About Ipipiri

Ipipiri is the flagship vessel of Hauraki Blue Cruises. At 146 feet (44.5 metres), she is the largest cruising ship permanently based in New Zealand, providing a truly impressive cruise experience. Spread over four levels, this catamaran includes 30 ocean view cabins, a spacious sundeck with 360 degree views and a 70-seat restaurant and bar. Cruising at 12 knots, the vessel has been designed to provide maximum stability and minimum wake.

Launched in 2009 by Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands, for the past five years Ipipiri has cruised the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands providing unique tours of the region to international and domestic visitors, wedding parties and local groups. In 2014 Ipipiri was relocated to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour and now, under the name of Hauraki Blue Cruises, she offers an overnight cruise experience and half-day harbour lunch cruises around the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, as well as a premium Auckland wedding venue, and conferences, meetings and incentives venue.

Factsheet

Launched in September 2009 in the Bay of Islands

Designed in Sydney by Incat Crowther

Built in Hobart by Richardson Devine Marine

  • Body type: Catamaran
  • Length: 44.5 metres (approx 146 feet)
  • Width: 13 metres (approx 40 feet)
  • Height: 11 metres (approx 30 feet)
  • Hull depth: 1.4 metres
  • Decks: 4 (Two identical accommodation decks, one dining/bar deck with indoor/outdoor flow, one sundeck)
  • Cabins: 30 identical ocean view rooms with en suites
  • Stern Plate: Ipipiri is fitted with a large stern plate which can be lowered below the waterline for easy access into and out of the water
  • Onboard amenities: Restaurant, bar, accommodation, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, tender (small run-about boat), conference facilities

Take a closer look at the vessel layout

What does Ipipiri Mean?

The name Ipipiri (prounounced ee-pip-ee-ree) means ‘many places’ in the Māori language. Used by local Māori iwi (tribes) to refer to the Bay of Islands region, the first known recording of the term comes from 1824 during French explorer Louis Isidore Duperrey’s Pacific expedition. The ship’s cartographer documented the Māori name Ipipiri to describe a cluster of islands within the region that Captain James Cook had earlier named ‘the Bay of Islands’.

Ipipiri was chosen by Fullers GreatSights in consultation with local Bay of Islands iwi as the name for its new overnight cruise vessel, paying homage to the unique history of the region and its original people.

Visiting the Hauraki Gulf islands

DoC Pest Free Warrant

Our vessel is licensed by DOC and the Auckland Council to visit pest-free conservation islands and other islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Prepare for your trip by being alert for stowaways such as Argentine ants, rainbow skinks, soil, seeds, mice or rats. Please:

  • Make sure all food is packed and sealed in plastic rodent-proof containers with lid.
  • Ensure cardboard boxes are closed and taped – there must be no opportunity for an unwanted pest to access the box in transit.
  • Ensure all footwear and gear is clean and free of soil.
  • Thoroughly check any camping or overnight gear for stowaways. Gear that has been stored is high risk.
  • Thoroughly check seedlings, potting mix or plant matter to ensure there are no hitch-hikers.
  • Seal up your gear/food as soon as you have finished packing and leave it closed until you reach your destination.

Without your co-operation your trip may not be able to take place, so if you have any doubts or questions about biosecurity, please ask a crew member.

Download the Treasure Islands biosecurity poster (pdf format)
Visit www.treasureislands.co.nz for further information on biosecurity.

Any questions about Ipipiri? Check our Frequently Asked Questions page.