Charter Suggestions for Escapade Charters

Hauraki Gulf | Bay of Islands | South Pacific | Fiji Islands

The following are suggested itineraries for the charter of Escapade.

The Hauraki Gulf

Day One:
Meet the crew and take a tour of your ship. Cruise out into the Waitemata Harbour (translates from Maori as "sparkling waters") past Rangitoto Island - the youngest of many volcanoes in the region. Challenge your shipmates to a game of petanque on the beautiful, white sandy beaches of Waiheke Island.

Hauraki Gulf

Day Two:
Explore the espresso cafes and craft shops, then relax among the vines and olive groves of Stonyridge Vineyard. Back on board, lie back on the sun-pad and enjoy a cocktail as you journey to the historic Gold-rush Township of Coromandel.

Day Three:
Cruise the rugged coastline of the Coromandel Ranges and try your hand at fishing for your supper. In the evening, gaze in awe at the "Milky Way", an amazing galaxy of stars, as your ship snuggles into the vintage whaling station harbour, Whangaparapara.

Day Four:
A fun-filled day of snapper fishing, jetskiing and scuba diving in Great Barrier Island's crystal clear waters. Stretch out on a nearby beach and sip ice-cold champagne and indulge in chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Day Five:
Cruise up the west coast of the island, then slip between the cliffs of the impossibly narrow, deep water entrance of Fitzroy Harbour. Enjoy a hike? Mt Hobson rises 620m above sea level, beckoning the hiker with a promise of unforgettable views.

Day Six:
Head west past Little Barrier Island, accompanied by bow-riding dolphins, lazy penguins and surfacing whales. Anchor at Kawau Island, the home (now a museum) of New Zealand's first Governor General. Governor Grey imported many and varied exotic animals and they have established themselves on the island.

Day Seven:
Pass by the wreck of the "Rewa" a large sailing ship, and explore the wildlife island of Tiritiri-Matangi. Walk up to the lighthouse, the most powerful in the Southern Hemisphere. Alternatively, try a round of golf at the Gulf Harbour Golf Course, host of the 1998 World PGA Championship. Arrive back into Auckland, the City of Sails.

The Bay of Islands
Days One, Two, and Three:
Explore the main islands of the bay - Roberton, Urupukapuka and Motukiekie. Well-marked tramping trails take you through forest and across grasslands to reveal powerful views of sea and sky. If the season is right, dive or snorkel for scallops and crayfish.

Bay of Islands Sun Set

Day Four: While cruising outside the islands, dolphins appear off the bow and click their playful welcome as you stop all engines to join them for a swim. At Deep Water Cove you climb the waterfall to the pool at the top for another unforgettable view.

Day Five: Point your bow up the coast and around the lighthouse of Cape Brett, past the Hole in the Rock and on to the isolated horseshoe harbour of Whangamumu. Mount an expedition ashore to explore the remains of the ancient whaling station, recalling the times of long wooden oars and hand thrown harpoons. Back in the tranquility of the bay, refreshed and relaxed, you gaze mesmerised as the sun sets over a cocktail on the aft deck - bathing the world in warm hues of red, gold and yellow.

Days Six, Seven and Eight:
Continue your explorations of the islands or cruise north to Whangaroa Harbour for an evening ashore at Kingfish Lodge - a luxury hideaway favoured by local and international celebrities, accessible only by water.