5 Sailing in Auckland to Build a Day Around

1.America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 370 reviews · 2 hours · from $125Our pick

Join Explore Group New Zealand at Viaduct Harbour for a two-hour sail on a genuine former America’s Cup yacht. A professional English-speaking crew handles safety and shows you how to steer, raise sails, trim lines, and work the grinders. You can get hands-on or simply enjoy Auckland’s skyline from the water.

“Everything was great! Nothing to improve. I had a great time, it was awesome to steer the boat and we worked together to put the sails up. Everyone was friendly and it really felt like we had a real experience of sailing an america's cup boat!”

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2.Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 319 reviews · 2h 30m · from $95

Join Explore Group for a 2.5-hour evening sail from Viaduct Harbour. On a 50-foot yacht, you can help with the sailing, hear local stories from the crew, and enjoy a three-course meal from The Lula Inn. Captain Noel and other crew members have received warm praise, but bring warm clothes for the wind.

“I found the dinner cruise on line so didn’t know what boat we were travelling on and was absolutely wrapped when we got into the sailing boat, Peter , Vicky and Lydia were fantastic and the service for food and drinks was great thankyou”

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3.Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 301 reviews · 1h 30m · from $65

Join Explore Group New Zealand at Viaduct Harbour for a 90-minute sail on a 50-foot yacht. Your English-speaking crew guides you past the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport, and the city skyline. You can help with the helm or sails, then warm up with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and a cookie.

“The interaction between the crew and passengers was enjoyable. They were very engaging!!”

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4.America’s Cup Sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 298 reviews · from $130

Join Explore Group for a two-hour sailing trip on an authentic America's Cup racing-class yacht. On the Waitemata Harbour, you can help with lines, work the grinders, take the helm, or simply enjoy the ride. Crew members, including skipper Julia on some departures, provide sailing tips and commentary. No sailing experience is needed.

“Great staff who had us participate as true teammates! The staff was personable and made sure that you were able participate at your own level of comfort. We had an amazing sail and experience! Would definitely recommend as the perfect Auckland adventure!”

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5.Auckland Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 224 reviews · from $36Best value

Board Fullers360 at 107 Quay Street for a 90-minute Auckland Harbour cruise. You’ll pass the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, Devonport Naval Base, and nearby islands while listening to live commentary. Choose outdoor views in fair weather or a comfortable indoor cabin with large windows when wind and rain arrive.

“Such a great harbour cruise and you get to pass by some nearby islands as well. Great value for money!”

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