5 Night Cruise sailing from Bay of Islands roundtrip aboard Island Passage.

On your dream-come-true cruise around the Bay of Islands you'll discover uninhabited sanctuary islands, watch dolphins at play, visit fascinating historic places and enjoy the finest gourmet cuisine served with endless sea views.

Life on board Island Passage delivers equal quantities of luxury, fun and adventure. You'll get the rest and relaxation you've been waiting for, accompanied by your choice of mild or wild outdoor experiences - fishing, kayaking, hiking and swimming. Helpful, charming crew will ensure that every moment is pure pleasure.

The 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands are a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You'll discover perfect beaches, untouched native forests, fabulous day walks and interesting historic sites. Nearly a century ago this area was named 'the angler's Eldorado' by Zane Grey, and in terms of New Zealand's history it's the birthplace of our nation.

Day 1 - Sunday
Your ship departs the port of Opua at 5pm this afternoon, cruising up the Veronica channel towards the tourist hub of Paihia and the historic village of Russell. You'll be sipping champagne, nibbling canapes and getting to know your fellow cruisers as the exquisite scenery slips by. Crew are always on hand to explain points of interest, or refill your glass.

Your first night will be spent at picturesque Opunga Cove, a tranquil haven for cruising yachts and launches. The cove faces west, so you can sit and enjoy the sunset from your comfortable steamer chair on deck. Opunga, also known as Assassination Cove, has a fearsome history. French Explorer Marion Du Fresne and 26 of his crew were killed and eaten in this bay in the 1800s. Utu (revenge) was carried out as the crew ignored warnings and fished in a tapu (sacred) area. Thankfully the tapu was removed many years ago, so our fishing guides can take you to their favourite spots.

Day 2 - Monday
Today you'll visit beautiful Motuarohia/Roberton Island, which you can explore in many different ways. Snorkel in the sheltered lagoon, kayak around the bay or hike up to the historic pa site. From the summit of the pa you'll be rewarded by blockbuster views of the entire Bay of Islands area - green jewels in a sea of sparkling blue. Like Opunga Cove, this island has a murderous history. Ask a crew member to tell you the horrific story that ends with a 60-metre plunge off the island's cliffs.

Late afternoon we'll motor to Urupukapuka, the largest island in the bay. While anchored in gorgeous Paradise Bay (which is very aptly named), you'll enjoy our chef's gourmet barbecue with fresh seafood and produce from the local farmers' markets.

Day 3 - Tuesday
Today there's plenty of time to discover Urupukapuka Island. You could hike around the island, which has historic pa sites and several fabulous beaches. Or explore the edges of the island by kayak, stopping for a picnic along the way. Fishing from one of our tenders is also an option - maybe you'll catch dinner! If this all sounds too much, simply lounge around on board with a great book and regular deliveries of cold drinks and tasty nibbles.

After lunch we'll cruise through the narrows of the Albert Passage and along Cape Brett Peninsula towards Deep Water Cove. Watch for gannets and dolphins along the way. Deep Water Cove is a magical nature reserve complete with an idyllic waterfall framed by native forest. We hope you'll get the chance to swim with the dolphins here - an amazing experience you'll remember forever. A popular option from Deep Water Cove, which was Zane Grey's favourite angling base, is a fishing trip to Piercy Island (also known as the 'Hole in the Rock'). If conditions allow we will overnight in this spectacular cove.

Day 4 - Wednesday
Today's destination is beautiful Oke Bay, an anchorage that will certainly tempt you over the side for a swim. Dolphins often visit this bay, so you might have another dolphin encounter here. The water is beautifully clear - swimming to the beach is always an option for fitter guests. As the sun sets we return through the Albert Passage to our anchorage in Parekura Bay.

Day 5 - Thursday
After a sumptuous breakfast on deck, we'll make ready to motor across to the other side of the Bay of Islands. Along the way you can admire stunning homes tucked into remote bays and beaches. We'll make a detour to the Black Rocks, to collect fresh green-lipped mussels for our barbecue lunch. The sauvignon blanc is chilling and the chef is determined to impress you, yet again.

Our anchorage for the night is the Te Pahi Islands, just off the Purerua Peninsula. Before dinner there's time to visit iconic Marsden Cross on the mainland, the site of the first missionary settlement in New Zealand and Reverend Samuel Marsden's first-ever Christmas service (1814). Watch the sunset while sipping a sundowner, then look forward to a night of indulgence with the Captain's gourmet dinner.

Day 6 - Friday
On your final day we'll anchor off the historic village of Russell, known in whaling times as 'The hell-hole of the Pacific' because it was a place of loose women and drunken sailors. In Russell you can go ashore to explore craft shops, museums, churches and the historic Pompallier French Mission House (1839). You'll also enjoy an elegant morning tea on the veranda of the iconic waterfront Duke of Marlborough Hotel. Get one last dose of fresh sea air as we cruise up the Veronica Channel to Opua for a 12.30 disembarkation.