Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

The Islands of Our Escape

Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf – a panoramic view
A magical corner of the Pacific Ocean between the Hibiscus Coast and Coromandel Peninsula, the Hauraki Gulf includes 4000 square kilometres of ocean and a multitude of islands. In the Maori language, Hauraki means north wind - apt because the gulf is protected from all sides except the north. Within this oceanic haven, nature is still very much at home. Volcanic landforms, deserted beaches, native forests, bird sanctuaries and historic sites await your discovery. Welcome to paradise, Island Escape style

Pristine environments
Lapping at the doorstep of New Zealand’s biggest city, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a blue-green paradise for sailing, fishing and beach life. The mood of the weather paints the seascapes. On some days, the gulf is a limpid pool of calm; on others, white horses gallop across water as yachts stretch their legs to reach the farthest anchorages. Always the gulf is achingly beautiful – a cruising ground that’s up there with the world’s best. With more than 50 islands, the gulf can show you a huge variety of landscapes. Waiheke’s coastline presents you with a succession of pretty beaches and rugged headlands – inland you can glimpse vineyards and olive groves. Then, at the outermost reaches of the gulf, the wilderness of Great Barrier Island will capture your soul. On the return journey to Auckland the scenery continues with Kawau Island’s magnificent Bon Accord Harbour, complete with historic mansion house. The finishing touch is Tiritiri Matangi, a tall sandstone island with photogenic birdlife and an iconic lighthouse.

Fascinating history
Although people have been part of the Hauraki Gulf’s life for less than 1000 years, the relics of early settlement are absorbing. Motutapu Island was inhabited while Rangitoto was erupting 600 years ago - there are fossilized footprints in volcanic ash to prove it. Gun emplacements, remnants of New Zealand’s staunchly defensive past, are an almost sculptural feature of many inner-gulf landscapes. On Great Barrier Island, historical sites are beautifully blended into the landscape. There are Maori pa sites that are centuries old, copper mines that you can visit by boat and awe-inspiring kauri dams that were once used to flush logs down to the beach. The wreck of the SS Wairarapa at Miners Head isn’t visible, but you can visit the resulting cemetaries. Kawau Island also has a colourful past with historic buildings, carriage roads and groves of exotic trees. Even the peacocks that wander the lawn at Mansion House Bay are relics of days gone by.
Forest ecosystems Replanting programmes are revitalising the forests of the Hauraki Gulf, however you won’t have to wait a hundred years for a satisfying botanical experience.
On Motutapu you can discover the Home Bay Forest – a healthy, regenerating native ecosystem. And Great Barrier Island has a tract of original kauri forest near the summit of Mount Hobson, as well as extensive areas of mature coastal forest. On Kawau Island a towering stand of redwoods is a beautiful surprise.

Rare wildlife
Encounters with animals of the land and sea are an essential element of every Island Passage expedition. The Hauraki Gulf is home to pods of dolphins and orca; sei, minke and Bryde’s whales are also sighted regularly. The expedition’s wildlife highlight is a guided walk on Tiritiri Matangi, where the resident birds seem to have no fear of humans. You’ll encounter rare takahe, hihi, kokako and saddlebacks, as well as a plethora of bellbirds, fantails and tui.

Lifestyle afloat
Usually a vessel the size of Island Passage would carry 40 or more passangers for multi-day expeditions, however we limit occupancy to just 20. Accommodated in luxuriously- appointed cabins, our guests enjoy five star service - but without the stiff formality you might find in a hotel. Onboard dining is strictly fabulous. Using the freshest local ingredients, organic wherever possible, our master chef will win your heart at every meal. And if you catch a fish while on board, simply hand it over and wait for the delicious result. Our extensive cellar of fine New Zealand wines promises a perfect match with your lunch and dinner choices. Before and after, the saloon bar is open for sociable refreshment. The sundowner hour is an Island Passage tradition that our guests always remember fondly, and New Zealand’s daylight saving ensures there’s plenty of time for conversation on the aft deck before you call it a day.