Bay of Islands, New Zealand - Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Become acquainted with the time-honoured customs and protocols of Maori culture on this fascinating excursion.

Travel to Waimate North for a visit to New Zealand’s first inland missionary station, where your guide will explain its influence on tribal Maori. At Northland’s oldest carved marae (sacred place), you will see the communal facility where Maori traditions are lived and maintained. The building itself is constructed in the traditional manner and decorated with original designs painted by local craftsmen. Your visit will reveal the special significance of marae to the Maori people. Your Maori guide will also explain the traditional protocols, which all visitors experience when visiting such places.

See the farming countryside as you drive to the Kaikohe Pioneer Village, a 19th century Northland village. It contains a range of displays including farm machinery, an old logging train, a smithy and a number of old stores and shops as well as Kaikohe Jail, the Waimate North Courthouse and Maioha Cottage. A buffet luncheon will be served in the town of Kaikohe.

After luncheon, travel to the beautiful and historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed between the British Crown and Maori chiefs. Set in the lush grounds is one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes, a Maori house of learning and the worlds largest war canoe.

Note: There is approximately 1½ hours’ total walking over flat ground. Photography and videography is not permitted during the welcome ceremony at the Marae. The itinerary order may vary.

View the highlights of beautiful Northland and the famous Waipoua forest.

Long warm summers and secluded beaches make Northland the perfect destination. The coastal waters attract boating enthusiasts and deep sea anglers from all over the world, while the Kauri Forest reserves delight nature lovers.

During your drive to Waimate, you will pass by the lovely horseshoe shaped waterfalls of Haruru Falls. The Maori legend claimed that a taniwha (water monster) lived in the lagoon below the Falls. Further along there will be a visit to Te Waimate Mission House, the only survivor of the three mission houses, which were built at New Zealand's first inland mission station in 1832. Morning tea will be served here.

Continue through Ohaewai and the Ngawha geothermal area to Kaikohe. The route then takes you through farming country to Opononi on the shores of the sand dune lined Hokianga Harbour. Once the home of ‘Opo’ the friendly dolphin of the late 1950’s, this area was one of the earliest settled by Europeans.

At Waipoua Forest you will take a guided walk to Tane Mahuta, the country's largest kauri tree, which is approximately 1,200 years old and still growing. Kauri timber became New Zealand's very first export - sought after for ships’ masts and as a building material. Within a few decades the vast forests were depleted, and only a few areas of these trees now remain.

At a hotel in Omapere, a buffet luncheon will be served, followed by a charming concert, performed by local school children.

Note: There is approximately 45 minutes’ total walking over some uneven ground. Comfortable and flat shoes are recommended.

Experience the ancient customs, rituals and traditions of the Maori Culture whilst paddling a Maori Canoe through beautiful scenery.

The Bay of Islands is home to the Ngapuhi, New Zealand’s largest tribal Maori group. This eco, spiritual and educational experience will provide a rare and unique insight into the ancient customs, rituals and traditions of this fascinating Polynesian culture.

Your Maori Warrior host will welcome you at Waitangi Wharf, where a safety briefing will be given before boarding your ornate 50 foot Waka Taua (Maori War Canoe). The tribal members will show you traditional paddling techniques, Waka manoeuvres and chants, whilst you absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Waitangi River eco-systems and the passing flora and fauna.

As you glide up the peaceful and tranquil tidal estuaries of the Waitangi River, your Maori host will share personal tribal and family histories from an ancient past. The Ngapuhi tribe have a traditional knowledge and their storytelling skills are legendary.

With the splendour of panoramic views, vibrant and stunning colours from the native forest stretching the length of the river banks and beyond, the voyage culminates with the arrival in the pool of the sacred and spiritual waterfall of Haruru Falls. The magic of this place is brought to life by the skilful oratory of the Maori storytellers.

As you paddle back along the river, you’ll see the family Marae, a sacred shrine of worship, where some of the local tribal members will greet you as you pass. You’ll return to port with a deeper understanding of the Maori culture and an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Note: Each canoe takes between 16 and 30 people. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure. Please wear soft soles shoes that you don’t mind getting wet as you may need to step into the water to board the canoes.

Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and explore the beautiful countryside of the Bay of Islands.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, overlooking the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site. It was here on 6th February 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown.

The Treaty Grounds are part of the 1000 acre Waitangi National Trust Estate, which was given to the nation by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932. Enjoy an informative guided tour of the grounds including The Treaty House - one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes, Te Whare Runanga – a fully carved Maori Meeting House and the Waitangi Visitor Centre - with its audio visual show outlining the history of Waitangi and the Bay of Islands.

You will also be able to observe the impressive Ngatokimatawhaorua, one of the world's largest Maori ceremonial war canoes, spanning some 117 feet in length and made from three giant Kauri trees. It is still launched every year on the 6th February for Waitangi Day.

Leaving Waitangi, you will travel through beautiful countryside to Puketona Junction and Kerikeri where citrus fruit orchards dominate the horizon, their deep green foliage blending with the russet-coloured sheep grazing country. While passing through the Kerikeri Basin, see the Stone Store and Kemp House, New Zealand’s oldest building. Before returning to the ship there will be a stop to photograph the cascading Haruru Falls.

Note: There is approximately 45 minutes’ walking on the paths and lawns at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic cruise past magnificent sandy beaches, secluded caves and majestic coastal scenery.

Experience the natural wonders, stunning scenery and learn about the cultural significance of this unique part of New Zealand, on this spectacular cruise to Cape Brett and the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock’.

The cruise will whisk you away through the outer islands of the Bay of Islands to the beautiful lighthouse on weather-beaten Cape Brett, passing secluded bays and sandy beaches on the islands along the way. From here you will travel to Motukokako and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ where, if conditions are suitable, the skilful Captain will navigate through the hole shaped slowly over time by the wind and waves, and on to Grand Cathedral Cave.

After the excitement of passing through the gap, your cruise continues at a more leisurely pace. Explore the inner islands and identify the abundance of birds and sea life that inhabit the area with the help of the knowledgeable crew. There will be a brief stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to stretch your legs. Zane Grey, the noted author and angler, was based here in the 1920’s and it later became the headquarters for deep-sea fishing.

On the return journey you could view the visual displays which contain local natural and cultural history information or simply sit back, relax and take advantage of the onboard bar.

Note: There is a step into the catamaran and approximately ten minutes of optional walking on gravel paths at Otehei Bay. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Beverages purchased from the bar are at the guests’ own expense.