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Australia

Seven Day Itinerary for the Whitsunday Islands and the Great

The Whitsunday Coast and Islands are a very special part of Australia. Centrally located on the Queensland Coast 150km north of Mackay and 300km south of Townsville yet right in the heart of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Flights depart most cities daily with direct access to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays or Whitsunday Coast Airport 45 minutes from Airlie Beach.

Day One Guests fly into Hamilton Island and board yacht. Depart 1300 for Hook Island, Nara Inlet. Distance 15 miles. Make a short walk up to an aboriginal cave with paintings.

Day Two Remain in Nara Bay for the morning. After lunch depart for Butterfly Bay. Distance 5 miles. From here visit neighboring bays, head to Manta Ray Bay for afternoon snorkeling. Anchor for the night.

Day Three Depart Early for Bait Reef. Distance 18 miles. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, fishing and reef exploring. Weather permitting remain here for the night, or depart 1600 for Boarder Island. Distance 20 miles. Good diving and snorkeling.

Day Four Head to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island and close to Haslewood Island. Distance 7 miles. Head to northern end of beach and be dropped off at inlet to visit lookout over bay. Enjoy the long white sandy beach, and pottering around the bays and coves of Haslewood Island.

Day Five Head to Lindeman Island. Distance 10 miles. Most of this island is national park. Enjoy the walking tracks with lots of butterflies and bird life. Possibly visit the local resort.

Day Six Head to Turtle Bay on Whitsunday Island. Distance 8 miles. Snorkel and explore the coves and bays along this southern stretch of the island.

Day Seven In the morning return to Hamilton Island. Distance 8 miles.

For more information go: - http://www.australia.com





New Zealand

Around Auckland in 7 days

Day one: Depart from Auckland to Waiheke Island, Distance 15 miles, approx two hours anchor to anchor. Remain here for the evening in one of the secluded bays, excellent beaching. Island tour and visit some of the famous vineyards.

Day Two: To Kawau Island visit to the old Mansion House in Bon Accord Harbour, distance 25 miles, nice walks.

Day Three: Depart for Great Barrier, distance 40 miles, more remote, very picturesque. Tender tour around the port Fitzroy and Bush walks, remain at a different anchorage for day Four.

Day Five: Depart for Mercury Islands. Distance approx 30 miles.

Day Six: Depart for Coromandel township, distance 40 miles, remain the evening in this old gold mining town.

Anchor for night Day Seven: Depart for Auckland arriving noon.

For more information go: -



Auckland - Bay of Islands

Auckland
Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you're beginning to get the picture of Auckland.

The Forever-Summer Lifestyle of Waiheke Island
You'll lose ten years the moment you step ashore on Waiheke Island. Considered by many to be the most magical part of the Auckland experience and easily accessed by ferry, Waiheke's beautiful beaches and native forest reserves harmonize delightfully with the cafes, vineyards and art studios. This island is perfect for a day's shopping and wine tasting, or several days of indulgent relaxation. Waiheke is renowned for its burgeoning wine industry and for the many prominent New Zealand artists who have chosen to make it their home. Almost anything is possible on Waiheke, from horse riding and farm tours to sea kayaking and mountain biking.

Ragitoto Island
Rangitoto Island, the most unforgettable feature of Auckland's inner harbour, pushed its way through the ocean floor around 600 years ago. The volcanic fireworks that accompanied it inspired local Maori tribes to call it "Sky of Blood". Take a train to the top or hike up the 260 meter high summit to witness the spectacular 360 degree views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland cityscape. The island also has lava caves, unique rock formations and pohutukawa forests.

Kawau Island - a Fascinating Mix of Stately Living and Wilderness
The elegant historic Mansion House of Kawau, with links to Sir George Grey (one of New Zealand's first Governors), has been turned into a marvelous museum. During his time on the island, Governor Grey imported many exotic plants and animals that remain today. The island has walking tracks leading to beaches, Maori pa sites and old copper mines.

Great Barrier Island, the Final Frontier
Situated in the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier island has unspoiled beaches, native bushland and is home to several unique plant and bird species. The kind of rugged untouched beauty that you'll see here is getting harder and harder to find on this planet. The native bush is laced with walking tracks, which lead to secluded natural hot springs and historic Kauri dams. Rising 627 metres above the sea, Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) beckons the hiker with a promise of views that will never leave the mind. Most of the island's 285 square kilometers is a conservation estate, administered by the Department of Conservation. This island provides spectacular day walks and is also a popular destination for diving, fishing, surfing, bush walking and camping.

Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is one of the icons of Northland, here as elsewhere on the East Coast, Pohutukawa lined beaches, secluded bays, and tranquil harbours offer a maritime playground for fishing, swimming, boating, diving or relaxing on the beach in the warm, northern sunshine. The Bay of Islands maritime park is comprised of 144 islands, secluded bays, untouched coastline and natural harbors. The cool waters are abundant with sea life including kingfish, marlin, dolphins and seals. You can even rummage for clams, mussels and shellfish for your evening meal. The Bay of Islands is unique and the only way to enjoy them all is on a yacht charter. Offshore, the islands are stunningly beautiful. Onshore, the pretty towns are steeped in New Zealand history. The cultural and historical links to past and present offer a fulfilling venture into New Zealand earliest encounters - take the time to explore and experience! Little wonder Northland's East Coast is New Zealand's sub-tropical playground.The townships of this historic area are infused with both Maori and European history. Wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, there are plenty of recreational activities in the bluegreen world of island and beach: dive or snorkel, paddle a sea kayak in and out of the islands' nooks and crannies or swim with the dolphins.

For more information go: - http://www.newzealand.com/





Find much more information and sample itineraries at Destinctive Yachts

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