kaipara harbour cruises

Guide to the Kaipara Harbour

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How to Get There

Things to see and do, where to stay, what to eat and drink.

The Kaipara Harbour is the largest harbor in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the whole world. It spans 37 miles from north to south. Although it was once the busiest port in New Zealand, carrying kauri timber and gum, it's not very commercially developed these days. It remains a rural place where visitors can enjoy the natural landscapes and outdoor activities.

The Kaipara Harbour is located on the west coast of Northland, the peninsula that extends north from Auckland. The administrative Kaipara District is wholly within Northland and extends almost up to the Far North's Hokianga Harbor. The southern half of the Kaipara Harbour itself is within Auckland and is easily reached from the central city. So, the attractions of the Kaipara can be enjoyed on a trip from Auckland or as part of a larger journey around Northland. It's a largely rural area with dramatic beaches and dunes, sparkling lakes, rolling farmland, and vineyards, and offers an insight into Kiwi country life.

Getting to and around the Kaipara area is really only possible if you have your own vehicle. If you are reliant on public transport, it is possible to get one long-distance bus from Auckland to Brynderwyn (on the Auckland to Whangarei/Bay of Islands Intercity line) and then another from Brynderwyn to Dargaville. However, this is slow and only a last-resort option.

When leaving Auckland, instead of traveling along the busier State Highway (SH) 1 up the eastern coast of Northland, take SH16 via Henderson in the direction of Helensville. The small town of Helensville is right on the southern edge of the Kaipara Harbour, 26 miles from central Auckland.

Alternatively, if you are making your way to the Kaipara Harbour from Whangarei city, take SH14 west to Dargaville (34 miles).

What you choose to see and do in the Kaipara area will largely depend on whether you're focusing on the southern parts, most accessible from Auckland, or the northern parts around Dargaville, which can be incorporated into a Northland road trip that includes the Hokianga Harbour (north of the Kaipara) and Whangarei.

• Bird watching: Around half of the Kaipara Harbour area comprises coastal mudflats and sandflats, and the rest is a mix of freshwater swamp, reed beds, scrubland, mangrove forest, seagrass, and rushes, making this ecosystem an important breeding ground for migratory and local wading birds. Godwits, fairy terns, dotterels, and oystercatchers are just a few of the many birds that can be seen in the harbor area.
• Beaches: Although the east coast of Northland is better-known for its white-sand swimming and surf beaches, as the west coast is much more wild and treacherous in places, the Kaipara district does have some great options. The Kaipara Harbour itself is a large mudflat, but the coastline that extends north of the Pouto Peninsula (the northern head of the Kaipara Harbour) is a remarkable 41-mile sweep of sand, Ripiro Beach. Bayly's Beach, just west of Dargaville, is a section of this long beach popular with surfers.
• Sculpture Gardens: Travelers who like outdoor sculpture gardens are in luck in the Kaipara Harbour, as there are two very different experiences to choose from. Gibbs' Farm is roughly half-way between Kaukapakapa and Wellsford on SH16 and is open by appointment only. It features such famous artists as Anish Kapoor, Andy Goldsworthy, Sol LeWitt, and Ralph Hotere. The Kaipara Coast Sculpture Garden has walking trails through beautiful gardens and is located just outside Kaukapakapa. The sculptures on display are for sale and changed every year in November.
• Kaipara 2 Kaipara Walk: This 19-mile self-guided walking trail is classified as an easy/medium-level walk that starts at Kaipara Flats in the south and ends at Glorit in the north. It's a one-way walk that takes three days to complete. It encompasses farmland, native bush at Mt. Auckland (Atuanui), saltmarsh wetlands, coastal forest, and the rolling Kaipara Hills.
• Cruises: Harbor and river cruises aboard the M. V. Kewpie Too depart from Parakai, just outside Helensville, and offer different excursions. Day trips to Shelly Beach, on South Head, or two-day cruises follow old steamer routes up to Dargaville, stopping overnight at comfortable accommodation.
• Parakai Springs Hot Pools: While it's not quite on the scale of the hot spring baths in Rotorua or Hanmer Springs, the naturally heated Parakai Springs offer family-friendly fun if you're in the area. There are indoor and outdoor pools so that they can be enjoyed year-round.
• Mount Auckland Atuanui Walkay : The hike up to the summit of this 1000-foot mountain passes through a native forest regenerating bush that was once used for logging. The lookout at the top offers great views of the Kaipara Harbour and Hoteo River estuary. It's best suited to experienced hikers as the path is mostly unformed and can be rough and steep. The return trip takes around 3.5 hours. The mountain is about 43 miles north-east of Auckland.
• Omeru Pa Scenic Reserve: This scenic reserve has three beautiful waterfalls: Omeru Falls, Waitangi Falls, and Waitangi Stream Cascade. There are also swimming holes and a barbecue area. It's north of Kaukapakapa.
• Kauri Museum, Matakohe : Northland is renowned for its forests of kauri trees , a species native to New Zealand. Although kauri forests do still exist in pockets, the area was once covered with millions of acres of magnificent trees, which can live for thousands of years and grow up to 160 feet tall. Logging in the 19th century changed the natural and cultural landscape of Northland, and visitors can learn about this fascinating part of local history at Matakohe's Kauri Museum. Matakohe is on the many-armed Arapaoa River, on the northern side of the Kaipara Harbour.
• Pouto Lighthouse: At the southern end of the Pouto Peninsula, the Pouto Lighthouse was built in 1884 to help ships navigate past the Kaipara Harbour's treacherous sand bar. It's no longer functional but can be seen on sand safaris from Dargaville or if you'd prefer to walk the four miles from along the Kaipara Harbor's northern shore.
• Kai Iwi Lakes: North-west of Dargaville, the three gorgeous Kai Iwi Lakes are a trendy spot with locals in the summer. The shallow clear waters, fringed by white sand, are ideal for kids to swim and play in. Lakes Taharoa (the largest), Kai Iwi, and Waikere are natural lakes formed around 1.8 million years ago. Staying at the adjacent campsite is an ideal way to enjoy the lakes.

Kaipara is a rural area with just a few small towns. Dargaville is the largest town in the region, with only around 5,000 inhabitants. Camping is a good option for overnight trips around the Kaipara, and the Kai Iwi Lakes are a particularly popular place to do so (book a spot in advance if you're traveling in the peak summer season). Alternatively, motels and small boutique hotels/B&Bs can be found around the area, particularly in and around Helensville and Dargaville.

The area just south of the Kaipara Harbour, between Helensville and Kumeu, is where many of the Auckland region's wineries are located. Visiting a winery (or two) for lunch or dinner is particularly convenient if you're exploring the southern parts of the Kaipara area on a day or overnight trip from Auckland.

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The Great Kaipara Adventure Two Day Tour - Kaipara Cruises

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Gorgeous scenery. Absolutely fabulous Tour guides. Terry and Gaye take the best care of you! You... read more

This cruise was fantastic. So interesting and seeing places you wouldn’t see if driving. The crew... read more

The Great Kaipara Adventure Two Day Tour

We had a fantastic time exploring parts of the Kaipara Harbour from Helensville to Dargaville and back over two days on board the Kewpie Too. The weather was perfect, the boat clean and comfortable and our fellow passengers good company. Terry provided us with an interesting and informative commentary along the way while Gaye made sure we didn’t go hungry or thirsty. We had dinner and a lunch at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club, both of which were great and enjoyed with a few cold drinks. The organised guided tour of the Dargaville Museum on the second day was outstanding. Terry and Gaye are excellent operators and their cruise was well planned and is a marvellous way to see many parts of the Kaipara Harbour only visible from the sea. We didn’t realise just how beautiful some of the scenery and white sandy beaches were. We had a fun weekend and would highly recommend “The Great Kaipara Adventure Two Day Tour”.

Gorgeous scenery. Absolutely fabulous Tour guides. Terry and Gaye take the best care of you! You will not go hungry!! The Kewie Two is a charming wee boat! We met the nicest group of people. Wonderful memories. The Dargaville Museum is fantastic.

This cruise was fantastic. So interesting and seeing places you wouldn’t see if driving. The crew on the boat were friendly and helpful. The running commentary was very interesting. He certainly knew the history of the area. The food was simple but fantastic. We never felt hungry, so much food. Dinner at the Dargaville boating club was beautiful. Our accommodation was excellent however some others who had to stay at another motel weren’t so lucky. This trip is well worth doing.

It's a shame the disparity in accommodation included in the 'one price' package differed dramatically. Opt in for Hobson Motel, Dargaville Motel missed the mark in too many areas to list. The Museum guide was special and his local knowledge and enthusiasm infectious. An opportunity to view our Kaipara coastline.

My friend and I had the pleasure of joining Terry and Gaye - and many others - on the 2 day cruise from Helensville to Dargaville and return. It was a total pleasure. Terry's commentary about the history of the Kaipara was very knowledgeable and interesting. Gaye was constantly busy looking after her guests. She's a wonderful hostess. Our stay in the historic Northern Wairoa Hotel in Dargaville was comfortable and the dinner in that wonderful dining room was totally enjoyable. We both recommend this trip.

This review is for the 5 hour Shelly Beach cruise which takes in the south western end of the harbour. It is a very informative cruise with two hours of cruising, two hours at Shelly Beach for lunch and an hour returning to the wharf. There is lots of parking at the wharf where you leave from in Parakai. The boat is comfortable with room to be indoors or outside. It is an old boat that is well presented and clean. The staff are super friendly and knowledgable about the Kaipara Harbour and its surrounds. The history was fascinating. The stop at Shelly Beach is nice and there is a short walk up behind the beach. There is only one place to get food and it gets very busy when a cruise turns up. I'd recommend taking your own picnic lunch, going for a walk, grab a coffee from the cafe then relaxing on the beach. The cafe coffee was above average and the staff very nice. This cruise is recommended to anyone and you will find out surprising facts about the harbour.

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CRUISING THE KAIPARA

New Zealand’s largest natural harbour, the Kaipara is guarded by a treacherous bar that’s chalked up its fair share of maritime disasters. Which underscores the bravery and resourcefulness of the early settlers who made the harbour their home. Story by Kinsa Hayes.

The last time I’d seen Kewpie Too was 1962 in the Bay of Islands. We’d sailed on the iconic tourist trip to Cape Brett and through the Hole in the Rock, marvelling as we gently rocked our way through the stone archway.

Now she was in the Kaipara River, that roiling brown highway between the mangroves at Parakai, Helensville. I wanted to sail on her again. I found the website and chose the very affordable two-day cruise on the Kaipara Harbour, staying the night in Dargaville in an old hotel.

Then I discovered that her sister boat, Kewpie , was based in my home-town, Tauranga. She used to do the Cream Trip run in the Bay of Islands, calling into isolated settlements to pick up the daily cream cans. Kewpie ’s owner, Amy Neale, is the first female skipper in the boat’s history.

I boarded Kewpie at Pilot’s Bay at her Mount Maunganui (Mauao) base and was amused by the nod to her past – two old-fashioned cream cans tucked away on deck. The hour-long harbour round trip had the option of a drop-off at Matakana Island. We were requested to stick to the beach but the crystal- clear water was perfect for swimming.

Walking along the white sand, I made myself comfortable against a downed tree trunk and read my book, to be picked up by the next cruise. Very pleasant – but only a curtain-raiser for the main event – cruising the Kaipara aboard the MV Kewpie Too , ‘retracing the routes of historic steamers from a bygone era and exploring the distant reaches of the Kaipara…’

Both boats were built in Opua – Kewpie in 1953 and Kewpie Too in 1958 – and were named after a local character and guide, Ted Cubitt, ‘Kewpie’. Each was a 17m kauri hull with slightly different deck designs.

Easter Saturday morning found our keen group of 31 boarding. Terry and Gaye Somers have been operating this run for 40 years. It showed in their encyclopaedic knowledge and smooth organisation.

The Kaipara Harbour is a massive tidal estuary. Originally a complex river system, the valleys became drowned with the temperature rise 10,000 years ago. Five major rivers and many streams flow into the harbour carrying silt from upland erosion. “It’s too thick to drink and too thin to plough,” commented an early settler.

The Kaipara is the largest enclosed waterway in the southern hemisphere. Tributaries from the Waitakere ranges of Auckland to the Hikurangi swamps of Whangarei create a network of navigable creeks. Boats were the means of connection between supplies, settlers and export markets.

The Kauri Coast looked very different in 1840, Terry told us. Tall grey pillars of kahikatea and kauri – in demand overseas – grew right to the water’s edge, towering over the land. The country’s first export crops were logs milled around the little settlements that sprung up along these rivers. As demand increased, square-rigged sailing ships defied the risks of the Kaipara bar, and utilising tidal flow, sailed upriver to the settlements.

The Kaipara became a major port and a Port of Entry. Up to 20 ships arrived or left daily. The blue-roofed Maritime Customs Office in Poutu once housed a Harbour Master, Customs and a signal station. Despatch riders on horseback rode along the beach to ensure the flag signals at the old lighthouse coincided with those of the port.

From the 1860s kauri gum became a new source of income. Gum was used mostly as a bonding agent in making linoleum and varnish. Diggers flocked to the gumfields, particularly from Dalmatia, the old Yugoslavia. Upon arrival, they’d stay a night at one of the two-storey colonial hotels (now mostly boarding houses) before heading off to the uncomfortable life of gum digging. Their descendants still live in the area, farming, fishing or in small business.

Kewpie Too rock’n’rolled gently across the opening of the harbour to the Tasman Sea. Surf was breaking on the sandbars – this area is known as The Graveyard. The current flows at 7-8 knots, sandbars change constantly and wind sweeps through the narrow opening. A wind shift could send a ship to her doom.

More than 110 ships have foundered here. In 2018 storms uncovered a rare find. The Daring , a 17m schooner, beached in 1865 during wild gales, was buried by sand and forgotten. Carefully uplifted from its grave, the well-built boat is currently being conserved at Mangawhai where she will ultimately be displayed at the yet-to-be-built Daring Discovery Centre.

We sailed up deep creeks, a new vista opening out around each corner. In colonial times, the banks would have been lined with wharves for coastal trading by schooners and cutters. Waterways were highways that connected settlers. With a wealth of timber to build boats from and the necessity for a supply line, New Zealand’s boatbuilding tradition was launched.

Hulls were fashioned from kauri planking fastened to curved pohutukawa frames and a keel. Kauri was durable, strong, straight and even-grained. Pohutukawa branches have natural crooks and curves. Both are easy to work. Flat-bottomed scows could land on beaches or mud.

In 1894 James Barber built the Huia , a tops’l schooner which held the record for the fastest journey from Australia to New Zealand. Thompson’s boatyard in Dargaville built hundreds of schooners, whalers and sailboats. In 1907 the boatyard was contracted to build whalers for Ernest Shackleton’s British Antarctic Expedition – and quickly. In this race to the pole there was limited time to complete the boats. Shackleton planned his arrival at King Edward VII Land for January 1908.

On his return to England Shackleton wrote: “In regard to the boats, it will interest you to know that they gave every satisfaction under trying conditions in the Antarctic. They proved to be admirably suited for the work of the expedition, and reflected great credit upon your firm.” In his commentary, our skipper Terry pointed out the shed where they’d been built.

Kewpie Too pulled into the wharf at Pahi. The river settlements became ghost towns almost overnight following the demise of the kauri industry, but Pahi was buzzing with holidaymakers on this perfect day.

We disembarked and joined a coach for the 50km run to Dargaville, passing through Ruawai which grows 90% of New Zealand’s kumara crop. A warm climate, a thin layer of river silt over a clay bed and the flat landscape combine to provide ideal conditions.

We stayed at the Northern Wairoa Hotel, built in 1923. Walking alongside the river, we were attracted to a crowd at the Northern Wairoa Boating Club – the annual regatta was in progress. Boats from settlements around the Kaipara had gathered to follow the tradition begun in colonial times – to race and hold a party.

I grabbed a rum and coke and settled down to watch. Most of today’s boats were launches. Locals and ducks lined the banks as 30 boats churned up brown foam, creating waves that tossed the tall riverbank reeds into a frenzy. The party lasted until 3am we were told. Next morning we set off down the river on our return journey accompanied by launches sailing home and, no doubt, owners with hangovers.

Manchurian rice grass lined the banks. A pest brought in with a sailing ship’s ballast, it grows in fresh water, doesn’t respond to poison and can’t be burned. Northern shearwaters or mutton birds carried out an aerial inspection of us. The first overwintering seals basked on rocks in the sun.

Dolphins leaped beside sandbanks. Spoonbills, oyster catchers and other seabirds fed in the shallows. Hot Cross Buns, coffee and lunch, tea and cake were fed to us by the ever-cheerful Gaye. The passengers themselves were a source of good conversation. It was a weekend of delights that I can heartily recommend if you want to escape from the city. BNZ

THE FIRST ROLL-ON, ROLL-OFF SHIPS

How did they load ‘the grey pillars’ of timber into ships not designed for the cargo?

Those seamen were skilled, daring and inventive. Sailing up Kaipara creeks, they drove the ship’s bow into the mud at high tide and made her fast. The stern would still be in the deep water of the river channel even at low tide.

Shipwrights and carpenters then ‘sprung’ the planks at the bow to open the front end of the boat. The ‘pillars’ were hand-sawn, the logs squared and then loaded onto a trolley and packed tightly into the ship’s hold or lashed on deck. The shipwrights then refastened the bow planks.

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A pleasant 5 hour cruise on the Kaipara... - Kaipara Cruises

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We had a fantastic time exploring parts of the Kaipara Harbour from Helensville to Dargaville and... read more

Gorgeous scenery. Absolutely fabulous Tour guides. Terry and Gaye take the best care of you! You... read more

A pleasant 5 hour cruise on the Kaipara Harbour.

This interesting and very historic part of Auckland in the North Island is still mainly rural. The farms surround the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. Our cruise captain was very informative and gave an interesting talk on the history. I was amazed to hear that many sailing ships entered over the dangerous entrance to this harbour in the early days to take on cargos of Kauri timber. Our 5 hour trip included a lunch stop at Shelly Beach for either a picnic or fish and chips at the café.

Our large group was picked up at the Parakai Wharf just outside Helensville, and enjoyed about a three-hour round trip through the waterways and into the Kaipara Harbour. A substantial lunch was provided for us all plus tea / coffee and cake. The commentary was excellent and covered highlights of the history of this interesting area. Climb up to the top deck if you go, as the views are greatly enhanced with the extra height.

We went as a family, 3 adults & 2 children over the Christmas holidays. The weather was overcast and started raining halfway through the cruise so we retreated inside but this is not the best place to be to see the scenery as you will mainly just see the mangroves. We started out sitting in the front deck, the captain slows down and gives an interesting talk at points of interest, the scenery was beautiful and my grandchildren (3 & 5) were enjoying searching for 'sharks', 'pirates' & 'dolphins' as we were cruising along. Once it stopped raining we went onto the upper deck where the views are fantastic but the steps up are very steep. Overall a very pleasant way to spend 3 hours.

An informative cruise from Port Albert to Batley, along several rivers leading into the Kaipara Harbour, reputed to be one of the largest harbour coastline in the Southern Hemisphere. From the welcome upon boarding the boat to leaving we couldn't find any fault. To See Aitu Farm Park, Batley House, Tinopai, and other spots from the water was well worth the $35.00 for the 4 1/2 hour trip. Even the tea/coffee/milo was a very reasonable $2.00 per cup.

A Kaipara Harbour cruise was one of the items on the bucket list of my wife and I. The Kaipara is reputed to be the largest harbor in the southern hemisphere with a coastline of some 3,200 km. It is a very tidal harbor with a rich history involving local Maori tribes and early European settlers in New Zealand. The cruise taken by my wife and I is one of several offered by Kaipara Cruises. "Ours" was on the "Kewpie Too" for a duration of 5 hours which suited our purpose. The area of the harbour covered was the southern end, starting in the Kaipara River at a landing on Springs Road, Parakai, with cruising down the Kaipara River and then northward to Shelley Beach (1.5 hours). A 2 hours' break, ashore, at Shelley Beach provided an opportunity for a leisurely lunch at "The Jetty" cafe and a walk around the area. After that it was back onboard the vessel for the return cruise to the landing in the Kaipara River. Whilst an old timer the "Kewpie Too" is very solid and comfortable. Tea and coffee are available onboard. Pricing is very reasonable. Throughout the time onboard the vessel a very informative commentary is given about the areas history, birdlife, ecology and natural history. Enjoyed the experience. It was a good day out.

We had a wonderful day. Went up to Port Albert by coach and boarded the Kewpie Too. The trip took 6 hours but we enjoyed every minute of it. The skipper gave a detailed commentary all the way down the harbour. The crew (Sam) was very obliging and helpful. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the history of our country.

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Escape to the Kaipara Harbour

Escape to the kaipara harbour region.

20% at time of Booking, balance 30 days prior to tour date

Package Includes:

Highlights:.

• Soljans Winery
• Muriwai Beach & Gannet Colony
• Parakai Geothermal Hot Springs
• Kaipara Harbour Cruise
• Shelley Beach
• Helensville
• Kaukapakapa
• Twin Coast Highway
• Maungatoroto
• Bayleys Beach
• Matakohe Kauri Museum
• Snow Planet

Old Man Kaipara – A century ago, the Kaipara was one of the country’s major waterways—a bustling conduit through which the vast kauri forests of the lower north were siphoned from the land. With the passing of the forest, the area became something of a backwater, the domain of farmer and fisherman. Little has changed; the harbour remains mighty in strength, meek in status. 

Kaipara Harbour , a historic harbour on the west coast of New Zealand, lies north of Auckland and is one of the largest harbours in the world. Several large sea arms extend into the interior of the harbour and five rivers and over a hundred streams feed into it, creating large estuaries and mudflats at low tide. This is a perfect home for diverse seafood, shore birds and the endangered New Zealand Fernbird. The harbour entrance to the Tasman Sea has a narrow width and deep channels, which make for treacherous tidal variations at times and with many changing sandbanks underwater, the harbour head is considered a hostile place and referred to as “the graveyard”. This graveyard is responsible for more shipwrecks than any other place in New Zealand, so a lighthouse was built in 1884 at the northern arm of the entrance and now fully automated, is still there today. The Kaipara is now rarely used for shipping but boating and fishing within the harbour is very popular. We are very excited to take you to this beautiful region of North Auckland and the feature of this tour will be a cruise over the harbour to see its old-world charm.

We will start this adventure and head out west of Auckland.   We will make a morning tea stop prior to the Auckland area, then a lunch stop will be at Soljans Winery & Café , northwest of Auckland city.

Over 80 years ago, the first delicate grapevine was planted in a West Auckland field. That grapevine grew into the family winery that is still standing today. In fact, very few wineries in New Zealand can claim to have a prouder winemaking heritage than Soljans. They are the third oldest winery in New Zealand that is still owned and operated by the original family. From past to present, the story of how they came to be is inspiring, branching across two continents and three generations.

Chapter one begins centuries ago in the little town of Stari Grad, on the island of Hvar in Croatia. It was here, from the cobbled streets, charming buildings and picturesque setting, that their family’s winemaking tradition first started.

The café boasts Mediterranean-style food with a Kiwi Twist. Their menu changes from Summer to Winter, allowing the Chefs to showcase local fresh produce. Surrounded by grape vines makes this a very pleasant place to enjoy your lunch. Wine tasting is available also.

After lunch we peruse the west coast beaches. These beaches are lined with black sand and spectacular pounding waves always considered wilder than the east coast and making a wonderful background for every vista. Today we take a side journey to Muriwai and see how many Gannets and their babies have not left our shores yet for their annual flight back to Australia at this time of year.

This afternoon we will finish the day at our accommodation in Parakai .  Renown for its geothermal hot springs . With pools boasting temperatures of 32 – 40 deg to soak in this evening.  Make sure you pack your swimming togs.

It is also the southern end of the Kaipara harbour . Where tomorrows adventure will begin.

Settle into your room and have some relax time before dinner.

Overnight  – Parakai Geothermal Lodge

This second day of our tour is all about the Kaipara and you will embark on the M. V. Kewpie Too.  We will be taken on a pleasant harbour cruise with bush lined rivers, sandy harbour beaches and remote settlements on board this comfortable, roomy, two level 54 ft motorised vessel, with facilities, galley, and indoor and outdoor seating.

Today is a voyage of discovery – retracing the old steamer and sailing ship routes across the Kaipara Harbour beyond Shelley Beach. We will dock at Shelley Beach for a time to explore and enjoy some lunch at the local jetty licenced café. Approx.  4 hours on the water today, enjoying the beauty and history of New Zealand’s largest inland waterway with a full commentary.

By area, the Kaipara Harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world. It covers 947 square kilometres (366 sq mi) at high tide, with 409 square kilometres (158 sq mi) exposed as mudflats and sandflats at low tide.

The Kaipara Harbour is broad and mostly shallow, as it is formed from a system of drowned river valleys. The harbour shoreline is convoluted by the entry of many rivers and streams and is about 800 kilometres (500 mi) long, being the drainage catchment for about 640,000 ha of land.

The harbour entrance is a channel to the Tasman Sea, its narrow & hostile.

According to Māori tradition, the name Kaipara had its origins back in the 15th century when the Arawa chief, Kahumatamomoe, travelled to the Kaipara to visit his nephew at Pouto. At a feast, he was so impressed with the cooked root of the para fern, that he gave the name Kai-para to the district.

Kaipara  comes from the Māori  kai  meaning “food” and  para  meaning “king fern”.

On return to Helensville dock, we continue our journey of exploration by road and ponder the lives of the early settlers of the Kaipara as we make our way to Dargaville .

Overnight in Hobsons Choice Motel

Dargaville – The town was named after timber merchant and politician Joseph Dargaville.  It became known for a thriving industry that included gum digging and kauri logging, which was based mainly at Te Kōpuru, several kilometres south on the banks of the Northern Wairoa river. The river was used to transport the huge logs downstream to shipbuilders and as a primary means of transport to Auckland.

No trip to this region is complete until you visit & peruse the Matakohe Kauri museum .  This morning before we begin our homeward journey – we will take a quick trip out to Bayleys Beach – the gateway to Ripiro Beach , New Zealand’s longest driveable beach. This 100km long beach is backed by high, golden sand dunes and is the site of many shipwrecks. Many of the salvaged shipwreck relics are now on display in the Dargaville Museum and a commemoration plaque has been erected as a lookout on the road down to Baylys Beach.

Its then off to spend some time in the wonderful Matakohe Kauri museum and experience what it must have been like for the local Kauri Gum Diggers.

Another remarkably interesting place to visit here is the Coates Memorial Church –Joseph Gordon Coates is the only New Zealand politician ever to have a church dedicated to him. Built by the government on behalf of the people in 1950, in memory of Joseph Coates for his services as a MP , a soldier & Prime Minister of New Zealand.

As we continue our homeward journey – we take a little detour to Silverdale’s Snow Planet for lunch.

Snow Planet has over 8,000 square metres of real snow, there is plenty of room for skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing and games.

However, there is a really comfy restaurant on site too, complete with large windows & snow views, where you can relax and enjoy the high jinks of what is happening out on the snow. Just imagine yourself in the winter wonderland of the Swiss Alps.

This will be something a little different for you to experience.

This is a short break away to get you out of the house, recharge your batteries, learn a little about another region or two, enjoy some fellowship and have a few laughs along the way.

The Kaipara Harbour is so vast with so many tributaries leading into it which makes it difficult to visit them all in such a short time – therefore we have chosen just a few main places to visit and will reflect on the other significant places en route. We will start at the bottom of the harbour reach at Parakai, cruise from here then visit from the top end of the harbour at Dargaville by road.

If you have any questions please phone us on 07 572 4118

Previous Tour

Booking for escape to the kaipara harbour.

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Kaipara Cruises

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PARTY BOAT CRUISES

Enjoy a party cruise cruising the beautiful night lights and scenery of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour

FERRY TRANSFERS

We provide ferry transport for groups wanting to travel anywhere around the inner Waitemata Harbour on our vessels

PROBUS GROUPS & CLUBS

Cruise in comfort aboard the M.V. Reo Moana and M.V.Hogwash. Designed for senior clubs and groups.

SENIOR CITIZENS

Abalone cruises boat charters & party cruises.

Cruise the magnificent magical waters of the Waitemata Harbour and Gulf Islands with Abalone Cruises fantastic Auckland Charter boats.

Whatever the occasion, large or small, our company has a charter boat to suit your needs.

Abalone Cruises operate alongside The Red Boats on the Auckland Harbour and provide Harbour tours, transfers, Cruises, Charter / Party boats, for any group or individual from Westhaven Auckland.

We are a family owned company founded by Captain Terry Somers as Kaipara Harbour Cruises over 20 years ago.

We are a family operated company with over 30 years experience in the charter boat industry offering Boat charters on Auckland harbour with personal, friendly, professional, service.

Our years of experience and expertise in the Charter boat industry will ensure your Party, Event, or Big day out is a huge Success.

We have many Boat Charters available including Party cruises , Island day Trips , Tours , Lunch & Dinner cruises , Ferry Transport and much more.

Our Charter boats are ideal for any occasion including Xmas Parties, Birthday Parties, Social Club Outings, Team building exercises, Hen nights or any other Party or Event you may be having.

Catering options are available, as well as licensed Bar Facilities run by our experienced Staff.

We also offer Chartered Ferry transport to most Hauraki Gulf Islands.

Our tailored group tours for senior citizen and special interest groups are also hugely popular and are well known for being the best value for money in Auckland. -weekday senior cruises from $22.00

Our Charter boats are large roomy 2 level Vessels with modern sound systems and disco lighting.

We are fully licensed and compliant with all Maritime safety requirements.

All our trips depart from Z pier Westhaven Marina in Auckland, or other wharves by prior arrangement.

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Boat charters & party cruises.

Cruise in comfort aboard the M.V. Reo Moana and M.V.Hogwash. Both vessels are safe, sturdy, traditional New Zealand Kauri built vessels with warm roomy saloons and unobstructed views. Our vessels are fully compliant with safety requirements and are licensed for up to and over 60 passengers. We have 14 unique tours for your RSA, Probus, or Travel Club. An informative commentary is given during all our cruises with friendly personal service as well as free Tea & Coffee with snack biscuits.

Enjoy one of our amazing Boat Cruises and admire the beautiful night lights and scenery of Auckland’s Waitamata Harbour while celebrating with your friends, family or colleges. Our Charter boats are large two level Vessels with indoor and outdoor area’s as well as full sound systems and disco lighting.

We are licensed for up to 110 passengers for School trips and Ferry transport to Rangitoto, Motutapu & Motuihe Islands. We can cater for a day trip to Rangitoto or Motatapu Island or a transfer to the outdoor education camp at Islington bay. We have plenty of room in our cargo hold for all your luggage and camp equipment.

Fill out the form below or Phone: (09) 579 9574

Angara cruises

Table of contents:, power plant cascade, bridges and ferries, outside the ship.

Video: Angara cruises

2024 Author : Graham Hoggarth | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-12-16 04:49

The only river flowing from Lake Baikal is the majestic and full-flowing Angara. Its length is more than one and a half thousand kilometers. The Angara flows through the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Irkutsk Region, and its maximum width in the area of the lake is more than a kilometer. For fans of excursions around their native land, the best way to get acquainted with the great Siberian river is the Angara cruise, which can be taken from the city of Irkutsk.

Angara is famous for a cascade of hydroelectric power plants built here in the middle of the 20th century. This energy network includes the Bratsk, Irkutsk and Ust-Ilimsk HPPs, the construction of each of which has significantly reduced the risk of navigation on the Angara. Previously, because of the stormy rapids, ships could not pass freely along the river.

The first pontoon bridge across the Angara was opened at the end of the 19th century during the passage of Tsarevich Nicholas through Irkutsk. After almost half a century of operation, the crossing was replaced by a permanent bridge connecting the center of Irkutsk with its left-bank regions.

In addition to the bridge named Glazkovsky, you can use the Innokentyevsky, Akademichesky and Boguchansky bridges to cross the Angara.

Navigation in Irkutsk usually opens not earlier than mid-May, but in warm weather, the first motor ships can go on cruises along the Angara River as early as May holidays. During the trip, tourists visit a whole constellation of amazing Siberian cities:

• Angarsk, which in 2003 won the second place in the competition for the most comfortable city in Russia. In Angarsk, expositions of local museums of clocks and minerals are of undoubted interest, and among the main architectural attractions is the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
• Bratsk, located on the banks of the same name and Ust-Ilimsk reservoirs. A unique architectural and ethnographic museum "Angarsk Village" has been opened in the city. The settlement of the indigenous inhabitants of these places has been recreated in the open air.
• Svirsk, which was first mentioned in 1735. Then a settlement was founded here, and later Idinsky prison. The well-maintained embankment of Svirsk is a favorite resting place for its residents and guests of the city.
• An even more ancient city is Usolye-Sibirskoye, founded in 1669 by the Yenisei Cossacks. Having discovered a source of salt in these places, the Mikhalev brothers built a salt brewhouse. Participants of the Angara cruise will be able to see what the city looks like today.

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