Classic Charter Itineraries
New Zealand Classic Yachts have developed a great number of itineraries from Auckland Harbour to the Bay of Islands. The itineraries detailed below are our most popular. If any of these do not quite fit with you time constraints or should you prefer to, for example charter Lady Gay for a passage from Auckland to the Bay of islands we are more than happy to develop a personalised itinerary costed on a per person basis. We look forward to welcoming you on board.
Harbour Cruises
Auckland Harbour Cocktail, Luncheon or Dinner Cruise (3 hours)
Escape the city aboard the Queen of the Auckland Harbour, Lady Gay. Indulge your family, friends, guests or clients in a three hour 'Private Charter' cruise of Auckland's magnificent harbour. Celebrate that special anniversary, occasion or holiday experience amongst the atmosphere and ambience of the varnished teak, chrome plated bronze fittings of this 1935 motor yacht.
While aboard you will be served either:
Canape's, along with a selection of fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Cab Merlot as well as New Zealand boutique beer, fresh juice and mineral water, or buy arrangement we can offer New Zealand methode traditional sparkling wine,
Or
Light Platter Lunch and fine New Zealand wine and boutique beer, as well as fresh juice, mineral water and tea or coffee.
Or
Informal or more formal Dinner. Once again fine New Zealand wine and boutique beer, as well as fresh juice, mineral water and tea or coffee will be served.
Duration: 3 hours
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Auckland Harbour Cruise & visit to Rangitoto - Canapes or Lunch/Dinner (3-4 hours)
Cruise to Rangitoto Island, Auckland's most recent volcano on the classic launch Lady Gay. This almost unique island was molten lava only 700 years ago. It is now one of the icons of Auckland and amazingly is the home of the world's largest Pohutukawa Forest. You will marvel at how such a huge forest can grow on an island of solid rock in just 700 years.
This private charter will be four hours in duration and can commence at a time that suits our guests other travel and entertainment commitments.
Depart from downtown Auckland's, New Zealand National Maritime Museum, and cruise down the beautiful Auckland harbour past the eastern suburb beaches of Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and Saint Heliers, and onto Islington Bay nestled between Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands.
Arrive at the Islington Bay wharf on Rangitoto Island approximately 1 hour after departing from downtown Auckland. Our guests are then given a guided tour of the Pohutukawa forest and nearby foreshore. There they will see how this amazing island forest that grew in the short period since the eruption and explore the molten lava formations that makes up the island.
After returning to Lady Gay we will move out into the bay where we will anchor for lunch or early dinner, experiencing the distinctly New Zealand cuisine and fine wine which is a speciality of the Lady Gay
After a relaxing time savoring the good food, wine and companionship of friends we will up anchor and make our way back to Auckland
Our guests will disembark from the Lady Gay at the New Zealand National Maritime Museum in Downtown Auckland approximately 4 hours after our original departure.
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Gulf Cruises
A Day Exploring the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf (maximum 20 guests, but better with fewer)
Auckland as the gateway to one of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world is ideally situated to allow visitors to Auckland to get away from it all and explore the sheltered waters and beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf
Escape from the city and sail out into the gulf aboard one of Auckland's most well known classic launches, the Lady Gay. We can venture over to Rangitoto Island and view at close hand how this icon of Auckland was formed only 700 years ago. Or if you prefer we can head out further into the Gulf seeking out a quiet anchorage for a swim, beautiful picnic lunch ashore, BBQ on the boat or to enjoy one of our catererÕs special platter luncheons.
Then relax for the afternoon with more swimming, wandering along the beach or further exploration of the islands of the Gulf. Some of the places are:
The Noises Islands - out in the middle of the Gulf, A beautiful group of islands offering a great walk ashore, exploration of the caves by dinghy, or a good feed of mussels at the right time of the year.
Motutapu Island - with beautiful beaches on the northern coastline and great walks ashore to the gun batteries originally built during WWII. This island is undergoing replanting and in decades to come will be like Tiritiri Matangi Island, which is one of NZ's special 'Open' Wild Life Sanctuaries.
Waiheke Island - The white sandy northern beaches and small coves are great for swimming, exploring or simply getting away from it all. Garden Cove is a unique anchorage and well worth visiting; a small cove only big enough for two vessels the size of Lady Gay.
And for the bird watchers; Tiritiri Matangi Island, known as the jewel in the crown of the Hauraki Gulf. This 'Open' Wild Life Sanctuary is home to most on NZ's endangered species of birds.
Duration: 8 hours - Depart 0900 hours. Return 1700 hours or at a time that meets with your other travel commitments.
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Waiheke Island Ananda Tour, Lunch & Cruise (Maximum 20 guests)
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland. Cruise to Waiheke Island on the classic launch Lady Gay for a tour of the island, culminating in a vineyard lunch with Ananda Tours.
0900 hours - Depart from downtown Auckland's, New Zealand National Maritime Museum, and cruise down the beautiful Auckland harbour past the eastern suburb beaches of Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and Saint Heliers, on past Rangitoto, Auckland's most recent volcano (only 600 years old), past Browns Island, Motutapu and Motuihe Islands and onto Waiheke Island enjoying a morning tea on the way.
1030 hours - Arrive at Matiatia wharf where you will be met by Ananda Tours and driven to Rangihoua Olive Estate where you will experience an olive oil tasting and learn how their oils are produced. They won 3 gold and a silver medal in 2004 at the Los Angeles County Fair.
1130 hours - A short drive to Te Whau Gardens for a walk through the beautiful gardens of Lance and Kay Peterson. Highlights include gardens fully planted with subtropicals, perennials, palms, and natives, a moderate grade forest track through coastal broadleaf forest, and a collection of garden art and sculpture.
1230 hours - A short distance from the gardens, lunch will be served at Te Whau Vineyard/Cafe. This vineyard produces an award winning Bordeaux blend called The Point, also a Chardonnay and Merlot. They were recently written up in the New York Times, and 3 awards of Excellence in Wine Spectator. While the lunch is included in the cost of the day, you are invited to buy the wine or other beverages of your choice.
1400 hours - Depart Te Whau and travel via the northern scenic route to Oneroa.
1430 hours - Stop at the Waiheke Art Gallery and view both local and national artist's works.
1500 hours - You will rejoin Lady Gay for an afternoon cruise back to Auckland. On board there will be an afternoon tea served or the guests may prefer to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer. A cash bar will operate after the first alcoholic beverage.
1630 hours - Disembark from the Lady Gay at the New Zealand National Maritime Museum in Downtown Auckland.
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Journey to the Matakana Wine District
Journey to the Matakana Wine District one of the special boutique wine growing regions of on board the Lady Gay. There you will enjoy the fine wines produced in the region: Takatu Vineyard, Ransom Wines, Hyperion Wines, Heron's Flight Vineyard, Brick Bay Wines and Ascension Vineyard.
Let us show you some of the Hauraki Gulf on the way and in doing so avoid the hassles of driving north out of
Auckland . At Matakana you may stay in a five star Luxury Lodge or high quality B&B. From the entrance to the
Matakana
River you may continue the journey either by car or take Lady Gay’s inflatable dinghy (max 4 guests) and voyage up the river to the
township of
Matakana ; a great adventure in itself.
Departing from the downtown Auckland at around 1000 hours (dependent upon clients other commitments), we make our way down Auckland Harbour heading out into the Hauraki Gulf. In doing so we travel out past Rangitoto Island, one of New Zealand’s most recent volcanoes and continue north towards to Whangaparaoa Peninsular and Tiritiri Matangi Island, one of New Zealand’s most easily accessed open wild life sanctuaries. If time permits we recommend stopping there and enjoying a guided tour up the Wattle Track to the lighthouse. On the way you will see many of the endangered species of native birds no longer seen on mainland . At the Lighthouse you can visit the cafe’ and retail shop before returning to the wharf two hours later. Alternatively we can stop off at
Kawau
Island ’s Mansion House, which was the home of Governor Grey, Queen
Victoria ’s representative in the 1840s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Lunch will be served as we continue our journey onto Matakana. After leaving
Tiritiri
Matangi
Island we motor across
Whangaparaoa
Bay , past Motuketekete and
Moturekareka
Islands , on past
Kawau
Island to the
Matakana
River . Arrival will be around 1600 hours or later if we stop off at Tiritiri Matangi (or elsewhere on the journey).
Allow us to liaise with your accommodation provider to ensure a seamless itinerary and comfortable transfer to your lodge.
Duration: Minimum 4 hours or whole day for an extended stop over – NO EXTRA CHARGE
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From Your Lodge on
Waiheke
Island - A Journey of Discovery - Exploring the Islands of the Hauraki Gulf
While enjoying your stay on
Waiheke
Island take time to explore the otherwise inaccessible bays and beaches of
Waiheke
Island 's northern coast, or voyage out into the beautiful
Hauraki Gulf to discover the more remote islands and anchorages.
You will board Lady Gay at 10:00 a.m. at the Matiatia wharf. Depending upon your interests, and the weather, we will make our way to one of the many destinations: Garden Cove,
Cactus
Bay , and
Owhiti
Bay are located towards the north eastern end of
Waiheke
Island . They are beautiful secluded beaches for a picnic ashore under the Pohutukawa Trees. Swimming and snorkeling around the boat or over to the rocks close by, or walking along the beach, are beautiful ways to work up an appetite prior to lunch.
The Noises are the small group of islands 5 miles to the north of
Waiheke
Island . These islands are beautifully remote with a walking track around the largest of the islands, Otata. At low tide we can explore the caves in the inflatable, or beach walk. And we may be able to harvest some mussels off the rocks.
The other islands of the Gulf are also interesting.
Rangitoto
Island ,
Auckland ’s most recent volcano, is a must. One of the city’s icons, it has only existed for 700 years, when molten lava erupted out of the sea to form the largest of Auckland’s volcanic cones. This spectacular solidified lava
rock island is home to the world’s largest Pohutukawa forest.
The jewel in the crown of the
Hauraki Gulf is Tiritiri Matangi. The island is an open wildlife sanctuary and home to many species of endangered birds. It offers an incomparable opportunity to see, as well as hear, Saddleback, Stitchbird, Kokako, Kakariki, Takahe, Whitehead, Bell Bird, Kereru, the New Zealand Pigeon and North Island Robin as well as the more commonplace Tui and Fantail.
You will be returned to Matiatia around 6:00 pm. Guests wanting to return to
Auckland are more than welcome to remain on board for the journey back to the city.
Duration: Whole day
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Bay of Island Cruises
Cruise to the
Bay of
Islands (4 days & 3 nights)
Cruise to the Bay of Islands on board Lady Gay.
We will meet you at the
New Zealand
National
Maritime
Museum at 1100 hours. After casting off we make our way out into the beautiful Hauraki Gulf heading north past
Rangitoto
Island , which last erupted in the 1400s. We continue our journey through the Whangaparaoa Passage and onto Kawau Island after possibly stopping at Tiritiri Matangi Island, one of New Zealand‘s open wild life sanctuaries.
We usually stay the first night at Kawau Island where you may enjoy any one of the many walks ashore, visiting, for example, Governor Grey’s Mansion House or the Copper Mine. In the morning we will make our way on up the coast. In doing so we will pass the Goat Island Marine Reserve, just north of
Cape
Rodney , past the long white beaches of Pakiri, Te Aria and Mangawhai Heads. Across
Bream
Bay to the Whangarei Heads and then keeping relatively close into the coast we will seek out a secluded anchorage for the night. After an exploration ashore we will return to Lady Gay for drinks in the cockpit and later dinner of ideally freshly caught fish.
On day three we can be very flexible. If we have made our way far enough up the coast to allow us to loiter; we can stop at the Wide Berth Islands, or visit Whangaruru Harbour, eventually anchoring for the night in Whangamumu, where up until WWII there was a whaling station, just south of Cape Brett.
On our last day, depending upon the weather and your preferences, we will make our way round
Cape
Brett and into the
Bay of
Islands . This is the cradle of the early settlement of , both Maori and European. There is much to see from an historical point of view or we can seek out one last secluded anchorage for lunch before making our way to your eventual destination at Russell, Paihia or Opua. If requested we can prearrange your first nights accommodation ashore at one of the luxury lodges around the
Bay of
Islands .
The itinerary outlined above is indicative of where we can go and some of the highlights of the north as I have enjoyed them throughout my childhood and earlier adult life. It should be a great cruise and I look forward to showing you a wonderful part of ’s coastline.
Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
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A Day Exploring the Bay of Islands
Join the skipper and crew of Lady Gay for a day exploring the Bay of Islands.
After the transfer from the Lodge to the boat at Doves Bay Marina we will make our way out into the bay to seek out the secluded anchorages, the great snorkeling spots, or breathe taking scenery learning a little about the early history of the Maoris and European traders and settlers in the bay. We can also pick up the days guests from any location around the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is known as the cradle of European settlement, but having said that the country was only known to the rest of the world since the 1600s. Not a long while ago at all.
On the Purerua peninsular we can call in at Whale Bay or motor across to Cape Brett or Deep Water Cove before heading in through the Albert Passage to Urupukapuka and Waewaetorea Islands and their white sand beaches. There are some beautiful walking tracks on Moturua Island and spectacular views from the high cliffs of Motuarohia (Roberton's Island) as well as great snorkeling in the large rock pools.
These experiences are always accompanied with fine New Zealand food and some of the great wines and boutique beer of New Zealand.
Duration: 8 hours - Depart 0900 hours. Return 1700 hours or at a time that meets with your other travel commitments.
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A Day Exploring the Cavalli Islands
Join the skipper and crew of Lady Gay for a day exploring the Cavalli Islands and coastline of the mainland immediately adjacent to the Cavalli Islands. This beautiful part of the North Island's coastline is blessed with numerous safe anchorages, clear clear water, just great for swimming, snorkeling, or for just lying around soaking up the sun.
The anchorages on either side of the main Cavalli Island known as Motukawanui are too numerous too mention, but your are assured that if it's peace and tranquility you want and a bay on your own then we can find it at Hamaruru and Panaki Islands in the north of the group or Motukawaiti Island in the south. And that's before we even start exploring some of the secluded bays on the mainland.
These experiences are always accompanied with fine New Zealand food and some of the great wines and boutique beer of New Zealand
Duration: 8 hours - Depart 0900 hours. Return 1700 hours or at a time that meets with your other travel commitments.
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A Day Exploring the Cavalli Islands & Whangaroa Harbour
Join the skipper and crew of Lady Gay for a day exploring the Cavalli Islands and Whangaroa Harbour.
After leaving the lodge's beach we will head out to the Cavalli Islands, stopping off there for a swim or a short explore ashore if you wish. The anchorages on either side of the main Cavalli Island known as Motukawanui are too numerous too mention. Or if it's peace and tranquility you want and in a bay on your own then we can find it at Hamaruru and Panaki Islands in the north of the group. Eventually we will move on up the coast around past Motueka (Flat) Island then following the coastline in a westerly direction to the almost hidden entrance to one of the most beautiful harbours of the North, Whangaroa.
The spectacular Starboard Arm (Pekapeka Bay) has 500 foot towering cliffs plunging straight into deep water with native bush right down to the waters edge. At the head of Starboard Arm are a great stream for exploring and swimming and the spectacular Okomoko Hill to climb. It is guaranteed to raise your heart rate and take your breath away. Or there is the more open Port Arm of the Harbour on the eastern shore of which is the settlement of Whangaroa and on the western side the fishing village, timber mill and boat yard at Totara North.
These experiences are always accompanied with fine New Zealand food and some of the great wines and boutique beer of New Zealand Duration: 8 hours - Depart 0900 hours. Return 1700 hours or at a time that meets with your other travel commitments.
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Overnight Cruises
Overnight on board Lady Gay in the Hauraki Gulf (1 - 5 guests)
Cruise to the secluded anchorages of the Hauraki Gulf on Lady Gay, known as the Queen of the Auckland Harbour.
Departing from the marina in Westhaven at around 1100 hours (dependent upon clients other commitments) we make our way down Auckland Harbour and out into the Gulf. We will make our way either down the northern or southern side of Waiheke Island seeking out a sheltered and secluded anchorage. A late afternoon walk ashore exploring the beach or walking tracks of the area followed by wine and cheese, or a few beers in the cockpit before dinner is a good way to end the day. Dinner will be served in the saloon (main cabin) surrounded by all of the nostalgia, history and ambiance of the early 19th Century. The following morning may start as early or late as you wish with orange juice, a continental breakfast and tea or coffee. We will get underway and further our exploration of the Hauraki Gulf stopping off at yet another bay for lunch before making our way back to Auckland at around 1600 hours.
Duration: 29 hours approx. - Depart 1100 hours; return 1600 hours but may be varied to meet guests other travel commitments.
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Cruise (8 days & 7 nights) in the
Hauraki Gulf
Cruise to the secluded anchorages of the Hauraki Gulf on board Lady Gay, known as the Queen of the
Auckland
Harbour . Built as a gentleman’s luxury launch in 1935. She was restored in 2002 and is now in magnificent condition. Her large enclosed cockpit enables a good all round view, in the comfort only obtainable on a 46 foot, heavy displacement classic. She is one of
’s priceless maritime antiquities and is protected by the 1975 Antiquities Act of NZ.
Your skipper Chad Thompson has spent a lifetime cruising the Hauraki Gulf and northeastern coast of
NZ and is one of the founders of the Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand. With all of that experience he can tell you the stories of the Gulf and more especially take you to interesting destinations in corners of the gulf not often visited by the regular boating public.
The Hauraki Gulf is one of the great cruising areas of the world extending 35 nautical miles (nm) to the east, 45 nm to the NE and 29 nm to the north of
Auckland . The white sandy beaches, safe anchorages and fauna and flora are magnificent and during your time aboard the Lady Gay we can take you to some very special places not usually explored by visitors to
.
Depending upon the time you are able to spend on Lady Gay we can see a great many of these places; starting off on Day #1 by visiting
Rangitoto
Island and walking to the top of this 600 year old volcano. From up there you can see the far reaches of the Gulf and look back to
Auckland . It’s a great way to understand what lies ahead in our cruise of the Gulf. Alternatively if time is short we can head east, past
Waiheke
Island and on towards Coromandel Peninsular. If you wish we can stop at one or two Waiheke’s fine vineyards before moving onto any one of 20 different anchorages on either side of the Firth of Thames. The eastern coastal bays of
Ponui
Island or
Pakihi
Island seldom have more than one or two other boats at anchor. As do the harbours and bays on the western side of the Coromandel peninsular.
In heading east on the first day we can then explore the islands on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsular; the Motukawao Group.
Motukahaua
Island ’s Elephant Cove is very special with its towering cliffs, clear water and secluded anchorage.
Alternatively if we stay at Islington Bay after climbing Rangitoto we can head north on Day #2 to Tiritiri Matangi Island, one of New Zealand’s special “open” wildlife sanctuaries. It is the jewel in the crown of the
Hauraki Gulf . The island is home to many species of endangered NZ birds. It offers an incomparable opportunity to see, as well as hear, Saddleback, Stitchbird, Kokako, Kakariki, Takahe, Whitehead, Bell Bird, New Zealand Pigeon and North Island Robin as well as the more commonplace Tui and Fantail. When visiting Tiritiri we will arrange for a Department of Conservation guide to escort you around the island. At the end of our visit to Tiritiri Matangi we can then head further north to the
Mahurangi
Harbour ,
Moturekareka
Island or onto
Kawau
Island , the home to one of our early Queen’s representatives, Governor Grey.
We could spend several days exploring this corner of the Gulf visiting the Copper Mine or Governor Grey’s mansion on Kawau, picnicking on Motuketekete and
Moturekareka
Islands to explore the wreck of the Rewa, or voyage up the
Matakana
River in the inflatable dinghy to the Saturday morning’s farmers market and/or visit the famous Matakana Wine District.
On an extended cruise of the Hauraki Gulf we can also include the exploration of
Great
Barrier
Island . This large island 45 nm NE of Auckland has many beautiful natural harbours and bays with native bush growing down to the waters edge. There are many beautiful anchorages in Port Fitzroy, Port Abercrombie, Katherine Bay, The Broken Islands, Bowling Alley Bay to name a few. And in settled weather we can also circumnavigate the big island hopefully being able to stay the night at
Rakitu
Island on the eastern side of Great Barrier.
On Great Barrier itself are many walking tracks, for example, up to the Kauri dams used for logging in the 19th century. Alternatively we can visit the privately owned Glenfern Sanctuary and enjoy a guided tour with the owner, Tony Bouzaid and his wife, Mal; or soak in the Kaitoke natural thermal springs.
Weather and time permitting we can also voyage down to the Mercury Island on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsular, or head northward up to the Mokohinau Group, however both the voyages are long passages across exposed waters and only to be undertaken in good weather.
There are many other destinations too numerous to mention in detail; for example: the isolated Noises Islands, Stony Batter, the hippy colony at Colville, or the picturesque Garden Cove on the outside of Waiheke Island. In general our mornings may start as early or late as you wish with orange juice, a continental breakfast and tea or coffee. At the end of the day drinks are served in the cockpit as the sun goes down hours followed later by a beautiful meal cooked in the galley and or over the barbeque and served in the saloon.
At the end of your time with us on Lady gay we will make our way back to
Auckland . If you are traveling onto other parts of the country we can arrange for you to be met in the Coromandel with a hire car, or have you flown from
Great
Barrier
Island , or we can drop you off in the Matakana area in order for you to continue on your holiday further north.
The suggestions above are indicative of how we can cruise throughout the
Hauraki Gulf . We are always prepared to tailor the cruise to meet the special interests of our guests.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
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Eco Tours
Bush, Beach & Beautiful Boat (4 - 20 guests, for 6-7 hours)
Be spellbound by unique rain forest and wild black sand beaches then step into the luxury of yesteryear on a classic launch from New Zealand's maritime heritage.
This eco-tour has you driven from the heart of Auckland to the lush rain forest where you walk amongst the famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns. Revel in the natural splendor and learn about the area's flora and fauna from an expert guide. Unwind by a cascading waterfall or swim beneath it.
Light refreshments are served before you continue on to the cliff-tops overlooking the Tasman Sea to one of only two mainland Gannet nesting sites in the world. Here you get a close-up of Gannet behavior without disturbing their environment. From there you can take a short walk on an awe-inspiring black (iron) sand surf beach or visit one of the local vineyards.
You then cruise back to your hotel in Auckland on board the beautifully restored 1935 classic launch Lady Gay. Spend a couple of hours reveling in the beauty of the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour in the evening sun. Enjoy fine New Zealand wine, beer or other suitable beverage and fine New Zealand cuisine. Departing from Herald Island, we make our way back to Auckland past the bush reserves of the upper harbour, under the cliffs of Kauri Point and beneath the harbour bridge to Auckland.
While aboard you will be served either:
Canapes along with a selection of fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Cab Merlot as well as New Zealand boutique beer, fresh juice, mineral water, tea or coffee
Or
Light Platter early dinner with beverages as above.
Duration: 6 hours - Departure and return times to meet your other travel commitments.
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