Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost?

The price is NZ$ 595 per person for dorms and NZ$ 675 per person for doubles (see the currency converter below). The price includes all accommodation, bedding, food, activities, equipment, bait, excursions etc. THERE ARE NO HIDDEN COSTS! You can ask about availability or book a berth on our enquiry form »

Where and what dates and times do you depart?

[+] pretty in any weather

• We operate between October 1st and 1st of May and depart from the wharf at Paihia on the following days and times:
  

  Depart		Return
  Tuesdays	8:00am	Thursdays	4:00pm
  Fridays	8:00am	Sundays	4:00pm

  
  
• Christmas and New Year's Eve dates:

  What better way to spend your southern hemisphere Christmas or New Year's Eve than on a nature cruise with a small group of friendly people? These trips are always popular and include even more lovely food as well as some other little surprises.

  There is a slight change to our usual departure dates for the period around the holidays and a price change for the Christmas/New Years week itself:

  Depart	Return
  Tuesday, December 21, 2010	Thursday, December 23, 2010
  Friday, December 24, 2010*	Sunday, December 26, 2010
  Monday, December 27, 2010*	Wednesday, December 29, 2010
  Thursday, December 30, 2010*	Saturday, January 1, 2011
  Tuesday, January 4, 2011	Thursday, January 6, 2011

  *The prices for these special dates are:
  Dorm bed: NZ$ 675 per person, per trip
  Double/twin cabin: NZ$ 1500, per trip

  The first trip of the new year departs on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 and every Friday and Tuesday after that as usual.

• Winter departures:
  
  We do get enquiries for winter cruises and run occasional trips between May and October. However we would need a minimum of 6 people (or the $ equivalent) for these one-off trips to be worth our while. The more flexible you can be with the dates the higher the chances of finding enough people. Let us know what you have in mind and we will try to work something out for you.

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[+] we sail whenever we can

What do I need 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 and a towel
• Insect repellent

What is the weather going to be like?

Good question! Our weather has a tendency to be somewhat unpredictable and changeable. Weather, of any kind, does not tend to last long and you are quite likely to experience heat, cold, wind, sun and rain all in one day. Generally it is more settled from Christmas until the end of March with light winds and less rain than throughout the rest of the year. Day temperatures average around 23 degrees in summer and 15 degrees in winter. If you prepare for our four seasons in one day you should be fine.

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[+] suitable for all ages

Am I going to get sea sick?

Most of the Bay of Islands is very sheltered with calm waters. We always pick our route according to the weather conditions and avoid rough seas whenever we can. It can get a little bit rough between destinations although this is only ever for a few hours at a time. If you are worried about sea sickness it will pay to bring some pills as we can't supply them.

Am I too young/old for this cruise?

We get passengers of all ages. Our oldest passenger was 82! However, a basic level of fitness is required for boarding ladders, saloon steps and getting in and out of the inflatable. Unfortunately, our boat does not have adequate wheel chair access.

What about kids?

The trip is great for kids. We have lots of interesting and fun stuff to keep kids entertained. We do offer discounts for kids but it depends a bit on numbers, age and when you would like to go. Just ask us.

[+] a special encounter

Will I see whales, dolphins or seals?

We rarely see large whales. Although we have had encounters with Bryde’s, minke, sperm, humpback, southern right and blue whales in the past, these sightings are not frequent and usually only occur between May and early December. Some of the smaller species such as pilot and false killer whales are occasionally spotted during the summer months. Orca (killer whales) may visit the Bay all year round but tend to be more frequent in the cooler months. New Zealand fur seals are regular visitors between April and December. The Bay is also part of the home range of  bottlenose and common dolphins and there is always a chance that we come across a pod.

We are not permitted to let you swim with dolphins or whales and we are happy to adhere to the Marine Mammal Protection Act which puts a number of restrictions (minimum distance, boat speed, number of vessels etc.) on interactions with whales, dolphins and seals. Please keep in mind that anything we do see should be regarded as a special bonus rather than something to be expected.

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What other wildlife am I likely to see?

You are likely to see Australasian gannets, black winged gulls, red and black beaked gulls, Caspian and white fronted terns, Buller’s, sooty, flesh footed and fluttering shearwaters, prions, storm petrels, little blue penguins and pied shags.  Various albatross and mollymawk species  can be spotted occasionally but mainly in the cooler months or on windy days.  On the islands you are likely to see variable oyster catchers, dotterels, fantails, pukekos and tuis.
We frequently encounter large schools of fish such as blue mao mao, kahawai, parore, trevally, tuna and kingfish and occasionally see sun fish, marlin, mako and hammerhead sharks in deeper waters.

[+] green turtle, BOI

Underwater you are likely to see a multitude of fish as well as anemones, sea urchins sponges and moluscs. Stingrays, eagle rays, octopus and squid are also quite common. Phosphorescence (bioluminous plankton) can be seen on most nights.

What makes you an 'eco' cruise?

The 'eco' tag is a sometimes misused term to describe just about any outdoor activity from  bird watching to jet boating.  We aim to live up to the definition of eco tourism as laid out by the Nature Conservancy:

Ecotourism can be distinguished from nature tourism by its emphasis on conservation, education, traveler responsibility and active community participation. Specifically, ecotourism possesses the following characteristics:

• Conscientious, low-impact visitor behavior
• Sensitivity towards, and appreciation of, local cultures and biodiversity
• Support for local conservation efforts
• Sustainable benefits to local communities

[+] catch of the day
• Local participation in decision-making
• Educational components for both the traveler and local communities

There is certainly room for improvement but we are trying!

Click here for more details on how Ecocruz lives up to the criteria above including our Environmental Plan »

Why do you offer fishing on an eco cruise?

We believe in sustainable fishing. Gathering your own seafood is ecologically sound provided you are responsible. Knowing how to feed yourself off the land and the sea (and how to ensure its sustainability) is a vital part of living with nature rather than in it. It is also something we like to share with our passengers. We practice low key fishing and only take enough to supplement our meals. We don't target vulnerable species such as Paua (abalone), Snapper or Kingfish and keep fishing during the spawning season to a minimum.

[+] feel free to help out

Do I need to know how to sail?

No. Most of our passengers have never sailed before. However, you are more than welcome to lend a hand and learn a thing or two.

How much sailing will we do?

We usually travel between 3-5 hours per day and sail whenever we can. Generally, there is less wind in the warmer months (December - February) which means that we have to use the motor more often than we would like during this period.

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Where should we stay the night before/after the cruise?

With us! You can stay at our homestay for NZ$ 150 per double room which includes dinner, free car parking and complimentary transfer to and from the wharf.

See the Home Stay page for more details, directions / map and photographs.

Otherwise, Paihia boasts plenty of accommodation of all types and budgets. We always get asked for nice places to stay and, given the wide range in people’s tastes, tend to be a little hesitant to recommend one place over another.  For a comprehensive list of all your options you should have a look at the official New Zealand Tourism website.

However, since you asked, click here for a list of some places that previous passengers have stayed at and liked »

Cruise and accommodation special

1 night accommodation prior to cruise, dinner, 3 day/ 2 night cruise, transfer to and from the wharf, vehicle storage all inclusive for only NZ$ 750*.

(*price per person based on double occupancy, additional nights NZ$ 75.00, Christmas and New Year’s Eve cruises incur NZ$ 75.00 surcharge)

How do I get from Auckland to Paihia?

If you are driving just follow State Highway 1 (North). Allow at least 3 1/2 hours from Auckland. There are a number of bus companies that service Paihia including Intercity which offers daily departures. Expect to pay around NZ$ 50 - 100. Travel time is about 4 hours and you will have to travel up the day before but you can return on the day we get back. The Magic Bus and Kiwi Experience are dedicated backpacker busses which offer similar deals.

You can also fly to Kerikeri which is 25km from Paihia. Flights can be surprisingly affordable if you book early.

Where can I leave my car?

Your accommodation might let you leave your car at their place. Otherwise Kings Rd has toll free parking and is pretty safe. Don't park anywhere else or you will get a ticket.

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How much luggage can I bring?

If you can, we suggest you bring as little as possible. However if you have problems storing luggage in Paihia we will find room for it aboard.

Am I expected to help out with anything?

Any help on deck and in the galley (especially dishes!) is greatly appreciated but not expected.

Do you cater for vegetarians or people with special dietary needs?

Yes. Please let us know when you book.

Do I need to bring any food?

All main meals as well as light snacks are provided. If you think that you will get hungry between meals you might want to bring some nibbles.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

There are 3 private double cabins (NZ$ 675 pp) and 2 multi-share bunk cabins (NZ$ 595 pp) which sleep 4 each. There are two toilets and one shower on board.

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Currency Converter

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Links

• Northliner
• Intercity
• The Magic Bus
• Kiwi Experience
• Great Sights

• Bay of Islands Travel Guide
• Visit the Official Site of Destination New Zealand

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