Cruise into a popular firm

AFAMILY-RUN dinner cruise business that first set sail 20 years ago in the Bay of Islands is for sale by negotiation.

Darryl’s Dinner Cruise is the only commercial boat charter that takes guests to the Haruru Falls, a rare horseshoe-shaped waterfall that’s one of the town’s biggest scenic attractions.

‘‘It’s a uniquely Bay of Islands tourism venture, with plenty of potential to expand on the established reputation and client base,’’ Meredith Graham, of Bayleys, says.

The Bay of Islands’ sole dinner cruise vessel is 16.5 metres in length and can carry 55 passengers, who are served two courses of Kiwi delicacies on the two-and-a-half-hour Waitangi River cruises.

Graham says the business is Qualmark recognised and holds a four-and-a-half star rating for its services on tourism website tripadvisor.com.

The cruises cost $68-$98 for adults, and $25-$35 for children under 15 (with those under five admitted for free).

In addition to twilight cruises, the company offers lunch sailings and customised event packages.

Graham says these have proven popular with wedding parties, office groups and Christmas partygoers.

‘‘Darryl’s is positioned well to benefit from the tremendous growth potential of the cruise industry, with key contracts that include inbound tour operators such as Grandpacific Tours, Leisure Time Tours/Riviera, Scenic Tours, Kirra Holidays and Flight Centre.

‘‘Strong international affiliations have resulted from attendance at nine conferences run by the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand and the possibility of adding further providers to the schedule this year would result in significant upturn in business.

‘‘Business is manic while cruise liners are in town, as Darryl’s manages back-to-back bookings for visitors looking to enjoy the history, scenery and wildlife of Paihia in the relaxed cruise environment.

‘‘As the only dinner cruise provider in Paihia, the business has enjoyed a monopoly on the sector and there is potential to expand the fleet and capitalise on the growing number of touring groups visiting Paihia’s shores for yacht races, sporting events, food and wine festivals.’’

For more information, contact Meredith Graham on (09) 309 6020, 021 724 569 or: meredith.graham@bayleys.co.nz