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Overnight Cruise 'Ipipiri'
Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands, New Zealand

 
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  • Overview
  • About Ipipiri
  • Accommodation
  • Activities
  • Itinerary
  • Price and Departure
Overview
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panoramic bay viewsWelcome aboard Ipipiri.
Ipipiri is the newest addition to the Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands fleet and offers a unique overnight cruise that will immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of the Bay of Islands.

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:

  • Accommodation for the evening in one of our 30 deluxe king cabins, all with ensuites and uninterrupted sea views
  • A three course buffet dinner and a full cooked breakfast, featuring local produce
  • Complimentary afternoon activities at one of our favourite sheltered bays include snorkelling, kayaking and nature walks
  • Interactive onboard commentary exploring the history, wild life and ecology of the Bay of Islands
  • Extensive viewing decks, including a large rooftop sundeck
  • Tea, coffee and homemade muffins

 

About Ipipiri
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The Meaning Behind The Name

Ipipiri over night cruise in the Bay of IslandsThe Name Ipipiri (e-pip-e-rey) is first known to be recorded in 1824 as part of Louis Isidore Duperrey’s expedition to the Pacific

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

Bay of Islands over night cruise IpipiriIpipiri, at 150 feet (46 metres) is the largest cruising ship permanently based in New Zealand, and provides a truly impressive cruise experience in one of the most spectacular regions of New Zealand.

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 SpecificationsIpipiri specifications

  • Type: Catamaran
  • Length: 46 metres (circa 150 feet)
  • Width: 13 metres (circa 40 feet)
  • Height: 11 metres (circa 30 feet)
  • Decks: 4 decks
    • Two identical accommodation decks
    • One dining/bar deck with indoor/outdoor flow
    • One sundeck
  • Cabins: 30 identical deluxe cabins with full sized ensuite's and sea views.
  • Stern Plate: The vessel has been fitted with a large stern plate which can be lowered below the waterline for ease to access in to and out of the water.


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.

Ipipiri room king
Ipipiri room twin
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

Ipipiri dinningAs 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.

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. 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.


Activities
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Onboard Activities and Island Excursions

Ipipiri activities kayakingWhen 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, tree planting and kayaking. 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 (fins and mask provided)
  • Kayaking
  • Island excursions
  • Island bach & bush walks / 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 activitiesOptional Extras
Assist in the region's tree planting programme and plant a native tree in New Zealand soil (additional cost).

Make the most of your time on the water and book yourself onto one of the following optional extras that commence at the conclusion of your cruise. These depart from either Russell or Paihia and can be booked onboard for your convenience. These include:

  • The Original Cream Trip full day cruise
  • R Tucker Thompson tall ship sailing

 

Itinerary
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Day 1
7.30am Coach Option – GreatSights Coach pick up from Auckland Hotel
11.30am Coach Option – GreatSights Coach arrives in Paihia
12.30pm 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 Buffet Dinner is served
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.
 
Day 2
6.30am  Coffee and tea available
7.30am 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.
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 to 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 2010 - 31 Jan 2011 $306 per adult $459 per adult $153 per child
1 Feb 2011 - 31 May 2011 $357 per adult $536 per adult $179 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 2010 - 31 Jan 2011 $408 per adult $561 per adult $255 per child
1 Feb 2011 - 31 May 2011 $459 per adult $638 per adult $281 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.