New Zealand · SAILING
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 sailing trips justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Spend 105 minutes aboard Pure Milford’s modern catamaran, cruising from the visitor centre through Milford Sound and out toward the Tasman Sea. Enjoy three levels of seating, large windows, viewing decks, live commentary, and a chance to see seals, dolphins, waterfalls, and Fiordland crested penguins.
“Great boat with excellent commentary from a knowledgeable skipper who had a great sense of humour.”
Spend 2.5 hours sailing Lake Taupō aboard a roomy classic sailboat or catamaran. Your English-speaking crew, including guides such as Aaron, Liam, David, Danny, and Nick, explain the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings, offer a drink, and stop for a swim when conditions allow.
“Fantastic morning out on the water. Friendly guides and informative tour.”
Sail Barbary takes you across Lake Taupō on a small electric yacht to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. Captain Chris or Pete provides stories about the carvings, Māori legends, and nearby volcanoes. Bring swimwear in warm weather, and choose an evening sailing for a complimentary drink.
“Chris is a great guy with a huge love for sailing. The carvings are amazing and the relaxing trip on the lake was very welcome. Make sure to bring sunscreen though!”
Board a 50-foot sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for 2.5 hours on Waitematā Harbour. Enjoy a welcome drink, live commentary, views of the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge, and a three-course dinner. Jackets and blankets are provided, and you may help with the sails or try the wheel.
“Absolutely fantastic? Great Skipper and staff. The food was good and they made it easy to eat by putting it in bowls.”
Join Explore Group New Zealand at Viaduct Harbour for a two-hour sail on a genuine former America’s Cup yacht. You can steer, help with sails and grinders, or simply enjoy the views. English-speaking crew, safety gear, and weatherproof jackets are provided.
“Loved going fast in the Hauraki. My partner loved his bday treat. Was great how hands on it was . Learnt a lot.”
Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Captain Magnus and his crew invite you to help with sails, try the helm, climb the rigging, swim, and enjoy scones plus a chicken BBQ lunch. Paihia ferry transport is available if selected.
“Capt Magnus and his crew showed us just how beautiful the Bay of Islands really is! Fascinating to learn the history of the ship’s creation and how this activity directly supports youth development in sailing. Bravo Zulu!”
Spend 2.5 hours sailing Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour aboard a 50-foot yacht. Enjoy a welcome drink, a three-course meal from The Lula Inn, local stories, sunset views, and the option to help steer. Jackets and blankets keep you comfortable when the weather turns cool.
“A nice and windy evening, so lots of great sailing. Food was tasty.”
Join Explore Group New Zealand at Viaduct Harbour for a 90-minute sailing cruise on a 50-foot yacht. Your English-speaking crew shares Auckland stories, passes the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and Devonport, and may let you steer or help with the sails. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a cookie are included.
“It was a nice sailing excursion -- I would recommend”
Spend two hours aboard an authentic America’s Cup racing-class yacht on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. Captain Julia and the crew explain the sailing, invite you to steer or work the lines, and let you choose between hands-on action and a relaxed harbor ride. No sailing experience is needed.
“Second time I've done this. Amazing experience. A lot of fun. You get to drive the amazing sailboat and help with the sails. Very happy and social crew. A great time for all.”
Sail from Kaiteriteri with skippers such as Inky, Claudia, or Frank, passing Split Apple Rock and fur seals before reaching Anchorage Bay. Bring lunch, swim gear, and good walking shoes for a self-guided 3.5 to 4-hour walk through beaches, bush, and lookouts to Marahau.
“Very well organized! An incredibly friendly woman picked us up, took us to Kaiteriteri and gave us informations about the tour and the village... The cruise was, of course also due to the very fine weather, just amazing... The crew - captain and Smutje - were professional and extremely nice. We learned a lot about NZL's nature and people's endeavors to protect it and about the country's history... Finally I disembarked in Anchorage for the walk back to Marahau through the Abel Tasman Nationalpark - breathtaking... Loved that trip, I highly recommend it! Dagi❤️”
Set out from Russell at 10am aboard Vigilant with skipper Nat, Natalie, Nick, or Dallas and a small group of no more than 10. Sail among the Bay of Islands, stop for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or a beach walk, then enjoy lunch, hot drinks, and a chance to take the helm.
“Weather wasn’t great but the crew made the most of it. We did get wind and were able to enjoy sailing. First mate was great, made an excellent lunch, made sure we were comfortable and worked the sails too. The captain was knowledgeaRead more”
Spend 3.5 hours sailing from Flaxmill Bay toward Cathedral Cove with Boom Sailing. Crew members such as Hamish, Bridgette, Mat, and Katerina may invite you to help with the sails, or you can stretch out on beanbags, swim, snorkel, and enjoy coffee, wine, beer, fruit, or baked treats.
“Bridgette and her Greek colleague were both great hosts who took good care of is with drinks, fruits and blankets for the windy day! They patiently explained how the sail boat works and also let us try our hand at maneauvering it. Thank you for an amazing day!”
Spend about 5.5 hours aboard the Phantom, a live-aboard yacht sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Rick and Robin host a small group of up to 10, with island walking, swimming, snorkeling, a homemade lunch, sailing stories, and possible dolphin sightings.
“Wow! What an absolutely wonderful day we had sailing with Rick & Robin. We sailed through many incredible places, and the knowledge and experience that was shared was second to none. Everything was just amazing! The lunch also was beautiful, all home made and delicious. Highly recommend you go with this company above others. Even my aged parents, with Dad over 80 felt safe and comfortable. Sailing with Rick & Robin is a day our family will never ever forget!”
Join Barefoot Sailing Adventures in Paihia for six hours on a comfortable catamaran with skipper Luke or another English-speaking guide. Sail among 144 islands, help at the tiller, then spend two hours on a sanctuary island snorkeling, paddleboarding, hiking, swimming, and eating a packed lunch.
“Very enjoyable and informative trip, and the simple picnic lunch was delicious. I was on my own and felt that I was given just the right balance of care and respect for solitude. It was great we could stop to watch some penguins swimming on the way, and I enjoyed my turn at the tiller.”
Spend about three hours aboard the restored motor yacht Faith with a uniformed crew, live lake commentary, afternoon tea, and a 40-minute guided forest walk to Hidden Lake. Depart from 85 Lakefront Drive in Te Anau. Groups are limited to 16 people.
“The day was perfect - clear and sunny skies, the water was fairly smooth, the boat ride was relaxing and a little breezy! Paul and Jackie were a blast! Jackie’s commentary along the hike was great! Funny and she pointed out fun tips of plantsRead more”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
