Day 1

Arrive in Auckland and transfer to the Bay of Islands, New Zealand's most popular cruising destination. The bay is a large natural harbor dotted with 150 islands. Board the yacht at the deepwater port of Opua. Surrounded by stands of mature kauri trees.

Day 2

After a day of fishing visit Russell or Paihia, on the opposite shore for dinner featuring local specialties. Russell was New Zealand's first capital and a favorite haunt of writer Zane Grey. No trip to the Bay of Islands is complete without a visit to Waitangi where the country's founding document was signed by Queen Victoria' representatives and Maori chiefs in 1840.

Day 3

Cruise to Opito Bay where enormous pohutukawa trees overhang a fine beach. The water in the inlet is clean and warm and is regularly visited by dolphins. Fishing and kayaking are the order of the day.

Day 4

Head across to the northern side of the Bay around the remarkable flat topped Black Rocks, to arrive at the mouth of the Kerikeri inlet. A cruise up the inlet ends at the Stone Store, New Zealand's oldest building.

Day 5

Past the famous Hole in the Rock and north of the Bay of Islands are the jewel-like Cavalli Islands. There are bays to explore inshore and fish to catch offshore. For divers there is a fascinating dive site created from the wreck of the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior.

Day 6

Cruise north to the towering, fjord-like cliffs of Whangaroa Bay. The water here is surprisingly deep, and the harbor is full of history. The Kingfish Lodge at the mouth of the harbor is accessible only by water and attracts movie stars and vacationing entrepreneurs.

Day 7

Return to the Huraki Gulf to cruise Auckland's marine playground with visits to beautiful Great Barrier Island and the wineries of Waiheke Island before touring the City of Sails.