D'Urville Island

On the first day will experience the thrill of being taken through the rapids of New Zealand's vertical waterfall, the French Pass with its whirl pools and rapids. The French Pass is a reef between the mainland and the island, at certain times of the day the tide can move up to 8 knots, creating a turbulent current of whirlpools and eddies.

The area is also well known for its great fishing, and you will have an opportunity to catch your dinner, which will be filleted and cooked for you at the resort by your host Craig.

Your day out on a large charter boat can include steaming through 'the hole in the rock' part of the remains of an ancient crater or get close to Stephen's Island where you will hear stories of the lighthouse keepers who lived there. Weather permitting you may see the wildlife at Rangitoto Ki Te Tonga’s many off shore islands, some of which are under conservation protection for their unique wildlife, including Takapourewa (Stephen’s Island) Kuru Pongi (Trio Islands) and the three beautiful Rangitoto Islands. The fourth generation local skipper will take you to where the weather is most sheltered.

It is an area full of history, some of which is beautifully conveyed in Gerald Hindmarsh’s book ‘Angelina’, the tale of life of the Italian early settler Angelina Moleta and her close friend, a high born Maori woman call Wetekia Ruruku Elkington. You will also hear stories of ship wrecks, explorers, whalers, and early settlers. The area was once a busy place, as it was on the shipping route from Wellington to Nelson.

You will stay each night in the comfort of beach front cottages with stunning sea views toward French Pass. Your meals and packed lunches are all supplied by the resort, leaving you free to relax and soak up the island's atmosphere. The resort has no road access therefore water taxi rides are a daily experience, giving you a taste of what island life is like. Please note that the walking tracks at the resort are limited.

Insurance

Personal insurance is recommended for all participants and their equipment and personal belongings as no insurance is included in the trip fees.