BAy of islands
new zealand
Cruises and charters 2014 selection
Contents
3.
CRUISE CALENDAR
My life has always been involved with ships and the sea. I owned international
shipping companies in New Zealand, Japan and the Far East before selling in
4.
MV “ISLAND PASSAGE”
5.
STATEROOMS and SUITES
6.
CUISINE and WINE
7.
LIFE ONBOARD
8.
BAY OF ISLANDS NZ
2001 and retiring from business.
After 3 years of relaxation I needed to be active once again. It was then that
I decided to establish my dream company along with my dream passenger
ship. In all honestly, I have never enjoyed business as much as I do these days.
We have an outstanding purpose built ship with fabulous destinations that our
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PRIVATE CHARTERS
13.
PRICING and DATES
13.
CONTACT DETAILS
guests absolutely love to visit. Most importantly we have a superb team of
people who love to over-deliver our cruising products in New Zealand and
Vanuatu. We provide a child-free environment onboard the ship.
Our 2014 brochure presents a selection of the best small ship cruising Vanuatu
and New Zealand has to offer. For a beautiful one to two week cruise, or
perhaps a charter with friends, family or business associates, then please do
give us a call.
We welcome you aboard to explore new horizons.
Peter Bissett
Founder/CEO
The Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Cruise Calendar
Selection
NIGHTSDEPART
RETURN
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 5 January 2014
Sat 11 January 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 12 January 2014
Sat 18 January 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 19 January 2014
Sat 25 January 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 26 January 2014
Sat 1 February 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 2 February 2014
Sat 8 January 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 9 February 2014
Sat 15 January 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 16 February 2014
Sat 22 January 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 23 February 2014
Sat 1 March 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 2 March 2014
Sat 8 March 2014
Bay of Islands NZ
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Sun 9 March 2014
Sat 15 March 2014
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Island Passage
Length
42.0 metres
Width
12.8 metres
Draft
2.3 metres
GRT
498 tonnes
Bridge deck - Bridge Suites
2
Bridge Suites
1 Runaway - King
2 Reinga - King
1
Promenade deck - Ocean Suites
Ocean Suites
12
The Terrace
6
4
3 Kawau - Twin
4 Motutapu - Twin
The Anchorage
5 Pakatoa - Queen
5
6 Rakino - Queen
3
12Aotea - Single*
Main deck - staterooms
Staterooms
11
10
9
8
7
7Waimate - Queen
8 Tiri Tiri - Queen/Twin
9 Colville - Twin
10 Jellicoe - Queen/Twin
11 Rangitoto - Queen
12Aotea - Queen
*As a no surcharge Ocean Suite Single
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Staterooms and Suites
Our luxury motor yacht “Island Passage” is
perfect for a leisurely escape from a busy
lifestyle. We have accommodation onboard
for just 24 like-minded passengers in 12
spacious, individually designed staterooms
and suites that feature rich timber panelling
and
handmade
New
Zealand
Kauri
furniture. Each is fitted with DVD, audio and
TV, and all are individually air-conditioned.
The suites have doors opening directly onto
the outer deck. Aotea suite is available for
BRIDGE SUITES
solo travellers without surcharge. Staterooms
enjoy ocean views and natural light from
two portholes. Each has its own spacious
private en-suite facility. All have ample
lighting, storage and seating spaces and
are amongst the largest of any ship in this
size category to create an overwhelming
feeling of being on board a private yacht.
All are serviced each morning and again at
our nightly turndown service with delicious
chocolates and bottled mineral water. Our
ever changing selection of natural soaps,
body washes, shampoos and conditioners
ocean suites
are made from the most environmentally
friendly products possible as well as
biodegradable formulations and recyclable
oxo-degradable packaging.
Staterooms
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Cuisine and Wines
Relaxation, exceptional food and fine wines are an essential
outside under the stars. Conversation is invariably lively.
part of your cruise. “Island Passage” has a professional galley
Our on-board wine cellar is brimming with a selection of
and chefs dedicated to making every meal magnificent.
fabulous New Zealand and Australian wines. You won’t need
Breakfast and lunch are usually served on the aft deck, where
to remember the recipe for your favourite aperitif; we are
a perfect sea view is guaranteed. In the evening you can
well versed in the magic of mixology. Our bar is open well
dine in style at one of the 12-seater tables or find a table
into the wee small hours.
*Our creative chefs cater for any special dietary requirements
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Life onboard
If big ship packaged cruising has no appeal for you, be reassured
each trip, our eight person crew is on hand to share their knowledge
that our cruises couldn’t be more different. Life on board “Island
of the ocean and all of the local activities.
Passage” is like staying at a legendary boutique hotel that offers
different sea views every day.
Our expedition boats are designed to provide fast and efficient
transport to and from the ship and are well suited for exploring
For outdoor entertainment, our ship carries purpose-built landing
the local bays, islands, and rivers that are right on your doorstep.
craft, large tenders, sea kayaks, fishing gear and snorkelling
All boats are manned with crew guides, two-way radios and safety
equipment. The helicopter is available as required. Never a dull
equipment for your peace of mind.
moment, although lazing in a deckchair is always an option. During
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Bay of Islands NZ
6 Nights
Departures 2014:
January 5, 12, 19, 26. February 2, 9, 16, 23. March 2, 9.
Opua to opua
Day 1
Sunday
Opua, Bay of Islands
We all dream of enjoying the luxury and feeling that is associated
Day 2
Monday
Roberton Island
with the ocean when planning our vacation. The constantly
Day 3
Tuesday
Urapukapuka Island
Day 4
Oke Bay
changing skies and seas, the boats, the wildlife, sunrises and
Wednesday
Day 5
Thursday
Te Pahi Islands
Day 6
Friday
Helicopter flight
Day 7
SaturdayOpua
sunsets provide an extremely strong pull.
The Bay of Islands is one of the most interesting and beautiful
maritime environments on the planet, complete with 144 islands
and many fascinating stories from New Zealand’s history. As a
nautical playground, it was made famous over a century ago by
legendary author and game fisherman, Zane Grey. Further back
it is the cradle of European civilization in New Zealand.
“Island Passage” arrives here in early January, at the start of
Purerua
Peninsula
South Pacific Ocean
New Zealand’s summer season, and stays in the region
for three months. Summer
Hole in the rock
Cape
Wiwiki
Black
Rocks
Deep Water
Cove
URUPUKAPUKA
ISLAND
Moturua
Island
Oke Bay
RUSSELL
PAIHIA
OPUA
8
around
the
are
27°C
(80°F) level, tempered
by cooling afternoon
sea breezes. It is
‘bare foot, shorts and
ROBERTON
ISLAND
Waitangi
Treaty House
Cape Brett
Peninsula
temperatures
T- shirt’ cruising.
Whangamumu Harbour
(former whaling station)
Complementary helicopter flight in the Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands NZ
Departures 2014: January 5, 12, 19, 26. February 2, 9, 16, 23. March 2, 9.
Day 1 – SUNDAY Dinner
the entire Bay of Islands area – green jewels in a sea of sparkling
Your ship departs the port of Opua at 6pm this afternoon, cruising
blue. Like Opunga Cove, this island has a murderous history.
up the Veronica channel towards the tourist hub of Paihia and the
Ask a crew member to tell you the horrific story that ends with a
historic village of Russell. You’ll be sipping champagne, nibbling
60-metre plunge off the island’s cliffs.
canapés and getting to know your fellow cruisers as the exquisite
scenery slips by. Crew are always on hand to explain points of
interest, or refill your glass.
Your first night will be spent at picturesque Opunga Cove, a
tranquil haven for cruising yachts and launches. The cove faces
west, so you can sit and enjoy the sunset from your comfortable
steamer chair on deck. Opunga, also known as Assassination
Cove, has a fearsome history. French Explorer Marion Du Fresne
and 26 of his crew were killed and eaten in this bay in the 1800s.
Utu (revenge) was carried out as the crew ignored warnings and
fished in a tapu (sacred) area. Thankfully the tapu was removed
many years ago.
Day 2 – MONDAY Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you’ll visit beautiful Motuarohia/Roberton Island, which
you can explore in many different ways. Snorkel in the sheltered
lagoon, kayak around the bay or hike up to the historic Maori Pa
site. From the summit you’ll be rewarded by blockbuster views of
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Late afternoon we’ll motor to Urupukapuka, the largest island in
the bay. While anchored in gorgeous Paradise Bay (which is very
aptly named), you’ll enjoy our chef’s gourmet barbecue with fresh
seafood and produce from the local farmers’ markets.
Day 3 – TUESDAY Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today there’s plenty of time to discover Urupukapuka Island. You
could hike around the island, which has historic pa sites and
several fabulous beaches. Or explore the edges of the island by
kayak, stopping for a picnic along the way. Fishing from one of
our tenders is also an option – maybe you’ll catch dinner! If this
all sounds too much, simply lounge around on board with a great
book and regular deliveries of cold drinks and tasty nibbles.
After lunch we’ll cruise through the narrows of the Albert Passage
and along Cape Brett Peninsula towards Deep Water Cove.
Watch for gannets and dolphins along the way. Deep Water
Cove is a magical nature reserve complete with an idyllic waterfall
framed by native forest. We hope you’ll get the chance to swim
with the dolphins here – an amazing experience you’ll remember
settlement in New Zealand and Reverend Samuel Marsden’s first-
forever. A popular option from Deep Water Cove, which was
ever Christmas service (1814). Watch the sunset while sipping a
Zane Grey’s favourite angling base, is a fishing trip to Piercy
sundowner, then look forward to a night of indulgence with the
Island (also known as the ‘Hole in the Rock’). If conditions allow
Captain’s gourmet dinner.
we will overnight in this spectacular cove.
Day 6 – FRIDAY Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – WEDNESDAY Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a special treat. After breakfast the helicopter arrives onto
Today’s destination is beautiful Oke Bay, an anchorage that will
the ship and all guests are taken for a complimentary 10-minute
certainly tempt you over the side for a swim. Dolphins often visit
scenic helicopter flight around the Bay of Islands. Flights depart
this bay, so you might have another dolphin encounter here. The
right off the heli-deck on the ship and fly over the crystal clear
water is beautifully clear – swimming to the beach is always an
turquoise waters of the main island group to the world famous
option for fitter guests. As the sun sets we return through the Albert
“Hole in the Rock”. The townships of Russell, Paihia and Waitangi
Passage to our anchorage in Parekura Bay.
are also viewed from the air. Then experience the thrill of landing
Day 5 – THURSDAY Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a sumptuous breakfast on deck, we’ll make ready to motor
across to the other side of the Bay of Islands. Along the way you
can admire stunning homes tucked into remote bays and beaches.
We’ll make a detour to the Black Rocks, to collect fresh greenlipped mussels for our barbecue lunch. The sauvignon blanc is
chilling and the chef is determined to impress you, yet again.
Our anchorage for the night is the Te Pahi Islands, just off the
Purerua Peninsula. Before dinner there’s time to visit iconic
Marsden Cross on the mainland, the site of the first missionary
back onto the ships heli-deck. When the flights are finished we’ll
anchor off the historic village of Russell, known in whaling times
as ‘The hell-hole of the Pacific’ because it was a place of loose
women and drunken sailors. In Russell you can go ashore to explore
craft shops, museums, churches and the historic Pompallier French
Mission House (1839). You’ll also enjoy an elegant afternoon tea
on the veranda of the iconic waterfront Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
Day 7 – SATURDAY Breakfast
On your final day we have breakfast on the way back to Opua
and disembark at 9am.
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Private Charters
Chartering ships is a growing trend. Imagine the privacy
and intimacy of sharing a small ship cruise with your own
group of friends, family, business colleagues or customers.
A charter has many advantages over an independently
booked cruise. A private ship charter offers your family or
small group exclusivity, flexibility and savings. On a private
charter you have complete control over the utilisation of
all the public areas, activities and entertainment. You can
arrange cruise itineraries, onboard programs, activity
levels and food service to suit the interests, ability and
budget of your group.
Island Escape private charters are perfect for families and
small groups up to 24 people. Clients are increasingly
looking to small ship charters for:
• Couples and friends travelling together
• Weddings, birthday and anniversary celebrations
• Family reunions or families travelling together
• Corporate retreats, meetings or as a company incentive
• Nature, aquarium, museum and special needs groups
• Conservation organizations or other nonprofits
• Travel clubs or other clubs interested in travel
• Travel agents or group leaders can earn a free berth by
organising full charter cruises for their group.
Charters are ideal for groups that perhaps have a keen
interest in fishing, whales or bird watching or want to
kayak all day and the like. If you are travelling with a
science or ecology group or looking for a focus on ancient
cultures, Island Escape can find the right destination and
design the right cruise for your group.
Many companies are starting to use ships for executive
retreats and meetings. You have no distractions, just
bonding with company companions. We will organise
team building, wine trails, fishing competitions, golf
excursions, bush walks and beach safaris and many other
activities. There are three onboard tenders enabling you to
play hard when the hard work has been done and its time
for relaxing and celebrating success. For trips further away
the helicopter is always available.
Flying onto “Island Passage”
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Pricing and Dates
New Zealand Dollars
Per Person Twin Share
Stateroom
NZD
Ocean Suite
NZD
Bridge Suite
NZD
3250
3750
4450
Bay of Islands Summer
6 Night Cruise
Ask about our Early Bird Savings of $NZ 500 per couple and Resort Packages that are available in conjunction with all cruises.
All prices are invoiced in NZ Dollars. Please refer to our web page for prices converted daily to AUD, USD, STG, EURO.
Sebel Suites, Auckland.
Copthorne Resort, Bay of Islands.
Your Cruise Price inclusions:
All transfers as are specified.
Helicopter flights as specified.
All onshore excursions as specified.
Onboard Cruise Director.
Onboard en-suite accommodation.
Use of ship tenders and kayaks.
Use of snorkel and fishing gear.
All onboard chef prepared cuisine.
Complimentary coffee, tea, juices and water.
All port charges, taxes, fees and onboard services
For more information please contact:
island escape cruises limited
Telephone:
+64 9 522 1717
+64 9 522 1719
NZ Freephone:
0800 58 1717
Australia Freephone: 1800 584 869
Facsimile:
Email: [email protected]
6 Kent St, Newmarket,
Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
www.islandescapecruises.com
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