The 15 Best Sailing Trips in New Zealand

1.Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35Our pick

Spend 150 minutes on Lake Taupō with Taupo Sailing Adventures, sailing toward the 14-metre Ngātoroirangi carving. Guides such as Aaron, Liam, Erin, Dave, and Danny share local stories, then give you time for a swim and a complimentary drink. The yacht Fearless is weather-dependent, so a comfortable catamaran may operate instead.

“It was an amazing tour. Our guide was fabulous he told us a lot about the surrounding area and we just had the best time. I can definitely recommend this tour :)”

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2.Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,006 reviews · 1h 45m · from $92

Take Pure Milford’s 105-minute cruise from Milford Sound Visitor Centre aboard a spacious catamaran with three levels, wide windows, outdoor decks, live commentary, and HD screens showing the view outside. Expect waterfalls, seals, possible dolphins and penguins, plus close approaches to the cliffs and spray.

“The Skippers excellent, witty and fun narrative, with so many interesting facts. The stability of the craft, friendly nature of the crew.”

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

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

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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4.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111Top rated

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the working tall ship R. Tucker Thompson with Captain Magnus and crew. Help raise sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim, or relax. Morning tea, fresh scones, chicken BBQ lunch, and a Russell to Paihia ferry ticket are included when selected.

“My partner and I recently went on the R. Tucker Thompson Bay of Islands Tall Ship tour, and it was amazing! The crew were friendly, and great immersing their guests in an interactive sailing experience. Every step of the way the crew made Read more”

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5.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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6.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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7.Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $139

Spend six hours sailing from Paihia among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Barefoot Sailing Adventures combines a small-group catamaran trip with a two-hour stop at a wildlife sanctuary island, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, hike, or relax. Luke and his crew provide local stories, lunch, tea, and equipment.

“Awesome day on the catamaran with knowledgeable, helpful staff. Luke and Nero were great. Encourage anyone do do this tour.”

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8.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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9.Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 238 reviews · 8 hours · from $80

Sail from Kaiteriteri along Abel Tasman’s golden coast, passing Split Apple Rock and New Zealand fur seals, then leave the catamaran at Anchorage Bay for a self-guided walk to Marahau. Skippers such as Inky, Claudia, Frank, and Nick have led outings with friendly, well-informed commentary. Bring lunch, water, layers, and sturdy walking shoes.

“Great day in Abel Tasman National Park. Fantastic ‘guides’ Nick and Claudia, very personable and knowledgable, and a great laid back atmosphere on board. I highly recommend this trip.”

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10.Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 234 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Spend 2.5 hours aboard Tiua, a 53-foot catamaran sailing from Taupō Marina to the Māori Rock Carvings. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories, offers a drink, and may stop for a swim. Indoor seating, a covered cockpit, beanbags, blankets, and a licensed bar keep the trip comfortable in changing weather.

“excellent overall. great skippers, friendly, full of information, gave a wonderful experience. thanks”

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11.Auckland Harbour Cruise

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

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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12.Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $114

Set sail from Russell at 10am aboard Vigilant, a comfortable yacht limited to 10 people. Captain Nat, Dallas, Anita, or Nick may invite you to help with the sails or take the helm. Expect a wind-led route, island time for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and walking, plus lunch, hot drinks, and return transport to Russell.

“We enjoyed a lovely day aboard Vigilant. The captain and her first mate were knowledgeable sailors and made the day quite enjoyable. They made us feel welcome and shared their knowledge and history of the area. We spent 1.5 hours on an island that allowed us to hike, swim, and kayak followed by a freshly made lunch and a leisurely sail. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed our time getting to know the captain, first mate and our fellow passengers. We highly recommend this tour.”

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13.Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 190 reviews · 3h 30m · from $86

Join Boom Sailing for a 3.5-hour catamaran trip from Flaxmill Bay near Cooks Beach. Sail past Cathedral Cove, help with the ropes if you wish, then swim or snorkel in the marine reserve when conditions allow. Crew members such as Hamish, Hazel, Mat, Sam, and Bridgette are known for a relaxed, personal approach.

“A lovely 3.5 hours cruising out to Cathedral Cove from Marmaratotara Bay. Captain Mat and 1st mate Bridget were attentive and great hosts. If staying in Whitianga, and taking the passenger ferry from the Whitianga Wharf across (no vehicles allowed), leave enough time to comfortably walk to the meeting spot. There is no public transportation from the ferry to the meeting spot, however it’s a good walk of about 30 minutes with some hills to climb. Alternatively, the drive to Cooks Beach is about 40 minutes to the meeting spot from Whitianga.”

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14.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $121

Spend about 5.5 hours aboard the Phantom, a live-aboard yacht sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Rick and Robyn host up to 10 people, sharing local stories, sailing tips, and a homemade lunch. You can swim, snorkel, relax on deck, or walk to an island viewpoint before sailing back.

“A pure sailing trip, a day at sea, let the wind carry you . Expect to be on deck most of the day with an hour on an island.”

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15.Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 6 hours · from $134

Spend six hours with Barefoot Sailing Adventures aboard a comfortable catamaran from Paihia. You can help sail with guides such as Luke, relax on beanbags, watch seabirds and penguins, then spend two hours on a wildlife sanctuary island with lunch, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and a short forest walk.

“This was an amazing experience! We had the best day out the boat taking in the beautiful surroundings of the bay of islands. Was so nice to have a stopover at Moreton Island for just over 2hrs. Plenty of time from swim, snorkeling and paddle boarding!”

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