Running away

Jumping on board a cruise for an overnight excursion on the Hauraki Gulf is an easy and fun mission for Aucklanders who will also appreciate a different view of their city.

running awayThe city slides away, its reflections breaking and shimmering in the boat’s wake. Slowly through the marina, past the wharves where ferries swap positions and container ships rock, and out to the Waitemata Harbour where yachts zig and zag, we head out.

Devonport and North Head stand guard, so does Bastion Point on the other side. We lean out, catch the wind in our faces, enjoying the thrill of such effortless escape.

We’ve joined an overnight Hauraki Blue Cruise; ten minutes in, we’re sold. It’s a big boat, with layers of space and wide, generous decks so that even with many other people on board, there would be room to be alone. Cupping hot mugs of tea, we set up camp on the upper deck to watch the shifts in the sky, seabirds swooping and diving.

Past intriguing Bean Rock lighthouse, it seems we are being guided out by Rangitoto. Hauraki Blue anchors at neighbouring Motutapu Island and her passengers board the tender. If the weather was warmer, this is when we’d be ready to swim or snorkel, or be taking up the paddles of a kayak. Such clear water, so close to the country’s biggest city, impresses the overseas visitors on board. They walk the beach, take in the peace; we opt for a walk to the brow of the island’s hill for views of the gulf.

Back on board, dinner is being readied for guests. We join a honeymooning couple from China and an older couple from Australia for a comfortable social evening. Other New Zealanders on board seem to enjoy connecting with tourists, too. I can’t help but feel proud to be an Aucklander, showing off one of its greatest assets, the Hauraki Gulf.

After some time marvelling at how many more stars there are in the darker night sky, we head for bed in a massive cabin and sleep the sleep of people with no responsibility on a calm, benign sea. Breakfast is served as we edge along the coastline with views of Auckland’s eastern beaches. Commuters are heading for the centre of town and so are we – although our mode of transport, our views, our pace – oh, everything about how we are going about it, is better. Way better. We land back at Viaduct Harbour in a fine mood.

Kathryn Webster

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