Sundancer Coastal Cruises

"We're licenced to carry up to 20 passengers" says Chris. "We're just as happy to take smaller groups... in fact our 'West Coast Tour with Lunch' is our most popular option for families and couples to experience a really beautiful part of the Barrier from a whole new perspective." Popular it is... each year more and more visitors to the island are discovering how great it is to be able to get out there on the water with Sundancer Sightseeing Tours. You're in safe hands with Chris too... He's clocked up 40 years of life on the sea and has held a New Zealand Coastal Masters qualification for 30 years. With stints at skippering both the 'Spirit of New Zealand' and the 'Spirit of Adventure' Chris is probably over qualified for his current position but you'll find it hard to imagine him being happier doing anything else.

"We try and depart Whangaparapara Wharf by 10.00am" says Chris. "We explore the harbour first... it's a very historic part of the island so we check out the old Kauri saw-mill site and the remains of New Zealand's last whaling station before we head up the coast. We cruise through the beautiful Broken Isles and into the Man O War passage, the amazing entrance to Port Fitzroy Harbour. We'll find a nice sheltered bay where our guests can relax in the sun or have a swim while we prepare the on-board BBQ lunch." "We aim to get back to Whangaparapara by around 1.30pm to 2.00pm. This allows them time to pop up to Great Barrier Lodge for an ice-cream or a cold drink before heading off to enjoy the rest of their day. There's plenty of other things to do in Whangaparapara too... visitors can hire kayaks, mountain bikes and Shiny Paua Stand-up Paddle Boards are just up the road."

What it costs: Adults $165 - Child $82 (Minimum 2 adults, Maximum 10 persons)
What to bring: Swimming suits, towels, sunscreen, jacket etc