Boats We Use On Our Trips

Our NZ Seabirds Expedition Ship

MV Braveheart is a 110ft (40m) ex-Japanese research vessel that has been converted into a charter vessel. She has seen service in all Southern Oceans under its current owners, and is used by NZ, Australian and British Governments to service Kermadec and Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific, as well as islands in both Indian and South Atlantic Oceans - testament to her sea-worthiness. Braveheart is ideal for the extended birdwatching expeditions we run, with plenty of safe viewing areas on deck, comfortable living quarters and a great atmosphere. Her skipper and four crew are all Kiwis (New Zealanders), and like us your expedition leaders, they aim to ensure that your time aboard is thoroughly relaxed and enjoyable. With so many great sights and seabirds to see our high participant-to-leader/crew ratio provides an excellent level of personalised service. You won't be neglected!

All passengers have twin-share or double cabins with shared bathroom facilities. A laundry is operated by the crew. The excellent library and lounge area is a great place to relax when you need a break from birding.

Throughout each trip we make numerous stops at sea to 'chum' and with the ship's low stern we will get you very close to birds. Perfect for photography and close identification. Naiad tenders will be used for landings and close-exploration of coastlines and islands.

Our Far North Pelagics vessel is a 50ft displacement boat with sleeping accommodation for eight plus skipper and leader. Te Wairoa has a walk-around deck area with plenty of space fore and aft for excellent seabird viewing. She's a remarkably dry boat. The fly-bridge area is also spacious with good viewing and seating for the whole group if needed while steaming. Skipper Murray is a local with excellent knowledge of the area and a rapidly growing interest in seabirds.

During our two day/two night Far North trips we make several stops for chumming, choosing locations along the Continental shelf edge by assessing conditions, sea surface temperature and submarine topography.

Hauraki Gulf Currently we use a number of comfortable charter boats operating in the Gulf and have developed good understanding with skippers as to the needs of birdwatchers. These vessels are generally used for fishing, diving and research. We use a larger boat (catamaran) for groups up to twenty passengers. However, on most of our trips we take up to 10 passengers, these are with skipper and local fisherman Brett Rathe. Brett has lived in Warkworth area all his life, the family's house is right on the water's edge at Omaha. His father was a boating fanatic so Brett along with his brothers and sisters grew up at sea with weekends and holidays spent on trips to the outer Hauraki Gulf. In fact, ever since three when he slid off the roof of the boat into the drink - his first introduction into diving! Fishing was a favourite activity. They even carried supplies to the ranger on Little Barrier. He trained as a diver at sixteen and loves the underwater world. Brett has also sailed to the Pacific Islands - Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. For the last five years he's run his own charter boat and the popular local (Warkworth) fishing and tackle shop. Brett's knowledge of the Hauraki Gulf and passion for its marine life, his skill at fishing - adding variety to our bird-watching trips and relaxed approach as skipper mean that our trips never lack for that little 'extra'. When a blue shark took great interest in the chum bag he tried to wrestle it free.