| Day 1 | |
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| 7.30am | Coach Option – GreatSights Coach pick up from Auckland Hotel |
| 11.30am | Coach Option – GreatSights Coach arrives in Paihia |
| 12.45pm | All Ipipiri Guests - Please Check in at the Maritime Building |
| 1.00pm | All Guests depart the Maritime Building to Opua to board Ipipiri |
| 1.30pm | Ipipiri departs Opua. |
| 1.30–3.00pm | Ipipiri cruises through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands. Afternoon Tea is served (assortment of freshly baked muffins and coffee/tea). |
| 3.00–5.30pm | Afternoon activities |
| 7.30pm | A delicious 3 course buffet dinner is served in the dinning room. |
| 9.00pm | Dinner complete. Relax, unwind, view the stars and take in the stillness of staying overnight on a luxury catamaran anchored in a sheltered bay. |
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Overnight Cruise 'Ipipiri' |
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Learn about the region's historical and cultural significance as you journey back to the birthplace of New Zealand. Try snorkelling or kayaking in the clear waters before relaxing with a refreshing drink on the top deck as the sun sets behind the sheltered islands of the Bay. Join the crew of the Ipipiri for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Departing daily at 1:00pm (check-in at 12:30pm). Highlights Include:
The Meaning Behind The Name
Here, the cartographer documented the Maori name Ipipiri to describe a cluster of islands within the region that Captain James Cook had earlier named ‘the Bay of Islands’. The name Ipipiri is defined as meaning “many places,” and was chosen by Fullers GreatSights after it was suggested by local iwi during consultation over suitable names. Vessel Information
Spread over four levels this catamaran includes 30 king state room a spacious sundeck with 360 degree views and a 70-seat restaurant and bar. Cruising at 12 knots through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands, the vessel has been designed to provide maximum stability and minimum wake. The Vessel’s Specifications
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| Accommodation |
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Onboard Accommodation
Your accommodation for the night is in one of our 30 deluxe cabins.All rooms have ensuites and uninterrupted sea views so you can watch the sun set or rise from the privacy of your room. Your room can be configured as either one king bed or two single beds (please let us know your preference when making your reservation). All Ipipiri guests will be treated with Living Nature’s Balancing Shampoo, Balancing Conditioner, and Manuka Honey & Calendula Petal Soap.
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King configuration |
Twin configuration |
What to bring
A small overnight bag should be brought on board for passenger convenience (NB: There is no storage for large suitcases). It is advisable to bring swimwear, sunscreen, sun hat, comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.
Dining Experience
As the sun sets behind the islands of the Bay and we find a sheltered cove in which to moor overnight, join us in the dining room on level three for dinner.
Fresh local produce, popular Kiwi dishes, great New Zealand wines and an uninterrupted sea view - perfect! Your meal will include a plated entree, and buffet style dinner and dessert. See Sample Dinner Menu
The Ipipiri Bar on level three is open until 11.00pm. Have a drink on the rooftop sundeck or just relax in comfort. NB: Beverages are an additional cost.
In the morning, enjoy a buffet-style cooked and continental breakfast served in the dining room from 7.30am. See Sample Breakfast Menu
Complimentary coffee and tea is available throughout the day and freshly baked muffins are served for afternoon tea shortly after boarding.
Dietary requirements
Our crew can cater for a majority of dietary requirements - specifications must be given at time of booking.
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Onboard Activities and Island Excursions
When Ipipiri anchors at sea, the onboard tender (a small run-about) ferry passengers to and from nearby sheltered and secluded islands to enjoy activities like snorkeling, swimming, kayaking and walking.
The crew will help visitors with local information and provide interpretation of the many legends and stories unique to this area.
Complimentary Activities
Ipipiri offers a relaxed environment, where you can do as much or as little as you like.
The following activities are complimentary and are available to all guests:
- Snorkeling Tour (fins and mask provided) - With some of the warmest waters in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a haven for sub tropical fish.
- Kayaking Tour - Discover the secluded beaches, caves, peaceful birds and marine wildlife on an intimate kayaking tour.
- Beach Walks - A leisurely stroll on a secluded beach is a great way to unwind and take in the sights and sounds of the Bay. Weather permitting; this is also a great opportunity for swimming.
If relaxation is more your style, then you can choose to soak up the views from the rooftop sundeck, read a book, play a board game or chat with our knowledgeable crew.
Ipipiri offers a relaxed environment, where you can do as much or as little as you like.
Ipipiri Environmental Statement
We have a team of employees (The Green Team) who engage regularly to work on projects and research how we can improve our sustainability. At a basic level we ensure that all products used aboard Ipipiri are as environmentally friendly as possible. We strive to reduce waste from the vessel and recycle as much as we can.
The team has been involved in setting up the Tree Planting activity offered aboard Ipipiri. This project engages our customers in the replanting of native trees on Waewaetoria Island. The activity provides employment for a local indigenous population that is remote and struggles with high unemployment. The trees are grown in recycled and biodegradable water bottles sold aboard Ipipiri and other vessels in our fleet. We are very proud of this project. Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands is a key partner in the not for profit organization - Guardians of the Bay of Islands Inc.
| Itinerary |
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| Day 2 | |
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| 6.30am | Coffee and tea available |
| 7.30am | Continental and cooked breakfast to be served in the dining room. |
| 8.30am | Optional activities available departing from Ipipiri. These must be pre booked the evening before. |
| 9.00am | Vessel departs for Cruise back to Opua. |
| 9.30am | Optional activities available via Russell on the way back to Opua. |
| 10.00am | Vessel arrives back in Opua, Coach Transfer back to Maritime Building, Paihia. |
| 10.30–11.00am | Passengers arrive back at the Maritime Building |
| From 11.00am | Make the most of your time in Paihia and explore this region in more detail with an afternoon tour or cruise. |
| 4.15pm | Coach passengers only – Your coach will depart the Maritime Building at 4.20pm for Auckland |
| Price and Departure |
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Prices:
Cruise Only, Departs Paihia/Opua, Bay of Islands
Ipipiri Overnight Cruises offers a one night cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands at very competitive prices. Nightly rates include accommodation in an ocean view cabin, cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands as well as on-board activities, afternoon tea, dinner and breakfast. Note: Bar charges and optional extras are not included.
Guests check-in at 12:30pm at the Paihia Maritime Building. Your cruise departs at 1:00pm and returns the following day at 10:30am to Paihia. Prior to check-in, please enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes in Paihia.
| Season | Twin Share | Single | Child |
| 1 Sep 2011 - 31 Jan 2012 | $357 per adult | $536 per adult | $179 per child |
| 1 Feb 2012 - 31 May 2012 | $375 per adult | $563 per adult | $188 per adult |
Coach & Cruise Package, Departs Auckland
Why not let your indulgent escape onboard Ipipiri start from Auckland. Travel north from Auckland onboard GreatSights, New Zealand’s premier sightseeing tour company. Departing Auckland at 7:30am daily. Your will arrive in Paihia at around 11.30am with plenty of time for lunch before checking into Ipipiri at 12:30pm. After your Ipipiri experience concludes, explore the region in the afternoon before boarding the GreatSights coach back to Auckland at 4.20pm. Returning to Auckland at 7:50pm. (Hotel pick up/drop off service available)
Extend your stay in the Bay of Islands.
We encourage you to stay and explore this stunning region. Your journey back to Auckland can be extended to suit your requirements.
| Season | Twin Share | Single | Child |
| 1 Sep 2011 - 31 Jan 2012 | $459 per adult | $638 per adult | $281 per child |
| 1 Feb 2012 - 31 May 2012 | $485 per adult | $673 per adult | $298 per adult |
NOTE:
- Prices are in NZ dollars, include GST at 12.5% and are indicative only. One child (2 - 14 years inclusive) sharing with one adult will be charged on an adult/child twin share basis. Infants (0-24 months inclusive) travel for $20 (inc GST) for a porta cot.
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