DAY 1
Arrive in the town of Russell
by helicopter and the scenic
flightwillgiveyouanoverview
of the stunning sailing the
BayofIslandshastooffer.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the
historicDukeofMarlborough
Hotel; signs declare it has
been “refreshing rascals and
reprobates since 1827”. The
quaint white weatherboard
hotelheldthecountry’sfirst
liquor licence and is also the
venue for the NZ Millennium
Cup’s opening and closing
parties. Try some seafood
specialities, such as Waikare
Inlet oysters and oven roasted
Far North hapuka fillet.DAY 3
Cruise20minutesto
Urupukapuka, which offers
shallow and sheltered
waters in all weather. Take
apaddleintheazuresea
at Okahu Passage while
the crew catch fresh
scallops for lunch in the
aptly named Paradise Bay.
Danglealineoverthe
transom to keep the kids
happy hunting baitfish
before a short 10 minute
sail to nearby recreational
fishing grounds, protected
from commercial fishing.
Thechefwillcookupyour
catchofthedayonboard
that evening.DAY 4
Head for the iconic Hole in the
RockatCapeBrett,asuperb
spearfishing spot thriving with
game species and buzzing with
seabirds and marine life. In the
afternoon divers can explore the
wreckof113mCanterbury.The
navalfrigatewasdeliberatelysunk
in2007tocreateadivesiteand
sits completely upright and fully
intact.Anchortwonauticalmiles
awayinpicturesqueOkeBayfor
the night and enjoy dinner on
boardunderacanopyofstars.
DAY 2
Make the half an hour sail
to the tropical tranquillity
of Roberton Island, which
is accessible only by boat.
A beautifully sheltered
anchorage, the island boasts
two tidal lagoons that are
perfect for snorkelling.
The sandy shore is easily
accessible,soenjoyabeach
barbecue set up bySilvertip’s
crew. Afterwards, hike for
about 30 minutes to reach
the look-out point on top
of the island, for 360 degree
viewsoftheBayofIslands.
As the sun sets, sample some
critically acclaimed wines
from local vineyard Omata
Estate. The only noise you’ll
hear will be the sound of
native birdsong.DAY 5
Awake in complete solitude and paddleboard the deserted craggy
coastline–ifyouarelucky,dolphinswilljoinyou.Thensail15nautical
miles past the majestic Nine Pin Rock, famed for framing many a hairpin
turn by competitors in the NZ Millennium Cup. After a final lunch on
board, alight on Waiti Bay in the Cavalli Islands and experience some
of New Zealand’s on-land offerings – take a helicopter ride to the
NorthlandsanddunesforaquadbiketourofNinetyMileBeach
or play on the acclaimed Kauri Cliffs golf course.http://www.boatinternational.com | April 2018CHARTER
AVAILABLE AT
ocean
independence
.com