New Zealand · SAILING
Good sailing trips fill up over summer; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Classic sailing on Lake Taupo to view the Māori Rock Carvings, with blankets, a swim stop, and Kiwi crew plus a complimentary drink.
“it was perfect. we've got perfect background information/explanation about the landscape and Maori culture and also time to just sit back, enjoy and take the beauty of lake Taupo in. would definitely recommend it.”
Cruise Milford Sound on a modern catamaran with indoor-outdoor decks, live skipper commentary, wildlife chances, and waterfall closeness.
“The boat was really comfortable with lots of seating options both inside and out. We initially sat inside on the lower deck at the front of the boat then after only a few minutes the doors were opened to allow access to the external front viewing area which provided fabulous views. I'd highly recommend this, weather permitting of course. There was plenty of close up visits to various waterfalls and we actually went out quite a distance into the Tasman sea as conditions were good. We even enjoyed getting a soaking at one waterfall on the way back. There was great running commentary from the Skipper, complimentary tea and coffee…”
Cruise Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour by sail at sunset with live commentary and a three-course dinner aboard a 50-foot yacht.
“The scenery was spectacular. The food was great. The crew was very personable and friendly. Over all the cruise was the best!”
Real America’s Cup yacht sailing in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. Take the helm or grind, guided and gear included, 2 hours.
“An exciting sailing trip. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I would definitely recommend it. The crew were great. The hands on experience was amazing. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted.”
Sail the Bay of Islands on the working tall ship R. Tucker Thompson with scones, BBQ lunch, and an optional ferry ride to Russell.
“We enjoyed our experience tremendously. It was wonderful to sail in a schooner with no noise other than wind and ocean waves. The side trip to an uninhabited island beach was great. I enjoyed climbing on a rope ladder to the main maRead more”
Sail Waitemata Harbour on a 50ft yacht, then enjoy The Lula Inn 3-course dinner with a welcome drink and city lights.
“This activity was THE BEST EVER. The weather was excellent; the food was scrumptious; the crew of the boat were professional in every sense, they kept us safe, entertained, and very well fed. The videos and photos I managed to amass during this evening activity look more like an epic nature TV documentary than just a dinner cruise (and I'm not that good a photographer). Needless to say, the scenery was absolutely stunning. At the end of the sailboat tour, we returned to the harbor to enjoy a gorgeous Auckland sunset. I could not imagine a more perfect evening. If you have a chance to participate in this adventure, go…”
A 90-minute yacht sailing cruise on Auckland Waitemata Harbor with live commentary, ponchos, coffee, and skyline views.
“Fabulous, so much fun. Beautiful scenery on the water. Nice large sailboat. Our guides were very nice and made us feel comfortable. I would definitely recommend it if you like sailing.”
Sail the Bay of Islands by catamaran, snorkel and paddle on included gear, then spend 2 hours at a wildlife sanctuary island stop.
“10/10: would recommend. Shawn and Luke crushed it, made us feel relaxed and at home. Had a great time on the boat and island.”
Sail an America's Cup racing yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, help hoist sails or just relax, and enjoy skyline views. 2 hours.
“This was not an Americas cup racing yacht. They allowed me to cancel because no wind. Hope I see a refund from you”
Sail Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri, spot seals near Split Apple Rock, then hike the coastal track from Anchorage Bay to Marahau.
“Great day! We had booked for the day after we went but after looking at the weather changed this last minute to the day before, they were very helpful and professional with changing the day which was great! The boat was fabulous and clean. The crew and skipper were very friendly and knowledgeable about the national park and surrounding areas! The wall was fabulous, the views are just incredible, such a beautiful place! The walk took 3 hours and we went off path to lots of the look out points and beaches! Really glad we had hiking boots with us!”
Luxury Tiua catamaran on Lake Taupo with Māori rock carvings, a swim stop, all-weather comfort, and a fully licenced bar.
“We were lucky enough to be the only people booked onto the trip and we had the most fantastic time! Danny and Liam we’re fantastic out on the boat, told us all about the carvings and were able to answer any questions we had. We even got to stop off and do a little fishing, which was so much fun. Better luck next time Liam! Thank you so much for an amazing experience, I can’t recommend it enough!”
Cruise on a real sailing yacht in the Bay of Islands from Russell, with island time, snorkeling gear, kayaks, and a tasty lunch.
“Unreal day for this boat trip. They held out despite the weather forecast being bad and it ended up being amazing. They served an absolutely lovely lunch and were so friendly and chilled the entire time. Couldn’t recommend enough, the whole group absolutely loved it. Thankyou so much!”
Sail Whitianga’s Mercury Bay to Cathedral Cove by catamaran, with optional snorkel and swim, plus drinks and snacks for $86.
“We really enjoyed our experience! The guides were very kind and friendly. It was cool seeing how the boom sail operates, whilst also being able to enjoy the ocean view. The fruit and drinks were also a nice touch. Thank you!”
Cruise the Bay of Islands from Russell on Phantom, max 10 aboard, with snorkeling, an island hike, and a home-made deck lunch.
“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.”
6-hour Bay of Islands sailing catamaran with a wildlife island stop, snorkeling and paddleboarding gear, morning tea and beach picnic lunch.
“Thoroughly enjoyable day thank you; sailing, snorkelling and walking were great; Luke was engaging and interesting; communication about the booking was straightforward”
From the fiords to the geothermal belt, sorted by what you want to do with the day.
