Explore Group Limited is a ferry and tourism company located in New Zealand and Australia. The company operates in the Bay of Islands, Whitsunday Islands, Hauraki Gulf and Waitematā Harbour.[1] Explore operates sailing experiences on former Americas Cup Yachts, excursions and public transport ferry services for Auckland Transport.[2]

Explore Group
Company typePrivate
IndustryFerry & tourism company
Founded2001; 23 years ago (2001) in Auckland
Headquarters,
Area served
Key people
  • William Goodfellow
ParentMoturua Properties Limited
Divisions
Websiteexploregroup.co.nz

History

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In 2014 Explore began an Auckland to Waiheke Island service.[3] However, in 2016, plagued by infrastructure and passenger number issues, the company was forced to end the service, leaving Fullers Group the sole passenger ferry company operating services to the island.[4]

Explore began expanding in July 2021 by buying Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands.[5]

Following the announcement from Fullers Group that on 1 October 2023, ferry services to Birkenhead, Te Onewa/Northcote Pt and Bayswater would be suspended,[6] Explore Group announced on 15 September 2023 that Auckland Transport had contracted them to take over operations of Fuller's cancelled routes[7] - marking Explore's reentry into the public transport industry.

Auckland Vessels

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Name Image Shipyard Launched Capacity Length Class/type Notes
Tuhi Rapa     Aluminium Marine, Brisbane[8] 2022[9]
2 year ago
300[10]
30 bikes
29m[10] IC22043[11] Used on tourist routes such as Tiritiri Matangi and Motutapu[12]
Island Explorer     Aluminium Marine, Brisbane[13] 2018[14]
6 years ago
170[15]
40 bikes
21m[13] IC17050[15] Relocated from the Whitsunday Islands[16]
Discovery IV (D4)     Q-West, Whanganui[17] 1998[17]
26 years ago
80[17] 17.1m[17] Relocated from the Bay of Islands[16]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Unique Experience in Amazing Places". www.exploregroup.co.nz. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  2. ^ Transport, Auckland. "Ferry good news: Auckland Transport announces Explore Group will operate Bayswater, and Birkenhead / Te Onewa Northcote Point ferry routes". Auckland Transport. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  3. ^ "All aboard Auckland's new ferry service". Scoop News. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Waiheke Island Explore ferry services axed". Stuff. 26 April 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  5. ^ "Explore Group purchases Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands". Tourism Export Council of New Zealand. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  6. ^ "Auckland ferry services suspended for at least a year". NZ Herald. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Ferry good news: Auckland Transport announces Explore Group will operate Bayswater, and Birkenhead / Te Onewa Northcote Point ferry routes". Auckland Transport. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  8. ^ "Tuhi Rapa.jpg". commons.wikimedia.org. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  9. ^ "Facebook: Explore - Auckland". Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Tuhi-rapa: New tourist catamaran arrives in Auckland with precious cargo". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  11. ^ "29m Catamaran Passenger Ferry". incatcrowther.com. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  12. ^ "Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry Service". exploregroup.co.nz. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  13. ^ a b "ISLAND EXPLORER 21 Metre Ferry". aluminiummarine.com.au. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  14. ^ "Get up and go! Our newest vessel Island Explorer". Instagram. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  15. ^ a b "21m Catamaran Passenger Ferry". incatcrowther.com. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  16. ^ a b Williams, Caroline (15 September 2023). "Cancelled Auckland ferry services saved, new operator on board". Stuff. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  17. ^ a b c d "Discovery IV / 18m Passenger Catamaran" (PDF). q-west.com. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
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