New catamaran joins Fullers fleet in Bay of Islands

Te Maki arrives in the Bay of Islands after a two-day journey from Nelson. Photo / Supplied

A new catamaran has arrived in the Bay of Islands to join the Fullers GreatSights fleet.

Te Maki (meaning "orca") made the long journey from Nelson up to the Bay of Islands in late May.

Built by Challenge Marine at a cost of $4.5 million, Te Maki is 24m long with an 8m beam, took 18 months to construct and can carry up to 200 passengers.

Fullers GreatSights general manager Charles Parker says Te Maki has been custom designed to offer an unforgettable cruise experience, with spacious indoor and outdoor viewing areas.

"The windows in the main saloon start below seat level and extend almost to the ceiling, offering amazing visibility."

The vessel has a low wake, and has been carefully designed so passengers can interact and swim with marine mammals.

Te Maki will be operating cruises to the Hole in the Rock during winter, and the original Cream Trip cruise during summer. The vessel replaces Tangaroa III, which has operated the Cream Trip since 1999, and which will be sold.

Te Maki is powered by two 900HP Scania engines, designed to the latest European emissions standard. She is prop-driven, with the props protected by large skegs to keep swimmers safe.

She is about 10-12 decibels quieter than Tangaroa, and improved hydro dynamics and engine technology mean she will also use less fuel than her predecessor.

Fullers GreatSights skippers Basil Umuroa and Billy Bogaers, engineer Tony Thompson and InterCity Group director Paul Smart brought the new addition home from Nelson over two days.

She was then escorted into the harbour by a welcome committee on board Fullers GreatSights' Dolphin Seeker catamaran.

Te Maki's name was chosen with the support of Ngati Manu. She was blessed by Ngati Manu and Te Uri Karaka elders in a ceremony at Paihia Wharf on May 26.