This is ‘KOKOMO,’ Gulf Eco Charter’s new cruising boat.

I was recently invited to experience day out in the Hauraki Gulf with a new boating company, operating out of the Sandspit marina near Matakana, an hour north of Auckland.

Kurt Salmond, the owner and skipper of ‘Kokomo,’ and Gulf Eco Charters has refurbished a spacious fishing boat and fitting twin engines that go like the clappers.

Twin engines means it takes no time to get to destinations like Great Barrier Island.

The boat comfortably takes 12 people and is kitted out with snorkelling gear, wetsuits, two kayaks and fishing gear (with lures, no fresh bait) all ready for a great day out in the gulf.

Discover the many remote islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Kurt has put together a number of great options to choose from including the coastal cruise which we did from Sandspit to Kawau Island, Tawharanui and Goat Island. This is the perfect cruise to explore the marine reserve at Goat Island and swim with the giant snapper and other local fish species.

Goat Island is a marine reserve with many species of fishing including large snapper.

Snorkelling at Goat Island.

They also have trips to Little Barrier, the Hen and Chicken Islands, Mokohinau Islands and even to Great Barrier where there are some of the best diving in New Zealand. Or you can plan your own trip for the day with friends and design your own itinerary.

There are some great dive spots among the 1.2 hectares of marine park in the Hauraki Gulf.

Lunch is provided and in-line with Gulf Eco Charters philosophy of sustainability and conservation, delicious paper bag lunches with fresh wraps, home baked muffins are all part of the deal. And they offer tailored menus to private charters and with the option of BYO.

Our lunch was delicious and consisted of a home-made wrap and muffin with locally made chocolate from ‘chocolate brown’ and fresh fruit.

It’s a great day on the water so get on-line and take a look at gulfecocharters.co.nz and give Kurt a call.