GreatSights Overnight Cruises

Posted by Ruth Atherley on June 10, 2009 at 6:47 pm

I had a great (get it!) conversation with Daniel of GreatSights. Along with a few other interesting services, they offer overnight cruises in the Bay of Islands on a brand new and beautiful ship called the Ipipiri. (And another wish goes on my list for my next trip to New Zealand.)

Ipipiri is the scared Maori name for the Bay of Islands and the InterCity Group graciously accepted the generous offer to use the name after consultation with the people of Rawhiti.

On the Ipipiri, which launches in October 2009, you can surround yourself in nature, immerse yourself in history and treat yourself to a truly unique night of style. The Ipipiri is the largest overnight cruise ship permanently based in New Zealand.

The Ipipiri will depart daily at 1:30 p.m. and return at 11 a.m. the following morning. Each cruise will include full commentary on the history, environment and some of the Bay of Islands most spectacular landmarks.

From Kupe, the very first voyager and Maori to discover New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Northland brings together the unique culture and history of the original Maori and European settlers of New Zealand. With some of the warmest waters in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is home to an abundance of marine life – including dolphins, whales, seals and penguins.

The ship can be used as a self-contained conference facility. Imagine having a workshop and at the end of the day, sitting on deck with a drink and watching dolphins frolic!

Check out some of the images here.