| New Zealand Expedition Cruise:
5 Night Northland Coast and Bay of Islands Discovery Cruise
Multi award-winning Coral Princess Cruises invites you to
join us in discovering the very best of New Zealand’s
beautiful North Island and the Bay of Islands on an unforgettable
five-night luxury summer cruise throughout the country’s
most popular holiday region.

It isn’t hard to see how this scenic wonderland earns
its reputation in the ‘must do’ itineraries of
the most seasoned travellers. From the decks of our luxury
small-ship Oceanic Discoverer, we reveal the hidden treasures
of the stunning North Island – dramatic coastlines,
superb clear watered fiords, sub tropical islands and secluded
sandy bays, amongst other sights that most visitors never
have the chance to see. The ability to discover and access
the most unspoilt, beautiful and little-explored panoramas
of the region, and the delightful opportunity to direct your
own adventure, are what makes Coral Princess cruises unique.
Departing Auckland’s lively and colourful harbour,
you’ll soon feel right at home as we explore one of
the world’s most spectacular cruising destinations aboard
a vessel whose ambience is that of a private yacht. Accommodating
just 72 guests in spacious, modern staterooms featuring eye-catching
Italian-style bathrooms, Oceanic Discoverer’s elegant
surroundings, friendly crew and small number of guests ensure
an exclusive and personalised cruising experience the memories
of which will last a lifetime.
Throughout your cruise our experienced Cruise Leaders and
Guest Lecturers will share with you their wealth of knowledge
as we retrace the paths of early explorers and discover areas
seldom visited. Our specially designed excursion boat ‘Xplorer’
allows us access to the hidden gems of the region that are
largely inaccessible to most water craft.
But the beauty of a Coral Princess Cruise is that you can
be as adventurous – or as relaxed – as you please.
Explore well beyond the reach of most visitors, or simply
relax on the sun deck or in the open-bridge or spa as we cruise
serenely through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery New
Zealand has to offer. The choice is yours!
Daily excursions are another highlight for our guests, such
as guided walks within nature reserves like Tiri Tiri Matangi,
to spot some of New Zealand’s rare native birds, including
the Takahe, thought to be extinct, and only recently ‘rediscovered’.
The Bay’s 144 islands shelter white sandy beaches and
pristine subtropical forests and spectacular inlets where
the cool, clear waters teem with marine life. Dive in for
a swim, or take a walk to feel the sand between your toes,
and join our Cruise Leader in delighting in the antics of
the many dolphins, penguins and other marine life that visits
the Bay.
Coral Princess guests are among the privileged few who see
the true, rugged beauty of New Zealand’s remote North
Island and we invite you to join us to experience the adventure
of a lifetime.
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Day 1: Auckland – Tiri Tiri Matangi Island
Boarding at 4:00pm we depart the City of Sails at 4:30pm and
enjoy the view of the city and the Hauraki Gulf as we cruise
to Tiri Tiri, one of only two Scientific Reserves in New Zealand.
We anchor off the island and enjoy our first evening aboard
with the Captain’s Welcome Cocktails.
Day 2: Tiri Tiri Matangi Island – Kawau Island
This morning we enjoy an early morning guided walk to discover
the delight of nature and rare native birds on Tiri Tiri.
On our return to the Oceanic Discoverer we cruise to historic
Kawau Island. Here we enjoy a shore excursion to the abandoned
Coppermine. Walk through to historic Mansion House where you
can wander the old stately grounds or visit the historic house
of Governor George Grey, in the afternoon we depart for Great
Barrier Island cruising past Little Barrier Island before
entering beautiful Port Fitzroy through the narrow Man-O-War
Passage. We pass by oyster farms and spectacular scenery before
anchoring in this protected bay.
Day 3: Great Barrier Island - Mokohinau Islands
Join our experienced Guest Lecturers and Expedition Leader
on a guided morning walk through the native bush and to learn
the history of the mining and Kauri logging industry on Great
Barrier Island. For the less energetic we offer a sightseeing
cruise in the Xplorer before returning for lunch. This afternoon
we visit the remote nature reserve of the Mokohinau Islands,
where weather permitting, we land ashore at Burgess Island
to enjoy the scenery and nature on offer.
Day 4: Whangaroa Harbour
We cruise north to the remote Whangaroa Harbour where we board
the Xplorer to discover the delights of these secluded bays.
Day 5: Bay Of Islands
The renowned Bay of Islands offers a multitude of experiences.
We enjoy a full day exploring and discovering this spectacular
area. From the Hole in the Rock, Deep Water Cove, Urupukapuka,
Roberton Island, and more, the day promises unforgettable
experiences. This evening we enjoy the Captain’s Farewell
Cocktails in the sheltered Harbour for our final night aboard
Oceanic Discoverer.
Day 6 Paihia
8:00am - Farewell and disembarkation in Paihia. Self explore
the township of Paihia before joining the complimentary Paihia
- Auckland coach transfer departing at 1:30pm.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we
visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be
made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary
this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions
and any other reason whatsoever.
Bay of Islands - Auckland
A complimentary coach transfer operates from Auckland to
connect with the cruise. The coach hotel pickups commence
from 6:45am to 7:30am with arrival into Paihia at approx 1:00pm.
Day 1: Paihia
Spend time exploring the township of Paihia prior to boarding
Oceanic Discoverer at 2:00pm. Departing at 3:00pm we cruise
north through the picturesque Bay of Islands and along the
dramatic coastline. This evening we sail through the headlands
of the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour and invite you to join
the Captains Welcome Cocktails.
Day 2: Whangaroa - Bay of Islands
This morning we join our Expedition Leader and experienced
Guest Lecturers on the Xplorer to discover the delights of
the secluded bays in Whangaroa Harbour. Following a busy morning
we depart through the headlands and cruise to our overnight
anchorage at one of the many islands.
Day 3: Bay of Islands
The renowned Bay of Islands offers a multitude of experiences.
We enjoy a full day exploring and discovering this spectacular
area. From the Hole in the Rock, Deep Water Cove, Urupukapuka,
Roberton Island, and more, the day promises unforgettable
experiences.
Day 4: Mokohinau Islands - Great Barrier Island
We visit the remote nature reserve of the Mokohinau Islands
where, weather permitting, we land ashore at Burgess Island
to enjoy the scenery and nature on offer followed by an Xplorer
cruise around the island to observe the seabird rookeries.
Later in the day we cruise into beautiful Port Fitzroy through
the narrow Man-O-War Passage. We pass by oyster farms and
spectacular scenery before joining our experienced Guest Lecturers
and Expedition Leader on a guided walk through the native
bush and to learn the history of the mining and Kauri logging
industry.
Day 5: Tiri Tiri Matangi Island – Mahurangi Islands -
Kawau Island
We cruise to Tiri Tiri, one of only two Scientific Reserves
in New Zealand. We embark on a guided walk to discover the
delight of nature and rare native birds. We then cruise a
short distance to the Mahurangi Islands to explore the wreck
of Rewa, a 3,000 ton, four masted baroque - the biggest afloat
in her day. Cruising into historic Bon Accord Harbour – Kawau
Island and join the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails as we enjoy
our final evening aboard.
Day 6: Auckland
9:00am Farewell and disembarkation in Auckland.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we
visit and activities on offer. Whilst every effort will be
made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary
this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions
and any other reason whatsoever.
Rates
From AUD$2990 per person twin share. Click
here for rate and departure details.
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