Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise

With 144 islands to choose from and abundant marine and bird life, this is one of New Zealand’s finest maritime parks...

Step aboard the Ipipiri and unwind on an overnight cruise on the stunning waters of the Bay of Islands.

This spacious, four level catamaran is the largest cruising vessel based here and named after the Maori word for the Bay of Islands. It is pronounced e-pip-i-ree and for one night, you can call it home.

Within moments of arrival, your bags on the deck and the captain introducing himself and his crew, you’ll head slowly out into the Veronica Channel as the smell of baking muffins fills the lounge for afternoon tea.

Stand on the decks and watch the holiday homes of Opua slip past then glide between Paihia and Russell and follow the captain’s nose to explore the beaches and bays of the birthplace of New Zealand.

More than 100 years of history comes alive as the captain talks about the whalers, the sailors, the preachers and the many tribes who called these islands home since the Maori explorer Kupe first landed in this region 1000 years ago.

With 144 islands to choose from and abundant marine and bird life, this is one of New Zealand’s finest maritime parks – stunning during the day, and silent and awesome at night.

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, even humpback whales and orca who pass through these waters. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences are everyday occurrences up here.

The Bay of Islands is a popular spot for the 400 bottlenose dolphins who move up and down the north eastern coast of the North Island, making the chances fairly high that you will see them at some stage during your sailing.

If they’re in a playful mood, they’ll jump and twist out of the water, sometimes in pairs, showing off for the cameras and waiting for humans to jump in and join them – which they do from the smaller dolphin watching boats.

The quiet bay for your first anchorage depends on the weather and tides so that kayaks can be unloaded for those feeling energetic.

The tender boat will take others to shore for a walk. There is swimming and snorkelling available from the back of the boat or along the beach, and plenty of board games back in the lounge for those who have already unwound.

Ipipiri has 30 cabins which can be configured into king-size suites or twin rooms, each with expansive ocean views from three large windows that fill the entire wall.

They are surprisingly spacious with a wardrobe and desk in the bedroom for luggage storage, although a small overnight bag is advised. The bathroom has a full size shower and toilet and there’s no shortage of hot water for your night at sea.

Dining is fun family style at tables seating eight which is a great way to meet visitors to New Zealand and locals who love this part of the country and want to experience it from the water.

After the muffins and hot cookies are tidied away, the chef begins preparation for the three-course evening meal which includes a choice of starters served at the table and a delicious hot and cold buffet main course and dessert made from the finest local ingredients.

There is a fully licensed bar on board and drinks can be added to your tab for payment upon disembarking. 

The next day after a full cooked and Continental buffet breakfast you will cruise around more of these lush green islands back towards Opua.

The Ipipiri is also a spectacular wedding venue. Charter the vessel for up to 60 guests staying overnight or 110 for a cocktail style reception and get married onboard or in a secluded bay with the stunning Bay of Islands as your romantic backdrop.

Then take the party onto the top deck, crank up the juke box and celebrate under the stars. Extra guests can be dropped off to Paihia or Russell at the end of the night.

An overnight cruise on Ipipiri is such a unique way to experience the Bay of Islands and worth every minute – which passes too quickly.

What to bring:

• Sun hat, swimsuit and walking shoes for the surrounding islands
• A good book for lazy hours spent on the top deck, in the lounge or in your cabin
• A jacket for cooler nights gazing under the stars
• A smaller overnight bag for easy storage in your cabin

Things to know:

Car parking in Paihia can be arranged by the Fullers GreatSights office and a coach will collect passengers and take them to meet the Ipipiri at Opua.

Check in is at 12.45pm at Fullers GreatSights, Paihia.

The Ipipiri returns to Opua at 10.00am the following morning and you will be collected by coach and returned to Paihia.

Each cruise includes commentary on the history, environment and some of the Bay of Islands most spectacular landmarks.

Overnight cruises aboard Ipipiri begin at $357 per person twin share.

For more information visit www.overnightcruise.co.nz