Captain Cook Cruise – Ship Cove

Cruise the length of the calm and sheltered Queen Charlotte Sound – Totaranui to Ship Cove – Meretoto

Cruise to Ship Cove, Meretoto and see where Captain Cook spent 170 days: He wrote this was the most beautiful place in the Pacific! This special place has information plaques in place which cover all the local information about Cook’s time here and also detail the history of Maori settlement and other explorers who came later. For all the local stories listen to your experienced local Captain Guide who knows the stories of the Europeans and the local Maori.  Hear about what were the most important traded items between Maori and Europeans between 1770 -1779.  Listen to Kupe’s story: Kupe arrived 72 generations ago at the same location! See where Captain Cook pulled his boat ashore for repairs, hear about the naturalist Sir Joesph Banks and his amazing cataloguing of nature at Ship Cove, and much more. While you’re there try the local creek which filters down through the rain forest. Cook used this water to grow the first vegetables in New Zealand and also to brew the first beer. It still tastes fantastic! On the way stop with Seals, Dolphins, Seabirds and enjoy our qualified Guide and Captains commentary. We specialize in wildlife encounters and give you species identification cards and your own binoculars so you can get involved. Amazing photos are possible on our specialized boats and our expert team will get you close to dolphins, seals and sea birds along the way. Let our award-winning team offering small tour group sizes with a qualified guide and experienced Captain give you the BEST experience possible, highlighting the most significant changes in this area, the start of New Zealand culture and Cook’s subsequent arrival  250 years ago. On the return enjoy a glass of Yealands award-winning Pinot Gris or if you like hot chocolate, tea, coffee and chocolate biscuits.