Know The Gulf Better With Coastguard's Education Cruises

This summer boaties have the opportunity to learn more about popular anchorage spots in the Hauraki Gulf with Coastguard Northern Region’s popular education cruises.

The evening cruises visit popular spots including Waiheke Island, the Coromandel, Mahurangi and Kawau providing boating enthusiasts with information on hazards and practical safety tips. They also outline the interesting history of each stop and some of the fun recreational opportunities on offer such as walking tracks and prime diving sports.

Darren Arthur, Education Manager for Coastguard’s Northern Region says the cruises, which have run for 22 years, are just one way that Coastguard educates boaties about the importance of water safety.

“The cruises provide us with a great opportunity to showcase some of the best spots in the Hauraki Gulf as well as give them some tips on how they can make the most of our waterways.

“Although we like to make these cruises interesting and fun, safety is always top of the agenda so taking boating enthusiasts through practical safety tips and alerting them to the hazards in these areas is key.”

“To ensure that boaties are armed with as much knowledge as possible this summer, charts and reference books of the areas we visit will be available for purchase on the day.

An onboard sausage sizzle will also be available with money raised going to Coastguard’s fundraising efforts.

All cruises, which are held aboard a Fullers Ferry, will board at the Fullers Ferry Downtown Terminal at 5:00pm with a departure time of 5.30pm and an expected return time of approximately 10:00pm.

The first cruise heads out to Waiheke Island and the Coromandel on November 29 followed by the cruise to Mahurangi and Kawau which takes place on December 6.

Fees for the courses start at $48.00, however Coastguard members can participate for a discounted price.

For more information on the cruises and to book your place, visit www.coastguard.org.nz .