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A World-Class Cruise Offering For Northland

May 21, 2007

Kings Small Ship A World-Class Cruise Offering For Northland

InterCity Group's plans to offer overnight cruises in the Bay of Islands on a $10 million dollar new small ship will boost employment and seal Northland's international reputation as a world-class cruising destination, says Enterprise Northland CEO Brian Roberts.

Kings Dolphin Cruises & Eco Tours, which is part of 100 per cent Kiwi-owned and operated InterCity Group, will offer the cruises in and out of Opua in the Bay of Islands from the end of 2009.

The small ship, a 46-metre long catamaran that will carry up to 70 passengers, will take 18 months to build.

"Offering an up-market cruise like this will help cement the reputation of the Bay of Islands as a world class cruising ground," said Mr Roberts.

"This strengthens the existing offering of high-quality day products, and offering overnight cruises will put the Bay of Islands and Northland on the map for international and domestic tourists wanting a really special experience," he said.

The Kings' overnight cruises had the potential to boost tourism spending in Northland by at least $8000 a day and would also encourage visitors to spend more time in Northland, he said.
Northland's subtropical temperatures also allowed for a longer cruising season, said Roberts.

"We have the longest period of sustained, warm weather in New Zealand. It is stunning up here and that makes Northland a great alternative to other destinations in the Pacific for short cruises," said Mr Roberts.

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The new small ship, designed to cruise at 12 knots an hour with maximum stability, will depart from Opua at 1.30pm every day in summer and return the following day at 11.30am.

Two of the ship's four decks will house 30 queen state rooms, all with ensuites and sea views. Small boats will ferry passengers from the ship around the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands for activities including beach walks, snorkelling, swimming and kayaking.

Rates for the overnight cruises will start from $349 per person for a twin cabin and will include a cruise of the Bay of Islands, on-board activities, afternoon tea, dinner and breakfast. Bar charges are separate.
The small ship will also be available to sail to different parts of New Zealand and be used as a self-contained marine conference facility for up to 70 people.
Enterprise Northland, the economic development agency for the Northland region, promotes and encourages sustainable economic development for the benefit of the people of Northland.

ENDS

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