina fees
• the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether
• your bedding, a pillow and towel is also included along with suncream.

Your crew package excludes:

• accommodation ashore
• flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports and visas
• alcohol
• toiletries
• clothing and wet weather gear

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.