Rangiahua Island, Hauraki GulfNovember thru April
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand
The southern summer (November thru April) offers the perfect escape from the northern hemisphere winter. And the sheltered waters of the Hauraki Gulf, in the warm north of New Zealand, provide the perfect cruising grounds for Takapu2.
Famous for hosting the America's Cup, the Hauraki Gulf is immediately accessible from Auckland, New Zealand largest city and site of New Zealand's gateway international airport.
Together with the Waitemata Harbour of Auckland, and the Tamaki strait and estuary, the gulf is one of the world's most sheltered and favoured recreational waterways popular for sailing and other sports. It comprises more than 1,000 square kilometres (400 square miles) of waters, sheltered from the ocean by the mainland to the west and the Coromandel Peninsular to the east. There are sixty-five islands in this marine playground as well as dozens of deserted beaches along the shoreline. Pods of dolphins, little blue penguins, and the occasional pod of orcas, also call this vast and sheltered waterway their home.
From the deep green bays and wild landscape of the sparsely populated Great Barrier Island, to the world-class vineyards and artisans of Waiheke Island, the uninhabited white sandy beaches and picturesque wildlife sanctuaries, there is much to see and do on the water and ashore. Meanwhile Auckland, the 'City of Sails', has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. Indeed, it would be difficult to find any other place where there are so many things to do on the water — including fishing, snorkelling, diving, sailing, sea kayaking and windsurfing — just about anywhere.
- Affordable overnight charters are limited to four adult guests for a minimum of three nights. No timetables, agendas or schedules are imposed. Rather, the crew will tailor your cruise to your desires. Contact Bill and Mandy now — without obligation — to see if your preferred dates are available.
- The America's Cup regattas brought many overseas vessels to the sparkling waters of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. You can discover even more of the diverse Auckland area here.
- As a result of the international success of the movie trilogy 'Lord of the Rings' — which was filmed entirely in New Zealand — the country now needs little introduction to most people. From its towering snow-covered alps in the south, to the subtropical north, New Zealand has something for everyone.
- You can also charter Takapu2 for Tropical winter cruising (May thru October) in Tonga and for Special events day/evening charters (November thru April) on the Waitemata Harbour.