Description
Explore the famed islands, crystal clear waters and intriguing coastlines of the Bay of Islands as we delve into the region’s early New Zealand history and island conservation efforts on this incredible, 4-day island-hopping expedition.
Once a raucous seafaring centre with a wild past, this now low-key subtropical stretch of paradise is widely regarded as the birth place of the nation and aptly named with some 144 islands ranging from rugged outcrops through to impressive oases.
Rightly famous for its golden sand beaches and impossibly clear water, the Bay of Islands offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand which you can explore by ship, Zodiac, kayak, foot as well as slipping into the azure water for a swim or snorkel. A renowned fishing area you will have the opportunity to try your luck at catching dinner, it is also the location of a number of world famous sites and locations including Piercy Island’s impressive and much-photographed Hole in the Rock.
The Bay of Islands is also rich in culture and early New Zealand history and heritage, with a variety of historic sites and places of interest to be discovered including New Zealand’s first capital city, Russell, and Waitangi, location of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document.
As one of New Zealand’s premier aquatic playgrounds, the opportunities to get in and on the water are endless as are the islands to explore. Urupukapuka is the largest, and is one of the seven main islands in Project Island Song, a more than decade-long project restoring the islands to a pest-free state and natural eco-systems. Other islands of interest include Waewaetorea in the outer reaches of the Bay, Roberton Island with its stunning twin lagoons and the island paradise of Moturua.
An epic adventure awaits on Bay of Islands Explorer as we visit island conservation success stories, iconic sites of cultural and historic importance, and explore subtropical island paradises from the comfort of our luxurious expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.