New Zealand Geographic is launching a series of reader expeditions aboard Island Passage, a 42-metre vessel that is both capable and comfortable. New Zealand Geographic-branded reader expeditions will take in sites of geographic interest, from New Zealand’s hard-to-access conservation estates to the smoking citadels of coastal volcanism. Each five-day trip is restricted to just 20 people, and will be hosted by a scientist, historian, photographer or explorer to bring each region to life. The first reader expedition is a tour of the Hauraki Gulf islands including Great Barrier, Kawau and Tiritiri from January 31 to February 5th 2010.

A portion of the proceeds will go towards future New Zealand Geographic Trust grants for fundamental scientific research, environmental education and expeditions.

Island Passage will also be a vehicle for scientific research and expeditions undertaken for magazine feature stories, plumbing the depths with remote-operated cameras or getting to locations inaccessible without a vessel of its size and capability it also carries a landing craft, three large tenders and a five-seater helicopter for access and aerial photography.

It’s a venture which extends the ambition of the magazine to both understand our environment of our archipelago better, and encourage our readers to enjoy it.

THE SHIP

The "Island Passage" is our small, but robust, 500-tonne ship traveling to inaccessible areas without sacrificing comfort. The ship features 10 individually designed en-suite cabins, a spacious dining room and saloon, a library and large outdoor spaces. Our chef creates delicious meals that reflect the cuisine of the places we visit using fresh, local, and organic ingredients. On board Island Passage you'll find purpose built landing craft, three large tenders, sea kayaks, a 5-seater helicopter and snorkeling gear.

The ship has a professional crew of 8 on geographic expeditions who share their knowledge and insights with our travelers and bring each destination to life. A New Zealand Geographic scientist, historian, photographer, or explorer will join us on select trips.

Welcome Aboard.

PRISTINE ENVIRONMENTS

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a blue-green paradise. The mood of the weather paints the seascapes. Always the gulf is achingly beautiful. With more than 50 islands, the gulf can show you a huge variety of landscapes. Waiheke’s coastline a succession of pretty beaches and rugged headlands, inland, vineyards and olive groves .Then, outermost reaches of the gulf, the wilderness of Great Barrier Island will capture your soul. Kawau Islands magnificent Bon Accord Harbour, with the iconic Mansion House. The finishing touch is Tiritiri Matangi, a tall sandstone island with photogenic birdlife and an iconic lighthouse.

YOUR ON-BOARD GUIDE, NICOLA VALLANCE

As a scientist, wildlife enthusiast and senior advisor for the Department of Conservation, Nic Vallance is both professionally and personally invested in the success of New Zealand’s conservation estates of which the islands of the Hauraki Gulf area crucial part. A fount of knowledge on the biodiversity and behaviour of our endemic species and the various nasties that chase them as well as host of TV6’s Meet the locals and author of a series of natural history books for children the vivacious Vallance will lead guests on an eye-opening voyage of discovery to the ecological strongholds of ancient New Zealand.

RARE WILDLIFE

Encounters with animals of the land and sea are an essential element of every Island Passage expedition. The Hauraki Gulf is home to pods of Dolphins and Orca; Sei, Minke and Brydes whales are also sighted regularly. The expedition’s wildlife highlight is a guided walk on Tiritiri Matangi, where the resident birds seem to have no fear of humans. You’ll encounter rare Takahe, Hihi, Kokako and Saddlebacks, as well as a plethora of Bellbirds, Fantails and Tui.