10 Jan 2022

Incredible Sights and Encounters at Mokohinau and Poor Knights Islands

This morning Heritage Explorer departed early from Great Barrier Islands sailing northwards across the calm waters of the outer Hauraki Gulf, around us Cook's Petrels, Fairy Prion and Buller's Shearwaters were in abundance as we sailed towards the Mokohinau Islands.

Arriving after breakfast the excellent conditions allowed for a landing on Burgess Island where a short, but steep climb delivered us to the summit of the island where the lighthouse stands marking the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf. Standing atop Burgess Island the islands of the Gulf were laid out before us including Great Barrier to the south and Hen & Chickens to the west.

Upon departure from the Mokohinaus Heritage Explorer was engulfed in clouds of Fairy Prions feeding on bait fish while trevally kept the water boiling from below. Later in the afternoon we arrived to the Poor Knights Island, protected above and below the water these remarkable islands are home to an exceptional diversity of species, we explored the dramatic shoreline from the deck of Heritage Explorer marvelling at the caves and arches as well as the Poor Knights lilies that cling to the rocks. Taking advantage of the exceptional weather we enjoyed the opportunity to explore the sea caves by Zodiac and take a closer look at the abundant marine life below the water.

Image © A.Russ, Heritage Expeditions