Depending on passenger numbers there will be 2-3 crew taking care of you. Your enjoyment is important to us and we make sure that you are looked after well. Our crew are trained nature guides, often with a marine science background and are happy share their knowledge of the natural world with you.

Jochen ‘John’ Zaeschmar
Originally from Germany, I have been in New Zealand since 1997 and started Ecocruz in the year 2000.

The Manawanui is a 72 ft (22 m), 1981 John Pugh cutter-rigged steel ketch.

A proven go-anywhere boat, she is designed for comfort and safety and has been around the world twice.

The boat is fully equipped with kayaks, wetsuits and snorkeling gear to give passengers the opportunity to fully explore and experience the Bay of Islands maritime park.

Tell me more about ecotourism…

Think about ecotourism as an opportunity for you to get a deeper understanding of the natural world without destroying it in the process. In fact, you actively contribute to its conservation through this activity.

The text-book definition of ecotourism is something along these lines: a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small-scale alternative to standard commercial tourism.

Our environmental plan is very much a work in progress, constantly being refined and improved. Ecocruz fully complies with all environmental legislation currently in place in New Zealand.

This plan addresses factors which are currently not sufficiently legislated in New Zealand (in our very biased opinion). We are always interested in learning about new technologies and systems that reduce environmental impact. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear about them.