Top 15 Sailing Trips in New Zealand

1.Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

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

Review of Pure Milford’s 105-minute catamaran cruise, with waterfalls, seals, dolphins, live commentary, comfort, access, and practical tips.

“It was awesome!! Even tho it was raining there were waterfalls all around us !! We even got really close to 1 you could feel the spray from the falls!! The crew was very friendly and informative! The boat was very nice with great views from everywhere!! Definitely recommend it!!”

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2.Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 972 reviews · from $35

Sail across Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings, with local stories, hot drinks, blankets, and time for a swim.

“Very nice trip! We really enjoyed and definately recommend!”

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3.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · from $33Best value

Cruise Lake Taupō by electric yacht to the 14-meter Māori Rock Carvings, with local stories, swimming, and a complimentary drink.

“The terrible waves were awesome. We booked for a sailboay bit it was cancelled and we were not informed.”

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4.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 476 reviews · from $105

Sail Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour at dusk with a three-course dinner, welcome drink, live commentary, and skyline views from a 50-foot yacht.

“Loved seeing the city from the water. The sailing experience was so much fun, and the crew was great.”

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

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

Sail a genuine America’s Cup yacht on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, help with sails and winches, take the helm, or enjoy the views.

“it was a real chance to get hands on the running gear with having no experience they do saft slow moves so even if you.rhink you can't you can. the salt are trendy and happy to help even the new safe are learning.how bloody cool to be on a boat with no out board motor.”

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

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

Sail the Bay of Islands aboard the R. Tucker Thompson with scones, BBQ lunch, island stops, rope swings, and hands-on sailing.

“Such a breath of fresh air, the scenery and smoothness of this ride was just what the Doctor ordered. The Tall ship and its crew were sensational and I felt very safe! What a wonderful educational opportunity for the young girls and boys to learn how to sail. It was a great day on the ship and meeting other people as well! Thank you!”

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7.Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

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

Sail Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour on a 50-foot yacht with a three-course New Zealand dinner, local stories, sunset views, and a welcome drink.

“A nice and windy evening, so lots of great sailing. Food was tasty.”

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8.Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

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

Sail Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour on a 50-foot yacht, with city views, crew commentary, optional helm time, and a hot drink for $65.

“Captain Noel amazing. Super friendly and knowledgeable! This was our stand out highlight in Auckland! Thoroughly recommend!”

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

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

Sail an authentic America's Cup yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, take the helm or work the sails, and enjoy skyline views for two hours.

“Great fun! They gave us the entire experience! Highly recommend! Participate, or not, whatever you choose.”

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

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

Sail past seals and Split Apple Rock, then walk from Anchorage Bay through Abel Tasman National Park to Marahau for $80.

“The boat was enjoyable and hosts and skipper were great. It was not overbooked so room to move around the boat easily. The walk back was easy and mostly shaded with access to beach stops. Would recommend”

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

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

Sail the Bay of Islands from Russell aboard Vigilant, with island stops, kayaking, snorkeling, lunch, and hands-on sailing for up to 10 people.

“Amazing day on the water, Natalie was the perfect skipper and host! Local knowledge was wonderful as was our walk across Frenchman's Bay.”

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12.Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

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

Sail Mercury Bay to Cathedral Cove from Whitianga, with catamaran comfort, optional snorkeling, local drinks, and stunning coastal views.

“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!”

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13.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

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

Sail the Bay of Islands aboard the Phantom with hosts Rick and Robin, enjoying a small group, island walk, snorkeling, lunch, and dolphin sightings.

“We had a great time sailing with Robin and Rick. She fixed us a nice lunch, and he regaled us with stories from his vast, and not only sailing, experience. Sailing went smoothly, and we had some time for swimming and hiking on Robinton Island.”

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14.Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

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

Sail the Bay of Islands from Paihia, help crew a catamaran, then snorkel, hike, paddleboard, and picnic on a wildlife sanctuary island.

“Luke and Mike were super friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Definitely recommend taking the tour!”

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15.Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $102

Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard historic yacht Faith, enjoy afternoon tea, and take a guided forest walk to a mirror lake in Fiordland.

“We had the best time on the Yacht with Adam and Co. We had an infant with us and they were very friendly, accommodating and welcoming. It was the best tour that we had booked this trip, really worth going on small owner opRead more”

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