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THE HISTORY OF FULLERS GREATSIGHTS BAY OF ISLANDS

WE WELCOME YOU TO THE BIRTHPLACE OF OUR NATION

THE HISTORY OF FULLERS

In 1886, Albert Ernest Fuller launched the “Undine” sailing vessel in the Bay of Islands to deliver coal supplies to the islands within the Bay. With the fitting of a motor in the early 1900s, Fuller was able to deliver the coal and essential supplies to communities as far out as Cape Brett. In 1927 Fuller acquired the “Cream Trip” from Edmund Lane – with the facilities on board to transport cream from the islands, and by the 1960s, the well known ‘Bay Belle’ started this run.

Today, Fullers GreatSights continues this fine tradition and operates the most comprehensive fleet of cruises and tours in Northland.

Welcome to Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands

Fullers Bay of Islands, one of New Zealand's original sightseeing tour and cruise operators and Great Sights, the premium national sightseeing company have come together to bring you Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands. Today we continue the 123 year old tradition of fine service on board Northland's largest fleet of modern vessels and coaches designed with your clients' safety and comfort in mind.

Each year over 170,000 passengers from around the world travel with us.

With 123 years of experience, local knowledge and passion, the dedicated team from Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands are here to take you on a journey of seeing, feeling and experiencing the real Bay of Islands and Far North. We're not just about showing you another destination, or helping you tick another place off your list. We show you the natural wonders and spectacular scenery of the birthplace of the youngest country in the world. Treating our passengers as though we are showing visiting friends and family around Northland is a philosophy held across the team from our drivers, and skippers, to the crew and retail staff. Our team is friendly, welcoming, extensively trained and experienced with local area knowledge and are passionate about sharing with you the history, culture and Maori mythology of the Bay of Islands and the Far North.

Industry acknowledgment of the excellence of Fullers / Great Sights Bay of Islands' product and services is reflected in its winning the prestigious Supreme Award and Distinction Award at the New Zealand Tourism Awards. This multiaward winning company continues to retain the Tourism's Official Quality Endorsement - Qualmark. We became the first tourism operator in Northland to become Qualmark (visitor activity) endorsed and certified and were proud to add to our accolades the Northland Sustainable Business Award in 2007.

The Northland Region

Regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand, Northland is rich in both culture and early Maori and European history – from Kupe, believed to be the very fi rst Maori voyager to arrive in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and the Crown.

The Bay of Islands is a stunning region consisting of 144 islands, abundant in natural wonder and marine life. Experience it to the full with a visit to the awe-inspiring Hole in the Rock, follow the path of the original Cream Trip or simply relax on a secluded sandy beach. Journey further north and experience the thrill of driving along Ninety Mile Beach, sandboarding down the giant sand dunes and standing on the windswept tip of New Zealand, while watching the Tasman Sea and Pacifi c Ocean collide.

With some of the warmest waters in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a natural wonderland where you can encounter bottlenose and common dolphin, whales, seals, penguins and a diverse range of birdlife. Northland’s subtropical climate makes it the perfect destination to explore throughout the year. With plenty to do, great local wine, exquisite food, warm hospitality and outstanding scenery, it is a region rich in history and culture and not to be missed.

Since 1886, the dedicated and passionate team from Fullers Bay of Islands has been proud to showcase this region to visitors from around the world.

We welcome you to the birth place of our nation.

Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands commitment of Sustainability

As one of Northland's largest tourism operators we understand that what we do has an impact on the environment. The team has taken a number of steps to minimise this impact.

  • Support of biodiversity protection initiatives in the Bay of Islands
  • We contribute research data and a portion of the fare from Dolphin Eco Encounter to the Department of Conservation
  • A commitment to replace all of our coaches with the latest exhaust emission reduction technology
  • Installation of speed restrictors on all our coaches to cut fuel consumption
  • Measurement of our boat speeds versus fuel consumption to manage fuel use
  • Introduction of waste recycling on all our vessels and at our office
  • Introduction of a policy of pumping effluent from our boats at land based facilities instead of at sea in legal discharge areas
  • Continuous education of our guides about the cultural and natural history and the inclusion of that education as part of our tours
  • Committed to working with like minded sustainable businesses in Northland
  • Foundation member of the Northland Sustainable Tourism Charter, working to lead the way in sustainable tourism in the region.
  • Key partner in the Guardians of the Bay of Islands Inc. who work with local government, land owners and local iwi to eradicate pests and promote the return of native birdlife and plants. See Project Island Song or visit the Guardians of the Bay of Islands website for further details

Project Island Song

Visit the site: http://www.boiguardians.co.nz/
Download Project Island Song PDF (300kb)
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