10 Days Along New Zealand's North Island
The North Island enjoys the best weather in New Zealand, and its bustling cosmopolitan city of Auckland is not only the country's sailing capital, but home to almost one-third of New Zealand's overall population. In the Maori language, Auckland is referred to as Tamaki-Makau-Rau, or "the maiden with a hundred suitors," because the region was coveted by so many tribes throughout history.
Geothermal hot spots, the best diving in the world and plenty of cruising grounds from which to choose mean that no matter how many times you return to the North Island, your itinerary never has to be the same. But one thing is certain—however long you stay, it is never quite long enough!
DAYS 1–2
Auckland to Waiheke Island
Spend a few days getting acclimated to the time difference and exploring the vibrant waterfront city of Auckland or begin your charter right away, as your crew greet you upon arrival and whisk you to the awaiting yacht.
After a welcome cocktail and a Maori Powhiri blessing from the local Ngati Whatua tribe, your journey begins as you settle into the sumptuous settee on the upper deck and Belle Aimée gets underway to Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Home to many of New Zealand's successful artists, Waiheke features galleries and artisan boutiques in seaside shopping areas, where a good cup of coffee or a taste of New Zealand's fresh cuisine are offered at every turn. Wine lovers will delight in the vineyards and olive groves, many of which include café-style restaurants looking out across vine-covered valleys to the blue sea beyond.
Spend the following day hiking the island's various trails along cliff tops, beaches and native forest enclaves. The Stoney Batter walkway leads to fascinating World War II gun emplacements with underground tunnels running deep into the hillsides. Or, enjoy a picnic lunch along one of the northern beach walks at Oneroa, Palm Beach or Onetangi, overlooking the Hauraki Gulf.
DAYS 3–4
Great Barrier Island
After a breakfast of local New Zealand fruit and baked goodies, disembark by tender to explore one of the last remaining untouched islands in the world. Housing a permanent population of 700, Great Barrier Island is laced with over 100km of trails to cater to every level of fitness.
Enjoy a 30-minute leisurely walk to the geothermal waters of the Kaitoke Hot Springs or spend the day hiking to the island's highest point, Mount Hobson, and the historic Kauri dams.
Those who prefer not to hike can enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, harbour tours or a privately guided island tour on a three-wheeled motorbike culminating at a natural hot mineral spa for an enjoyable soak. A lack of predators ensures that you are guaranteed spectacular sights of rare flora and fauna, endangered wildlife and a diversity of habitats for aquatic plants and animals.
After a day of hiking and exploring, spend the next day on the water—fishing, surfing, diving, snorkeling or swimming. If the fishing excursion is successful, your crew can arrange a trip to Smokehouse Bay, where you collect the native manuka or tea tree and smoke the day's catch for a lively beach barbecue in the evening.
DAY 5
Poor Knights Marine Reserve
Belle Aimée gets underway early this morning, bound for the Bay of Islands, with a stop along the way at Poor knights Marine Reserve. Named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, Poor Knights boasts tropical and subtropical life forms that have become established among the diverse and multiple environments formed by the island's volcanic origins. You will enjoy several hours diving the underground caves, tunnels and archways in the warm, clear waters that are home to a colorful array of undersea life.
After an energizing dive, return to Belle Aimée's wet lab to research your discoveries or analyze new and unique findings. As you are underway once again, retire to the upper deck lounge for popcorn and a viewing of The Bounty or The Piano, just two of the many famous movies filmed in New Zealand.
DAYS 6–7
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands has one of the best maritime parks in New Zealand, with 144 islands and bays. Marine life includes whales, penguins, dolphins and excellent sportfishing. After a day spent fishing, diving, kayaking, surfing, kite boarding or exploring the cultural center of New Zealand on Northland's east coast, enjoy a sunset show aboard Belle Aimée by a tribe of Maori warriors who delight with the "Maori Haka" while the wahine (maidens) dance with their pois.
The next day, take a helicopter to the west coast's Ninety Mile Beach for an afternoon of quad biking or blow karting and a beach barbecue, returning via the beautiful cape Reinga at the tip of New Zealand where the mighty Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.
Alternatively, the day can be spent with a cruise to the Cavalli Islands and tender ride to the site of the Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior wreck for an amazing dive along the artificial reef that is a world renowned dive site.
DAY 8
Whangaroa Harbour
Commonly known as the Striped Marlin capital of the world, Whangaroa is celebrated the world over also for its spectacular scenery. Enthusiasts can spend the day marlin fishing and the Chef can prepare the day's catch for an onboard feast.
Those not inclined to fish can relax with a round of golf or spend the day at the spa at Kauri Cliffs, one of New Zealand's leading luxury lodges.
As the light begins to have the golden glow, everyone retires to Belle Aimée for a much-needed soak in the spa pool on the sun deck and to watch, with cocktail in hand, the sun make its glorious descent once again.
DAYS 9–10
Auckland
Returning to Auckland, use this day to catch up on some of the activities that you were not able to take advantage of during your previous visit, such as joining the crew of the Team New Zealand America's Cup yachts for three-hour match racing in the Waitemata Harbour.
The whole family will enjoy a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World with its underwater moving walkway that travels through an acrylic tunnel under the ocean, affording a scuba diver's view of New Zealand's diverse marine life. Don't miss the King and Gentoo penguins that play in the snow of the Antarctic encounter.
Spend your final hours on board relaxing with a good book in Belle Aimée's sumptuous main living room, recounting tales of your adventures over the chef's fabulous meal and toasting to memories of a lifetime.