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Day 1: Embarking in Auckland and discovering the ship
On arriving aboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first day will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works. For those who wish we try to give you a chance to be shown aloft in the rigging before we get underway.
East and north of Auckland lies the Hauraki Gulf, one of the finest sailing grounds in the world. The many islands and channels cover nearly 2000 square miles and are bordered to the east by the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island. Winds are usually reliable and the many options available in a voyage plan mean safe and exciting square rig sailing is assured. The exact passage plan will be decided by the Master depending on wind directions.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 to 4: Cruising the gulf
Kawau Island
During the voyage we could anchor overnight at such places as Kawau Island where a walk across the island is well worth it. From the old Copper Mine to the colonial residence at Mansion House Bay built by Governor Grey in the 1850's takes about 45 minutes, and the trail leads through grove of mature Redwood trees and other imported exotic species with a rich undergrowth of native ponga (tree ferns). At Mansion House Bay wallabies and peacocks roam the lawns and at dusk the native 'waka' a flightless swamp hen may be seen. At night the calls of the small Blue Penguins are heard and during the day they may be seen out fishing.
Tiri Tiri Matangi Island
Tiri is a designated Department of Conservation reserve where a pioneering revegetation programme has created a successful bird sactuary for rare and endangered species.
Great Barrier Island
If we call at Great Barrier Island we shall anchor near Port Fitzroy and spend a day there. The strenuous but rewarding hike to the top of Mt. Hobson takes 5-6 hours but the views are fabulous and the trail leads past the famous Kauri Damns and through native forests with many regenerated Kauri trees. There is an alternative walk from Forestry Bay to the pools at The Waterfall again leading through native forest. For bird watchers Banded Rails and the endangered Brown Teals are likely to be seen on 'the Barrier'.
Waiheke Island
At Waiheke Island we find a secluded anchorage on the north east side at Hook's Bay where the beach is normally deserted and the walk over the hill leads to the W.W.II gun emplacements. Native coastal forest surrounds this area of the island to Opopa Bay. Native pohutakawa trees line the deserted shore and an evening spent anchored under the southern stars makes one feel 1000 miles from urban civilisation, rather than just 30-40 miles from Auckland.
Wildlife
Throughout the voyage we will see an abundance of sea bird life; Petrels, Gannets, Spotted and White Shags, Caspian Terns are common, and ashore on certain forest trails Fantails are seen and the Grey Warbler heard. The lookout's perch at the bowsprit is a front row seat if we're lucky to see the displays of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins who delight in dancing in our bow wave. This is a unique way of experiencing the Hauraki Gulf's wonders that conventional tourism has missed.
Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Disembark in Auckland
Included meals: Breakfast
