Overview

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Down-to-earth nature cruise off the beaten track with an emphasis on the marine environment.

Ecocruz is designed to let you experience the diversity of the Bay of Islands Maritime Park. The cruise is divided equally between sailing and discovery with a few hours of passage making followed by an exploration of our destination and a good meal. At night we anchor in secluded bays away from the main tourist routes.

We do not have a standard route or itinerary as these are entirely weather dependent. Our journey will take you to lush, uninhabited islands and rugged, coastal headlands where you will have ample time to go kayaking, snorkelling, walking and fishing.

While all activities are guided you always have the option to explore by yourself or to just sit back and relax. This flexibility allows us to make each trip unique. We enjoy what we do and are happy to share our knowledge of the Bay of Islands and its wildlife, history and culture with you.

The Manawanui is a 72 foot (22m), 1981 John Pugh cutter-rigged ketch. She is an ocean going cruiser designed for comfort and safety with plenty of room above and below deck. Fully equipped with 7 sea kayaks, wetsuits, snorkelling and fishing gear, a hydrophone, a bathyscope (a gadget that lets you look into the water without getting wet), a comprehensive reference library as well as a 4.1m, 30hp RIB.

Ecocruz Include:

Sailing Kayaking Snorkelling Fishing

Local culture and history Great food Marine wildlife close up Local culture and history

Price and Departure

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Prices: Dorms NZ $595 Doubles NZ $675 per person per trip
The price includes all accommodation, bedding, food, activities, equipment, bait, excursions etc.
THERE ARE NO HIDDEN COSTS!

Departures: Paihia Wharf Operate between October 1st and 1st of May
Tuesdays 8am - Return Thursdays 4:00pm
Fridays 8am - Return Sundays 4:00pm

Durations: 3 days / 2 nights

What to bring:

• Island walks will be more enjoyable if you wear suitable footwear
• You will not see a shop for three days, bring a good supply of personal items
• We do not supply alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own
• Prepare for lots of sun, wind, rain, heat and cold
• Bring at least one change of clothing.
• Insect repellent

Christmas and New Year's Eve dates:
To tie in with the holidays there will be a slight change of dates over this period
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - Friday, December 26, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008 - Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 - Thursday, January 1, 2009

The prices for these special dates are:
Dorms: NZ $675 per person per trip
Double/twin cabin: NZ $1500 per trip

Terms and Conditions:

• We regret that we cannot confirm your cruise until we hold your credit card details.
• We will debit your credit card 14 days prior to the date booked.
• If you wish to cancel your cruise or change the date you must do so at least 14 days prior to departure.
• Ecocruz will charge you the full amount for 'no-shows' or date changes and cancellations if they occur after the 14 day deadline.
• Cancellations on our part are rare but do occur in extreme weather conditions. We therefore ask passengers to reconfirm their cruise with us the night before. In the event of a cancellation on our part, Ecocruz will refund the full amount charged.