Island Time - 2 Nights Luxury Cruise 

This Luxury cruise offers first class excursions, led by expert guides who travel with you and uncover the mysteries of the region's wildlife, guided walks, kayaking, fishing, small boat exploration, shore transfers and island tours. Or you may choose to relax with a good book from the library or laze on a steamer chair in the sun. You decide...

This 2 night cruise includes; luxury accommodation, all onboard chef prepared meals, juices, water, exclusive shore excursions, snorkel equipment, kayaks and small boat exploration, onboard expedition leader, fishing equipment and guides.

The "Island Passage" has accommodation for just 20 guests. The ten spacious en-suite cabins have rich timber panelling and hand made kauri furniture. All are individually styled with original NZ artworks, are fitted with DVD, Audio, TV and air-conditioning. Most have doors opening directly to the outer teak deck. We take much pride in the fact that our cabins are amongst the largest for a ship of this size.

Daily Itinerary

Each day aboard Island Passage is unique and different. The specific programs are decided between 12 and 24 hours in advance, so that activities and expeditions can take into account immediate climatic conditions and other relevant factors such as tides as well as reports we have from the area.

The Cruise Program

Great Barrier Island - Wednesday
Depart Auckalnd Airport with Great Barrier Airlines scheduled flight to Okiwi Airport on Great Barrier Island (included). You are transferred from the airport to the ship and after settling into your cabin, perhaps a swim and some exploring during the day at Great Barrier. The final frontier. Half the size of Singapore, but with no electricity and a population of just 850, Great Barrier Island is the guardian of the gulf. It shields the inner islands, while taking a pounding from the Pacific Ocean on its eastern side. Fitzroy Harbour, on the sheltered side of the island, is one of the country’s most naturally-gifted harbours - the water is deep right up to the shore, making it possible to anchor and tie the stern to a pohutukawa tree. The island has a colourful history involving whaling, gold and silver mining, shipwrecks and alternative lifestyles. Today a passion for conservation connects the residents, who believe (with good reason) that they’ve found heaven on earth. More than 120 kilometres of walking tracks let you connect with Great Barrier Island’s wild spirit.

The Glenfern Sanctuary guided walk will give you a special insight into the natural world of Great Barrier Island. The sanctuary, which is on the Kotuku Peninsula near Port Fitzroy, has an extensive network of walking tracks. A highlight is the swing bridge that enables you to climb into the crown of a 600-year-old kauri tree. Places of interest The Kaiaraara kauri dam is a relic from the island’s forestry days. Constructed entirely from kauri logs, it has a ‘trapdoor’ that opens to let the water and logs pass through. The hot pools in Kaitoke Creek are another goal to aim for when planning your Great Barrier hikes.

Coastal explorations are actively encouraged on Island Passage. You can do it the fast way, in one of our high- powered tenders, or you can slip into a sea kayak and enjoy the tranquillity of a paddling tour. And then there’s the fishing – you catch ‘em, we’ll cook ‘em. Island Passage entering Port Fitzroy, Gt Barrier Island You’ll awake to the extraordinary beauty of Fitzroy Harbour, your launching pad for two days of soft, medium or hard adventure on Great Barrier Island. The choices are many: forest hiking to the kauri dam, Kaitoke hot springs or the summit of Mount Hobson; a peaceful kayak tour on the pristine waters of the harbour; a trip to Miners Head in one of our tenders; fishing at a spot known only to the locals; seabird photography from a chair on the deck. We’ll help you to find outdoor entertainments that suit your interests and fitness level.

Kawau and Tiritiri Matangi - Thursday and Friday
Your expedition concludes with two islands that couldn’t be more different. Kawau’s character rests on the historic shoulders of Sir George Grey, who owned the island from 1862 to 1888. Tiritiri Matangi represents the glory of conservation success – an eroded farm that has been ecologically restored. Island Passage arrives back in Auckland at noon on Friday.

Colonial elegance
Kawau Island is almost bisected by the long inlet of Bon Accord Harbour which is geologically a ‘drowned valley’. Within this sheltered haven there are many attractive bays, however Mansion House Bay is the most remarkable. Here you can tour Sir George Grey’s stately home, then stroll along the road that Grey’s carriage (pulled by two zebras!) used to take. From the historic coach road, a track leads to the picturesque ruins of an underground seashore copper mine. Another great Kawau walk is the Redwood Track, which reveals an interesting collection of exotic trees planted by Grey – redwoods, Australian bush cherry and bunya-bunya pines, to name just a few. A visit to the yacht club will uncover some interesting local characters, and you’ll find that the fishing around Kawau is most rewarding.

Welcome to bird land
Tiritiri Matangi is one of New Zealand’s most important and exciting conservation projects. An ecological restoration process that began in 1984 has transformed the island from eroded farmland into a sanctuary for rare birds. This island is a twitcher’s dream come true. A network of walking trails lets you explore a range of beautiful natural environments. Highlights include encounters with takahe, the rarest of NZ’s flightless birds; and kokako, which were on the brink of extinction. Nectar feeding stations are usually a frenzy of bellbirds – interrupted regularly by much-larger tui. Fantails enjoy leading you along the higher tracks, where bright green kakariki parrots also like to hang out. At Hobbs Beach, penguin nesting boxes are occupied in spring. Department of Conservation volunteers are available to lead your walk around this beautiful island sanctuary.

Valid 01 September 2008 to 30 April 2010.

Single use rates are an additional 50% of the twin/double rates.

Triple bedding rate is based on 3 passengers.

Our cruise rates include:

To book or for more information, please contact your Travel Agent or Enquire Online »