Diving Experience

Experience New Zealand’s top dive sites with Dive Ops, on the ultimate live-aboard vessell MV Ipipiri. Proudly brought to you by Dive Ops and Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands

At 44 metres (150 feet), Ipipiri is the largest cruising ship permanently based in New Zealand and provides a truly impressive cruise experience in the most spectacular diving region of New Zealand.

Spread over four levels she provides the perfect platform for diving, featuring 30 identical ocean view cabins, each with private Ensuite and panoramic sea views, easy access in and out of the water via a large retractable dive deck.

Catering to a maximum of 30 divers there is room for non diving partners and friends. The restaurant and bar area cater for up to 60 guests for seated dinner. The spacious rooftop sundeck with 360 degree views provides the perfect location to relax and soak up the scenery.

4 days and 3 nights, this package has something for everyone 10 – 14 dives along the northland coast line, including the Bay of Islands, Cavalli Island’s and the Poor Knight’s Islands. Diving in iconic locations, such as the Rainbow Warrior, HMNZS Canterbury, And these great reef dive sites, True Love reef, Riko Riko cave, Neptune’s garden, Blue Mao Mao Arch, Northern Arch, Nursery cove. This is a dive package designed to meet the needs of the whole diving fraternity. Novice divers through to the vastly experienced will enjoy every minute of every dive. Our very experienced team of dive guides knows how to provide you with the ultimate diving adventure, members of our team served on the Canterbury, salvaged the Rainbow Warrior, and recovered WW2 ordinance from the Poor Knights Islands.

 

Package - 3 nights 4 Days Live aboard on Ipipiri, All meals, All Diving (10-14 dives)

Dates:19th, 20th, 21st October 2011

This is the first trip with further dates to be confirmed.

Full dive package includes all dive equipment NZD$2980
Cylinders and weights only NZD$2780
Non Diver / Snorkeler NZD$1150

Price Includes

• 10 – 12 Wreck and Reef Dives
• Accommodation in an Ocean View room configured as a twin or a double with ensuite
• All meals prepared by the on board chef and crew
• Use of on board activities (kayaks , Snorkeling Gear , Juke Box)

Hire gear:

Torch	$20
BCD	$60
Mask	$20
Fins	$20
Wetsuit	$30
Intro Dive (non divers)	$99

* All rates in New Zealand Dollars includes GST

 

Dive Sites

 

HMNZS CANTERBURY

New Zealand’s newest but easiest dive wreck is the HMNZS Canterbury.

It’s easy because of it’s location in Deep Water Cove in one of the best coves of the Bay of Islands and the consistently good sea conditions.

This Frigate served New Zealand well in the 30 years of service. It patrolled the Indian Ocean in support of the British forces during the Falkland war. Canterbury also played a major roll and presence during the protests on Muriroa Island and the French nuclear testing.

The ship now lies quietly on the sea floor at Deep Water Cove BOI when it was retired from service in 2001. The one thing in mind when it was sunk was ‘Diving’. The wreck is big at 113m long, 15m wide and weighs about 30,000 tons. The size gives us plenty of room to explore, with lots of entry and exit points.

The marine growth that encompasses the entire ship is excellent. You will see the schooling snapper, mooching moki, and beautiful jewel anemones scattered along the railings and large schooling bait fish that attract the mighty king fish.

The ship lies on the bottom at 38m; the shallowest point on the ship is the forward mast at 14m. Most dives will not exceed 30m which gives plenty of time to look around. Deep Water cove offers great shelter, the visibility is consistently clear year round and this makes for a great dive site.

 

RAINBOW WARRIOR AT THE CAVALLI ISLANDS

No other location than the Cavalli Islands would have suited the resting place of the Rainbow Warrior more. These Islands are an extension of some of Northlands best locations. Cavalli Islands are made up of volcanic formed islands just 5kms off the point of Matauri Bay.

The Rainbow Warrior has been lying at the Cavalli’s for more than 25yrs. This ship was the Green Peace flagship for there stance on many issues and none other than the French Nuclear Testing in the Pacific.

Growth on the ship is spectacular after 25 yrs. Established jewel anemones, lush kelp forest and lots of nooks and crannies to explore.

On the port side of the ship it is 18m deep and 27m on the starboard. The bow faces the northeast and when diving on the wreck the mooring block on the stern has rope for ease of decent and ascent.

This Dive will suit the novice diver and the more experienced.

 

POOR KNIGHT ISLANDS

A great set of islands 25kms off the Tutukaka coast in Northland. This is New Zealand’s second marine reserve established in 1981 and an incredible dive location. The reserve extends 800m offshore around the entire set of islands. It is known world wide and had fantastic endorsements from none other than Jacque Cousteau.

The two main islands are surrounded by smaller islands and rock outcrops.

The area offers a variety of underwater terrain from caves, caverns and big arches. When diving through the big arches the beaming light highlights the array of fish life to a spectacular level. The large schools of fish and Gorgobean fans, Nudibranchs, small reef fish and bleanies cover the walls and floors.

The east Auckland current that originates off the east coast of Australia brings unusual fish not normally found in New Zealand. These fish end up down the east coast of Northland and the Poor Knights.

 

BAY OF ISLANDS REEF DIVING

TABLE TOP REEF:

Table Top Reef is located directly beneath the Cape Brett lighthouse at the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula.

The reef consists of large boulders and pinnacles attracting many kinds of sub tropical fish. The small holes and caverns are home to big eye fish during the day as they are nocturnal. You are able to see the big eye during the day with flashlight as they lay in the small caverns. The site ranges from 26m at the edge of the bay coming up to 8 – 10m near the cliffs and shoreline.

Table top is a favourite to take divers because of the type of terrain, fish life and visibility.

Cavalli Islands

TRUE LOVE REEF:

True Love Reef is one of the more popular reefs in the Cavalli Islands. It is a deep pinnacle dive that will go as deep as 40m through to the surface.

As you descend you will expect to see large fan corals and grey elephant ear sponges scattered down the sides of the pinnacles.

You can spiral your way up and see the varieties of nudibranchs, jewel anemones and schools of Mao Mao. These fish often school around the pinnacles. This site has lots of small sea life that you don’t want to dive through fast. This site is great for taking it slowly and getting some wonderful Photos shots.

 

 

Onboard Accommodation

Your accommodation for the night is in one of our 30 ocean view cabins. All rooms have private ensuites and uninterrupted sea views so you can watch the sun set or rise from the privacy of your room. Your room can be configured as either one king bed or two single beds (please let us know your preference when making your reservation).

All Ipipiri guests will be treated with Living Nature's Balancing Shampoo, Balancing Conditioner, and Manuka Honey & Calendula Petal Soap.

What to bring:
A small overnight bag should be brought on board for passenger convenience (NB: There is no storage for large suitcases). It is advisable to bring swimwear, sunscreen, sun hat, comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, and a camera.

Room Configurations:

 

Dining Experience

As the sun sets behind the islands of the Bay and we find a sheltered cove in which to moor overnight, join us in the dining room on level three for dinner.
Fresh local produce, popular Kiwi dishes, great New Zealand wines and an uninterrupted sea view - perfect!

The Ipipiri Bar on level three is open until 11.00pm. Have a drink on the rooftop sundeck or just relax in comfort.
NB: Beverages are an additional cost.

In the morning, enjoy a continental breakfast served in the dining room from 7.00am.
Lunches will be fresh produces, sandwiches hot soups and bread rolls.
Dinner chef choice.

Complimentary coffee and tea is available throughout the day and freshly baked muffins are served for afternoon tea shortly after boarding.

Dietary requirements:
Our crew can cater for a majority of dietary requirements - specifications must be given at time of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    What do I need to bring with me?
A small bag only should be brought onboard for your convenience. Please bring swimwear, sunscreen, sun hat, comfortable shoes, warm jackets, changes of clothes, and a camera. Please beware that evening dining will require tidy casual dress. Your state room will have the following facilities: bed linen, pillows, towels, face cloth, full size ensuite, king size bed / or two singles, toiletries, independent heat pump A/C in all rooms.
Beach Towels required or a one off charge of $5.00 per towel.

2.    What meals do I receive onboard?
Afternoon tea - home made muffins and tea or coffee
Dinner - buffet meal including entrée, main and desert. Produce and wine sourced locally
Breakfast - Full cooked country and continental breakfast
Complimentary tea and coffee available

3.    How many other passengers will be onboard my Overnight Cruise?
Ipipiri has 30 ocean view cabins, catering up to a maximum of 70 passengers overnight.
However for our Ultimate Dive adventure will have a maximum of 30 divers so as to have great dive experiences without being crowded.

4. What Kind of diving is offered to me?
Two wrecks The Canterbury Wreck & Rainbow Warrior. A large range of reef dives offered in The Bay of Islands, Cavalli Islands, Poor Knights to be of all different skill levels including night dive options.

5. What certification do I need to hold?
Open Water Certified divers and above are all welcome on board, However a minimum of 10 dives will be required for any of the Wreck Dives, if you are unable to wreck dive a reef alternative will be available.

6. Can my friend/partner come too?
Yes, a friend/partner or non divers are welcome to come too, There will be plenty of Snorkelling, Kayaking, available for your friends.

7. How many dives can I do?
There will be approx 10-14 dives depending on your dive times and depths as some of our site are considered deep dives.

8. Do I have to take my own gear?
All cyclinders and weights are provided, you can bring your own gear or hire ours,
(Please check and make sure all your gear is serviced and in good condition)

9. How do I get here from Auckland?
There are a range of options to get here from Auckland, Bus www.intercity.co.nz
or Self Drive( Check out the many rental car option in NZ( Car storage available while on your dive cruise), Fly www.saltair.co.nz or www.airnewzealand.co.nz.

 

Terms and Conditions

1. Single, Twin, Double occupancy available. For sole occupancy of a cabin, a single occupancy surcharge will apply.
2. Infants (0-24 months) - $20 (incl GST) fee for a porta cot, otherwise child rates apply.
3. Child rates apply for 2-14 years old inclusive sharing with one adult will be charged on an adult/child twin share basis.
4. Dietary Requirements: We cater for the majority of dietary requirements, however, advance notice must be given at the time of booking.
5. Disabilities: Passengers restricted to a wheelchair are welcome if they are independently mobile i.e. have their own helpers to manage stairs and sea sills (door frames).
6. Smoking on the vessel is limited to the mid deck stern (rear of vessel) only.
7. Cabin Allocations: All cabins are identical on both decks. Cabins will be allocated on a run-of the vessel basis at the discretion of the Cruise Coordinator.
8. Complimentary pick up and drop off service is available from Paihia accommodation. Pick ups from Kerikeri Airport can be arranged for $30pp. All pick ups must be pre-booked, at the time of booking.
9. Minimum numbers apply.
10. Fullers Great Sights reserve the right to amend timetables, cancel departures, substitute plant and equipment and alter ticket prices at any time. Departures and itineraries are subject to weather conditions. Fuel - due to the uncertainty of fuel prices Fullers Great Sights reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge.
11. To the extent permitted by law, all our liability for damage to your property, disruption to travel plans, or mental injury is excluded.
12. This exclusion is subject to any rights and remedies you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
13. Where another company or persons operate part of the tour or cruise Fullers Great Sights is acting only as Sale Agent.
14. Responsibility and liability for the operation lies with the operator.
15. Fullers Great Sights accept no responsibility if activity inclusions are not available due to weather and no refund will be due.
16. Limited luggage storage facilities exist on check in at the Maritime Building. Please only take hand luggage on board your overnight excursion.
17. Full terms and conditions valid until 31 August 2011.
18. All marine related activities, including diving, are potentially dangerous, and may require elements of skill by those undertaking the activity. You should not undertake a water based activity for which you are untrained or unprepared.
19. The Staff at Dive Op’s are trained to identify and minimise potential risk. You must follow their instruction at all times.
20. You are responsible for ensuring that persons under the age of 18, who are accompanying you, follow our instructions at all times.
21. We reserve the right to withdraw any person who, in our opinion, is likely to endanger themselves or others and we reserve the right to cancel any trip, diving, or other activity if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any person. If any activity is cancelled in those circumstances we are not obliged to make any refund.
22. Under New Zealand Law it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to sue anyone if you are injured. In addition, New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme provides only limited assistance to visitors to New Zealand who are injured. We strongly recommend all visitors to New Zealand have full insurance covering any injury they may suffer, including medical treatment cover, before undertaking this activity.
23. The Form you are signing does not release Dive Op’s and its staff from their obligation to act responsibly and in accordance with applicable New Zealand Laws.
24. To the extent permitted by law, all our liability for damage to your property, disruption to travel plans, or mental injury is excluded. This exclusion is subject to any rights or remedies you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
    

Payment Terms / Cancellation Policy

1. Your acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined above is required to process your reservation. / Please ensure your have read and accept our terms and conditions.
2. To secure a reservation we require your credit card details.  Full payment must be made 30 days prior to departure.
3. Group Bookings: A $300.00 + GST per person non refundable deposit is required to confirm a group booking. .  Full payment and rooming configuration required 30 days prior to departure.
4. Cancellations: All cancellations must be received in writing.  Cancellation fees are charged on the following basis:
   - Outside 30 days prior to departure: no charge
   - 29-10 days prior to departure: 50% of full fare
   - Within 10 days of departure: 100% of full fare
5. Once the cruise has departed no portion of the package payment is refundable in the event of the individual or group being unable to proceed.
6. Cancellation fees are non negotiable – we strongly recommend travel insurance.
7. Should Fullers Great Sights cancel a cruise due to weather, failure to reach minimum numbers or mechanical failure, a full refund will be made.
8. Force Majeure – no refund