Soren Larsen - Bay of Islands / Hauraki Gulf - 5 Days

Voyage Number	V329
Voyage price	£765 for 5 days
Voyage Dates	21/02/2011 - 10:00 - 26/02/2011 - 10:00
Depart from	Russell, NZ
Finishing Port	Auckland, NZ
Voyage area	New Zealand
Voyage type	Adventure Voyage
Vessel	Soren Larsen
Availability	Available
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Voyage Description

Soren Larsen Bay of Islands - Hauraki Gulf

No New Zealand holiday is complete without a few days on Aucklands favourite Tall ship Soren Larsen. Sail the coast and explore the magical islands of the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands aboard this magnificently restored square rigger.

The Bay of Islands

The Bay of 140 tranquil islands is steeped in the country's early history. Russell is the former whaling town which became the country's initial capital. Nearby is Waitangi, where the first treaty was signed between the British and Maori chiefs. We will drop anchor at Roberton Island where Cook first landed in 1769, and overnight there, for this is one of the most signifcant places in the Bay and is a favourite anchorage. Today the whole area is a scene of overwhelming natural beauty whose passages and channels we shall cruise at our leisure.

Haukari Gulf

East and north of Auckland lies the Hauraki Gulf, one of the finest sailing grounds in the world. The many islands and channels cover nearly 2000 square miles and are bordered to the east by the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island.

Winds are usually reliable and the many options available in a voyage plan mean safe and exciting square rig sailing is assured. The exact passage plan will be decided by the Master depending on wind directions.

Some of the Highlights

Up the rigging

On arriving aboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first day will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works. For those who wish we try to give you a chance to be shown aloft in the rigging before we get underway.

Cape Brett

At Cape Brett we stop to marvel at the famous Hole in the Rock - a huge natural archway created in the island off the headland before we lay a course south to into the Hauraki Gulf.

Poor Knights - one of the best dive sites in the world

The Poor Knights are a group of uninhabited islands named by Cook (as was much of the Gulf) which are now a Marine Reserve. No-one may land here but we can take the ship’s boats into the spectacular tunnels and caves which pepper the sheer cliffs and if there is time snorkel the clear waters which teem with snapper and parrot fish.

Great Barrier Island

If we call at Great Barrier Island we shall anchor near Port Fitzroy and spend a day there. The strenuous but rewarding hike to the top of Mt. Hobson takes 5-6 hours but the views are fabulous and the trail leads past the famous Kauri Damns and through native forests with many regenerated Kauri trees. There is an alternative walk from Forestry Bay to the pools at The Waterfall again leading through native forest. For bird watchers Banded Rails and the endangered Brown Teals are likely to be seen on ‘the Barrier’.
 

Tiri Tiri Matangi Island

Tiri is a designated Department of Conservation reserve where a pioneering revegetation programme has created a successful bird sactuary for rare and endangered species.

Blue penguins & Kawau Island

 During the voyage we could anchor overnight at such places as Kawau Island where a walk across the island is well worth it. From the old Copper Mine to the colonial residence at Mansion House Bay built by Governor Grey in the 1850’s takes about 45 minutes, and the trail leads through grove of mature Redwood trees and other imported exotic species with a rich undergrowth of native ponga (tree ferns). At Mansion House Bay wallabies and peacocks roam the lawns and at dusk the native ‘waka’ a flightless swamp hen may be seen. At night the calls of the small Blue Penguins are heard and during the day they may be seen out fishing.

Pohutakawa Trees of Waiheke Island

At Waiheke Island we find a secluded anchorage on the north east side at Hook’s Bay where the beach is normally deserted and the walk over the hill leads to the W.W.II gun emplacements. Native coastal forest surrounds this area of the island to Opopa Bay. Native pohutakawa trees line the deserted shore and an evening spent anchored under the southern stars makes one feel 1000 miles from urban civilisation, rather than just 30-40 miles from Auckland.
 

WILDLIFE

Throughout the voyage we will see an abundance of sea bird life; Petrels, Gannets, Spotted and White Shags, Caspian Terns are common, and ashore on certain forest trails Fantails are seen and the Grey Warbler heard. The lookout’s perch at the bowsprit is a front row seat if we’re lucky to see the displays of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins who delight in dancing in our bow wave. This is a unique way of experiencing the Hauraki Gulf’s wonders that conventional tourism has missed.
 

ANCHORING AND UNDERWAY

On this cruise most nights will be spent at anchor as distances between the destinations are small, perhaps only 15-20 miles. We will usually weigh anchor early each morning and aim to arrive at our anchorage by early afternoon. We then use Søren's 17 ft inflatable for runs to the beach to explore ashore. The ship has sufficient sets of masks, fins and snorkels to allow everyone to swim from the ship in the warm waters around these islands.

Our sailing passage between anchorages may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. However sailing by day and stopping most nights allows those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get involved in handling the ship under sail. Everyone is involved in the duty watch system which will operate while we are under way and once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore.

For those interested in the voyages of Captain Cook this voyage by traditional square rigger does offer a unique insight and historical perspective on that amazing period of discovery.

FLEXIBILITY

Voyages are planned to allow us some flexibility on route as to where we stop and anchor, how long we stay at each place and where we choose to go. We feel this is the key to the sailing authenticity and the genuine adventure of the ship's voyaging. Itineraries may change due to weather conditions, readiness of the vessel or any other reason and so are without guarantee. If winds are unfavourable we may make use the ship's engine to maintain the schedule. All decisions regarding our route and itinerary will be that of the ship's Master.

WEATHER

January and February is the best of the NZ summer and the weather is usually warm, with light cotton shirts / shorts are sufficient during the day and a sweatshirt with jeans for evenings. Most go barefoot on deck and swimming gear gets worn most days. A hat, sun block and sunglasses are essential protection from sun over water.

YOUR ROLE ON BOARD

A Søren Larsen voyage is a holiday adventure where your enjoyment is of paramount importance. Participation in the ship and the voyage is central to the experience and you will be signed on ship as Voyage Crew as part of the ship's crew for your trip. However the level of involvement is up to you and no previous experience is necessary. The ship requires authentic seamanship to sail her but participating Voyage Crew are treated in a friendly and informal way and Søren Larsen's level of comfort and facilities reflect this.
 

On arriving onboard you will be shown your berths, introduced to the crew, and signed on Ship's Articles as Voyage Crew members. Much of the first morning will be spent introducing you to the ship and explaining the various routines, safety procedures and equipment and how the watch system works.
Our sailing between anchorages at our island destinations may involve some motoring but also some quite intense sail handling. This allows everyone to get involved, although those who would rather relish the amazing scenery to stand back and let the keener sailors get on with handling the ship under sail can do so. Everyone is involved in the duty watch system as Voyage Crew which will operate while we are under way and you may have your turn at the helm, on bow lookout or helping trim sail or help tack ship. Going aloft is a unique experience but is not compulsory and everyone can decide when or if they’d like to. People of all ages join us and many have never sailed before - previous experience is certainly not necessary.

CREW

There are 13 permanent crew who maintain and sail the ship, and who are there to assist and help you enjoy your time aboard. Once we drop anchor the deck watch is undertaken by the permanent crew and you the Voyage Crew are free to explore ashore.
 

See Voyage Description for Typical Itinerary

The Voyage Description section (see tab above)  includes typical destinations and highlights for each of Soren Larsen's special discovery voyages. The map below shows her fantastic sailing ground on the North Island of New Zealand. You can chose a 3-5 day voyage focusing on the Bay of Islands, or the vast Hauraki Gulf, or join Soren Larsen as crew to sail from Auckland to Russell or vice versus, exploring on route.

The captain of square rigger Soren Larsen is always looking for the best opportunties to sail, no two voyages are the same so you could even stay aboard for a few voyages until you feel like a true sea gipsy.

Auckland is obviously the hub for transport and other adventurous tours you may like to add to your New Zealand travel plans. There are regular scenic coaches between Russell and Auckland which you can book in advance.

Adam and Debbie in the Classic Sailing UK office have sailed this coastline, and we can give you first hand information on other non sailing activities you might enjoy in New Zealand from South Island treks to Ball Pass and Mount Cook, or Canyonning in the rainforest waterfalls just outside Auckland and the cheapest way to car tour.

Vessel Details

See the tab above for a full description of this historic wooden ship

Russell - Bay of Islands

The Town

Location of the Ship

Joining & departure times: 1000hrs at Russell Wharf

Accommodation

Things to Do in Russell & Beyond

more soon.

Travelling Between Auckland & Russell 

There is a regular coach service between Auckland and Russell, Bay of Islands which takes approx 4 hours and is quite a scenic drive.

 Trip advice for New Zealand

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand there is a wealth of information on adventure activities, cultural experiences and independant travel options to chose from. Almost too much choice. The nice thing about adding a 4-5 day voyage on Soren Larsen to your New Zealand itinerary, is that you can indulge in relatively slow travel, with the winds dictating your daily itinerary. You also have a chance to offset all that carbon created to fly you to New Zealand by exploring a significant part of the North Island powered by the wind.

The ships crew are well travelled and enthusiastic about much more than just square rig sailing, so they make great ambassadors to introduce you to New Zealand. If you are flying into Auckland a voyage on Soren Larsen could make the perfect start to your holiday. You can chill out after a long flight; exert a bit of physical energy, learn about the wildlife and culture without feeling like a tourist, make some potential travel friends, and get some tips on where to go next. The age range on board is really mixed.

Classic Sailing skippers have been to New Zealand via stop over in Cook Islands and experienced many things from climbing upto the highest mountain pass accross the Southern Alps, to canyonning by jumping down waterfalls in the rainforest around Auckland. Over the next few weeks we will be adding some of our favourite New Zealand experiences and some of the quality outdoor activities we think our sailing customers might also like.

We think a voyage on Soren Larsen should be a 'must do' for anyone exploring North Island. National Geographic Adventure Magazine goes further and nominated the voyages as 25 best trips in the world.

Flight Advice

Classic Sailing are not flight brokers. If you are planning a world trip or multiple stop offs in Austrailia and New Zealand we recommend you speak to a specialist flight broker. Always allow a bit of leeway for possible delays in both long haul flights and adventure activities.

Main airlines serving New Zealand and Australia from UK. You can avoid the hassle of flying via USA by going via Far or Middle East.

Air New Zealand

Departures from London Heathrow to Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington

Stop Overs Los Angeles, Hong Kong & Pacific Islands

Emirates

Departures from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, to Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Stop overs Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok

Widest seats in economy at 34"

Singapore Airlines

Departures from Heathrow & Manchester to Auckland, Christchurch, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Stop overs Singapore

Qantas

Departures from Heathrow to Auckland, Christchurch, and heaps of Australian airports.

Stopovers - Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bali, Singapore, Bali, Fiji, New York, Los angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu.

Good for round the world tickets. Ask about Qantas Walkabout Fares

Cathay Pacific

Departures from Heathrow to Auckland, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne Perth, Sydney.

Stop over Hong Kong

Etihad Airways

Departure from London Heathrow, Manchester to Auckland and main Australian cities

Stop Overs Abu Dhabi, Dubai

National airline of United Arab Emirates. Worlds fastest growing airline with very new planes

Virgin Blue & Pacific Blue

Auckland - City of Sails 

The City

Imagine a city where most the population live within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and holiday islands. Sailing is in their blood and Auckland Harbour is huge. 

Location of the Ship

Joining & departure times: 1000hrs at Princes Wharf West, Quay St, Auckland
Adjacent to National Maritime Museum

Accommodation

Plenty in Auckland from very good value back packer hostels to top end luxury hotels.

Things to Do in Auckland

more soon.

Travelling Between Auckland & Russell 

There is a regular coach service between Auckland and Russell, Bay of Islands which takes approx 4 hours and is quite a scenic drive.

 Trip advice for New Zealand

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand there is a wealth of information on adventure activities, cultural experiences and independant travel options to chose from. Almost too much choice. The nice thing about adding a 4-5 day voyage on Soren Larsen to your New Zealand itinerary, is that you can indulge in relatively slow travel, with the winds dictating your daily itinerary. You also have a chance to offset all that carbon created to fly you to New Zealand by exploring a significant part of the North Island powered by the wind.

The ships crew are well travelled and enthusiastic about much more than just square rig sailing, so they make great ambassadors to introduce you to New Zealand. If you are flying into Auckland a voyage on Soren Larsen could make the perfect start to your holiday. You can chill out after a long flight; exert a bit of physical energy, learn about the wildlife and culture without feeling like a tourist, make some potential travel friends, and get some tips on where to go next. The age range on board is really mixed.

Classic Sailing skippers have been to New Zealand via stop over in Cook Islands and experienced many things from climbing upto the highest mountain pass accross the Southern Alps, to canyonning by jumping down waterfalls in the rainforest around Auckland. Over the next few weeks we will be adding some of our favourite New Zealand experiences and some of the quality outdoor activities we think our sailing customers might also like.

We think a voyage on Soren Larsen should be a 'must do' for anyone exploring North Island. National Geographic Adventure Magazine goes further and nominated the voyages as 25 best trips in the world.

Flight Advice

Classic Sailing are not flight brokers. If you are planning a world trip or multiple stop offs in Austrailia and New Zealand we recommend you speak to a specialist flight broker. Always allow a bit of leeway for possible delays in both long haul flights and adventure activities.

Main airlines serving New Zealand and Australia from UK. You can avoid the hassle of flying via USA by going via Far or Middle East.

Air New Zealand

Departures from London Heathrow to Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington

Stop Overs Los Angeles, Hong Kong & Pacific Islands

Emirates

Departures from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, to Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Stop overs Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok

Widest seats in economy at 34"

Singapore Airlines

Departures from Heathrow & Manchester to Auckland, Christchurch, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Stop overs Singapore

Qantas

Departures from Heathrow to Auckland, Christchurch, and heaps of Australian airports.

Stopovers - Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bali, Singapore, Bali, Fiji, New York, Los angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu.

Good for round the world tickets. Ask about Qantas Walkabout Fares

Cathay Pacific

Departures from Heathrow to Auckland, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne Perth, Sydney.

Stop over Hong Kong

Etihad Airways

Departure from London Heathrow, Manchester to Auckland and main Australian cities

Stop Overs Abu Dhabi, Dubai

National airline of United Arab Emirates. Worlds fastest growing airline with very new planes

Virgin Blue & Pacific Blue

National Geographic Adventure Magazine nominated Soren Larsen as on of the ‘25 Greatest Trips in the World’

 1996 Tourism Auckland - Hauraki Gulf Development and Protection Award at the inaugural tourism awards  

 1999  Tourism Auckland Annual Awards – the ship won the 'Adventure and Experience' Category 

Star of The Onedin Line 

History

Round Cape Horn & Transatlantic Tall Ship Race Winner

Extensive Refit 1992 - 1993

Around The World Again

Creating a Unique Tall Ship Experience in NZ and Polynesia

Vessel Specification

Rig: Brigantine.

Two masts. 12 sails in total and 7000 sq ft (650 sq metres)

Accommodation below:

What to Bring

Luggage: One main piece of luggage, which should be a soft kit bag or rucksack. A hard suitcase will not be suitable due to limited storage space.