Depending on which way the wind is blowing, a suitable island will be found and within an hour the anchor will be down and you'll be faced with the dilemma of whether to kayak to shore or hitch a ride in the tender.
If preferred, you can stay on board and enjoy a drink on deck while gazing out to paradise. Regardless whether you've worked up an appetite or quenched your thirst, you'll finish the day with a sumptuous three-course dinner, the twinkling lights on shore a distant reminder of the bustle back in the city.
The cabins are terrific too, through giant windows you can admire the sea and stars as you drift off to sleep. The only drawback is that after breakfast you have to return to shore and your real life.
Historic vessels
If you've a fondness for heritage vessels, the Auckland Maritime Museum offers a trip back in time on their regular voyages sailing from their base at Viaduct Harbour. The Ted Ashby, a ketch-rigged deck scow, is typical of the fleets that once operated in northern New Zealand waters, while the Breeze, a square-rigged brigantine, is similar to the wooden sailing ships that were popular for coastal trade in the 19th and early-20th centuries.
Prefer steam to sail? Then it's the SS Puke for you. A 15-minute jaunt on this late 19th-century steam tug costs just $2 for adults and $1 for kids.
These boats are crewed by the Museum's team of volunteers and it's up to you whether you simply sit back and enjoy the ride or get amongst it and help hoist the sails.
Paddle your own canoe
Get some exercise while getting a new perspective on the city skyline. Auckland Sea Kayaks operates a range of tours including a sunset trip to Rangitoto Island. If your eyes are sharp you might spot Little Blue Penguins and Cooks Petrels along the way.
Once on land, you'll start the one-hour trek to the volcano's summit, learning about the region's history as you go.
If that just whets your appetite, try the two-day tour. Setting off from St Heliers, you'll head first for Browns Island (Motukorea) for lunch, before setting a course for the island sanctuary of Motuihe. With its golden sand beaches and bustling bird life, you'll make camp on the northeastern side of the island, where you'll often see everything from dotterels, saddlebacks, kakariki, kiwi and bellbirds.
On day two you'll strike camp and head to Rangitoto for a summit hike before heading back.
Hauraki blue lunch
If you've not enough time to spend a night on the water, the Ipiripi's two-and-a-half hour lunch cruise is a great way to get a taste for the sea, setting off at 11am and returning to shore at 1.30pm. Enjoy lunch with an entertaining commentary of the harbour's scenic delights.
High in the sky
Seaplanes were once a regular and intrepid feature over the Hauraki Gulf, with the legendary Captain Fred Ladd providing a much-needed lifeline to the residents of far-flung islands.
Thanks to Auckland Seaplanes, these dashing planes have returned to our skies, transporting visitors to some of the most beautiful and secluded locations imaginable. Taking wing from Wynyard Quarter you can choose between scenic flights, wine tastings, picnic lunches on deserted beaches or an overnight stay on the island of your dreams.
