Auckland: Out on the briny blue

Take a relaxing overnight cruise around Auckland with Hauraki Blue Cruises. Photo / Supplied

A new arrival on Waitemata Harbour tempts Donna McIntyre to pack an overnight bag and take a pleasure cruise.

It takes a mental sidestep for my husband and I to adjust to being on a cruise that is not just our usual ferry commute.

The four-level Hauraki Blue catamaran makes its way along the same patch of water we have just travelled over from Waiheke, but this time we've joined this luxurious overnight cruise from Auckland's Viaduct.

Slowly but surely my brain switches modes - helped by an afternoon tea spread of crackers, cheeses, deli meats and fruit to put us in the mood, plus complimentary tea, coffee and water and the option to purchase something from the bar as we leave the Viaduct.

We've already checked out our cabin and its crisp white and navy livery looking wonderfully shipshape and much more spacious than we had expected. We approve of the bed's width and comfort level. We're chuffed, too, to have our own en suite including a loo, basin and shower with decent water pressure - plus the three large picture windows offer sea views when you want them and the option to pull down blinds for shade.

We've also been allowed to sneak a look at the crew's quarter, and come away impressed they get a space of their own and decent mattresses. Happy crew means happy punters.

We're a small gathering for this cruise, just 14 people with 9 crew on the 44.5m long cruising vessel and its 30 ocean-view cabins and 80-seat restaurant and bar, the country's largest permanently based cruise ship.

We veer right, or should I say starboard, to weigh the anchor off Motuihe. It's where we'll anchor for the night , but first we have some playing to do. We descend to the lower deck and clamber into kayaks to paddle beneath the towering cliffs of this 179 ha recreation reserve, admiring the pohutukawa's Kiwiana Christmas red display before going ashore for an island walk. Other passengers take tender boat ashore for a walk, to kayak in a group or some just stay on Hauraki Blue and relax.

Paddling back to Hauraki Blue, we park on the catamaran's rear ramp and the crew bring the kayaks back on board as we use the exterior shower to rinse sand from feet before retiring to cabins to freshen up for dinner.

The mealtime conviviality we experience is something we hadn't expected on such a short cruise. After appetite-teasing entrées (buffalo mozzarella salad for me but my husband happily trades one of his scallops for my prosciutto) by the time we are on to our mains (Moroccan couscous with mint yogurt, harrissa, aubergine and spiced carrot shooter for him, Parmesan herb-crusted kingfish for me) we are laughing so much with our co-diners our sides are starting to hurt. Who would have expected to forge friendships so fast. We happily linger at the table for desserts of chocolate plate and cheese platter.

In light of the drink-drive law changes, it's also nice to be able to enjoy a few glasses of wine knowing tonight we don't have to limit our drinks as "home" is only one flight of stairs away. So we happily accept the invitation to enjoy a wee dram with our Scottish-born dining companions to finish off such a fun occasion. Cruising is better than we thought.

In our cabin, sleep comes easily, and we wake ready to conquer the next meal on offer - buffet breakfast of continental and cooked options.

As we digest our morning meal leisure lounging on the upper sundeck, motoring back to the Viaduct finishing point, we're definitely in cruise mode as we enjoy our last hour with fond memories of so much fun packed into a short break.

IF YOU GO

See haurakibluecruises.co.nz for more information.

Island time adventures

Shiny stand-up paddleboards

If you've ever fancied paddling around Great Barrier Island's historic and picturesque Whangaparapara Harbour, give Shiny Paua a call. They offer board rental, lessons or Agnes can take you on a tour that takes in an old sawmill, a whaling site, and, oddly enough, a railway engine that's recently been restored. You might even spot dolphins. For details call (09) 429 0603 or 027 265 1343 or email: shinypaua@xtra.co.nz

e-bikes on Waiheke

When it's too hot to ride a regular bike, take the effort out of tootling round Waiheke by putting yourself in the saddle of an electric cycle. They're so much fun, and at just $50 a day to hire, you'll be riding Waiheke's ups and downs with ease. Phone 022 050 223 or visit ecyclesnz.com.

Sea kayak to Rangitoto

Paddle to glorious Rangitoto Island and see Auckland from a whole new perspective. The trip starts at 8.30am and includes possible sightings of a range of seabirds, a one-hour trek to the summit where you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views and learn all about the island's history. Wander back down to the water's edge for a hearty and healthy lunch. You might even have time for a swim before heading back to St Heliers Bay. Details at aucklandseakayaks.co.nz.