Conservation in action

New Zealand Geographic and Heritage Expeditions have announced their next partner voyage: an eight-day expedition through the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands from February 12 – February 18 2023, with Island Conservation’s Richard Griffiths as the special guest.

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As you explore this beautiful part of the country, you’ll hear about Griffiths’ conservation success stories on Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier, Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands and learn about his inspiring work with the Stitchbird Recovery Group and the rediscovery of the thought-to-be extinct New Zealand Storm Petrel.

Credit: Aaron Russ

You’ll also pick up pro tips during a photography masterclass with a New Zealand Geographic photographer of the year winner on Tiritiri Matangi Island.

The Hauraki Gulf spans 1.2 million hectares of ocean between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula and is home to five marine reserves and more than 50 islands. It has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and hidden coves, which are perfectly suited to exploring by kayak.

The union of three channels, Colville, Cradock and Jellicoe, connect the Hauraki Gulf with the Pacific Ocean and put it on the ‘whale super highway’, with almost a third of the world’s marine mammal species living in or visiting the marine park. Orca, Bryde’s Whales and Bottlenose and Common Dolphins are regularly observed here.

Credit: Andy Woods

You’ll then sail past some of the 144 islands in the sheltered waters of the aptly named Bay of Islands and learn about this region’s history as a raucous seafaring centre and the birthplace of our nation.

Experience some of the country’s greatest conservation success stories in action and explore on foot, by kayak and via our luxurious expedition yacht Heritage Explorer. 

Spots on this special New Zealand Geographic partner voyage with Richard Griffiths will sell quickly, so click here to find out more information and reserve your place.


 

DAYS: 8 / SHIP Heritage Explorer

DEPARTURE: Feb 12 – Feb 18, 2023

PRICES FROM $6,495 NZD (More Rates)

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