There’s a new hotel in town, and this one bobs on Auckland harbour.
The Ipipiri now based in Auckland
Ipipiri is its name and it’s been repositioned here after spending five years in the Bay of Islands.
Yesterday hubby Mark and I got to set sail out of the Auckland Viaduct at 3pm (apologies for delaying everyone already having their safety briefing!) on the new Hauraki Blue cat.
I set up this shot to look just like a brochure!
It was a stunning spring afternoon and with the help of a bright red tug boat that I wanted to write a children’s book about, we navigated out of our pozzy as the boat show filled the piers with ocean lovers.
Give us a push!
Tootling out of the Viaduct
The top deck is perfect on an afternoon like this!
Happily cheese and crackers were served and the bar was open. I decided I’d probably get through a bottle during the course of the evening so they kept mine bagsed in the fridge for me.
We cruised past Rangitoto and anchored at Motuihe where some sat in the sun (that would be me) and energetic ones kayaked ashore and went for a walk.
Cheers!
Under the watchful eye of the tender boat skipper
The cabins have comfy superking sized beds that can be split into singles
It’s family-style dining upstairs and a really fun way to socialise.
Dining
Tea and coffee is available free 24/7.
An a la carte dinner menu with three choices over three courses, including a vegetarian option, is served at 7pm. I started with scallops: 4 little ones set on a long thin plate (sorry, I am usually one of those people that take food pics, but last night I didn’t). I had the parmesan and herb crusted hapuku next and Mark had a scotch filet steak. To end he went for the chocolate medley with cake and ice cream and I got the sticky toffee pudding. We shared 😉
However I did take a photo of the full breakfast! There is also cereals, fruit and yoghurt, plus juices.
Full breakfast
This would be great for couples wanting something a little different to do, but it’s really popular as a wedding venue. 30 cabins sleeping 60 and you can have the whole soiree onboard, or get married on one of the island beaches and have dinner and stay overnight.
It can also be chartered for 100 people for canapes, so I’m hoping some amazing company will invite me to their Christmas do on board!
Good morning Auckland!