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Where is the Hauraki Gulf?
The protected waters of the Hauraki Gulf contain many islands, most
of which are conservation islands and sanctuaries. It is seen as Auckland's
marine playground - much loved by boaties, fishers, and divers. Named
by Captain Cook - Great Barrier and Little Barrier Island's define
the outer limits of the Hauraki Gulf. Our area of operation for day
and overnight trips to see seabirds is the outer Hauraki Gulf - north
of Tiritiri Matangi to the Poor Knights Islands and east to Great
Barrier Island from the North Auckland coast. The outer Hauraki Gulf
is influenced by the warm East Auckland Current (EAUC), particularly
around the Poor Knights and Mokohinau Islands, as well as along the
eastern side of Great Barrier Island. This warm subtropical current
brings a subtropical component to the marine life found there. The
Poor Knights Islands are a marine reserve created to protect the unique
marine life found there.
Where do our boats leave from?
We operate in the outer Hauraki Gulf, so to make the most of our day we head out from Sandspit, Leigh Harbour and Ti Point Wharf. These are locations reached by driving to Warkworth on SH1, 50 mins north of Auckland. Sandspit is 10mins from Warkworth, Leigh and Ti Point about 20mins. We will let you which of these locations we are using when you book. There are plenty of options for accommodation in the Warkworth, Snells Beach, Sandspit, Matakana and Leigh area. Contact us for more details.
How long will we be out on the water?
Most of our trips are full day tours, giving plenty of time for you
to see the best of the Hauraki Gulf; however we can arrange half-day
trips on demand. Trips are up to 12-hours' in duration, though winter
trips are a bit shorter. Please confirm final requirements with us
before your trip.
What kind of boats do we travel aboard?
Currently we use a number of comfortable
charter boats operating in the Gulf and Northern waters and
our skippers have a good understanding of the needs of birdwatchers.
These vessels are generally used for fishing, diving and research.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring lunch and plenty of fluids to drink. We provide
a light snack on our trip home and coffee and tea is available on
board. Weather conditions can vary enormously in the Gulf, so you
should be prepared for hot and dry as well as cold and wet. Bring
warm clothing and a raincoat, but also pack sunblock, sunhat, and
sunglasses. Don't forget your binoculars, camera and film.
Will I get seasick?
If you are prone to motion sickness you should consider taking medication
before departure.
What are guided islands visits ?
Little Barrier, Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau, Mokohinau Group (Burgess
Island) and Rakitu and Great Barrier - we can arrange visits to any
of these islands on our trips using our concessions and permits that
we can apply for on your behalf. We (Karen and Chris) are accredited
supervisors for Little Barrier.
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Karen and group on visit to Burgess Island in
the Mokohinaus
Burgess Island, Mokohinaus
Photo by Natalie Patenaude
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Will we take a break from birding?
We always anchor in a sheltered island bay for lunch, and in the summer
there is often time for a refreshing swim or snorkel, so bring a bathing
suit. On the island sanctuaries where we don't land, we anchor close
enough to see and hear some of the terrestrial endemic birds such
as saddleback, tui, kaka and pigeon.
Will we have someone who will help us identify the birds?
On all our trips we have a guide on board (in addition to the skipper)
who will help you identify the birds we see. At the start of each
trip we do a run through of the birds we are most likely to see, identifying
features and any special target species. We want to ensure you get
the most out of your trip.
What marine life can be seen?
The Hauraki Gulf abounds with fish life. We have seen massive boil-ups
of trevally and kingfish on a number of our trips to date. Also huge
sunfish, sharks and flying fish. The Gulf is also home to a range
of cetaceans (Bryde's Whales, Orca, Common and Bottle-nosed Dolphins).
Are there books which we can buy to help us identify the birds?
The Field Guide to New Zealand Seabirds by Brian Parkinson, published
by New Holland Publishers. This guide provides ready identification and up-to-date information
of many species that are likely to be encountered in New Zealand waters.
We have for sale copies of this comprehensive and easy-to-use New
Zealand guide and other bird books such as The Hand Guide to the Birds
of New Zealand by Hugh Robertson & Barrie Heather, published by
Penguin Books NZ. Please contact us.
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Chris and Karen aboard Hawere
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