Luxury cruises on offer in New Zealand

Travellers planning a visit to New Zealand in the future will have the opportunity to enjoy a new experience in the country's Northland region.

The luxury cruise ship Ipipiri was officially launched from the port of Opua last week by New Zealand prime minister John Key.

Purpose-built in Australia, the 46-metre, five-storey ship will specialise in operating overnight cruises in the Bay of Islands, which is located close to the northern tip of New Zealand.

Ipipiri represents the culmination of a four-year development project and a NZ$12 million (£5 million) investment in tourism in the Northland region.

Malcolm Johns, chief executive of the InterCity group, which will operate the cruiser, said: "Ipipiri is a beautiful ship and her arrival more than meets our expectations."

The vessel has 30 state rooms, a sundeck and a 70-seat restaurant and bar.

Holidaymakers interested in exploring the Bay of Islands can catch flights to Auckland with Air New Zealand, Emirates and other carriers and travel north along the east coast of New Zealand.

Posted by Andrew, 08 September 2009 13:08

News tags

• Auckland
• Air New Zealand
• Emirates