11 Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand Worth Booking

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

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

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Help with the ropes, steer the ship, climb the rigging, swim or walk on an island, and enjoy scones, tea, and a chicken BBQ lunch. Skipper Magnus and the crew keep the day active but relaxed.

“The crew all have a passion for sailing and the commercial sailing supports their youth development program”

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

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

Spend six hours sailing the Bay of Islands with Barefoot Sailing Adventures. Luke and crew take you among the islands, then stop for two hours at a wildlife sanctuary for snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, lunch, and bush walks. Groups are limited to 20 people.

“Our ship was diverted because of an incoming weather system, and the Bay of Islands stop was cancelled. We had no way to reach the meeting point for this excursion. The operator chose not to refund the booking even though the port wRead more”

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

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

Join Nat, Anita, Dallas, or Nick aboard Vigilant for a five-and-a-half-hour sailing trip from Russell. Help with the sails, stop at an island for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or a walk, then enjoy lunch, hot drinks, and local commentary. The group is limited to 10 people.

“Excellent, crew friendly and informative, really nice boat and we were lucky enough to see dolphins on the return leg to Russell.”

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4.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

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

Join sailing couple Rick and Robin aboard the Phantom for about 5.5 hours around the Bay of Islands. With no more than 10 people, you can help at the helm, hear local sea stories, stop for a swim or snorkel, walk to a lookout, and enjoy a homemade lunch on deck.

“We had a wonderful sail with Rick and Robyn on the Phantom. They are extremely experienced sailors, who display that sort of easy confidence coming from years at sea, always alert to conditions all around. Passenger safety was their paraRead more”

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5.Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

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

Join Luke and the Barefoot Sailing Adventures crew for a six-hour catamaran trip from Paihia. Sail among 144 islands, help at the tiller, then spend two hours on a wildlife sanctuary island with lunch, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and short bush trails.

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

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6.Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 147 reviews · 5h 30m · from $107

Spend about five and a half hours aboard the locally built R. Tucker Thompson, helping hoist sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim, and walk ashore. Your $107 includes ferry tickets from Paihia, cream tea, and a BBQ lunch. Crew members such as Marcel, Emily, and China have helped make past sailings warm and personal.

“We had a fantastic day, the crew were great. Highly recommend it to everyone”

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7.Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 6 hours · from $128

Spend six hours aboard the Bayscapes catamaran with owners Brad and Monique, sailing from Paihia into the Bay of Islands. You get two hours at an island stop for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or a bush walk, plus a catered lunch and plenty of room to relax.

“Loved hanging out on the bean bags on deck while we were under sail, and trying SUP for the first time!”

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8.Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 6 hours · from $104

Join Captain Mike and crew aboard the 65-foot Gungha II for six relaxed hours around the Bay of Islands. Help sail or simply enjoy the ride, spot dolphins and penguins, then walk, swim, or snorkel at a secluded island before a fresh sandwich lunch.

“Fabulous sail comfortable and the food was great Guide was great Captain great One of the best sailing trips I’ve had and Bay of Islands was stunning I highly recommended”

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9.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $61

Meet the crew of the R. Tucker Thompson at Russell Wharf for a relaxed afternoon sail through the inner Bay of Islands. Help raise the sails, share an antipasto platter, buy a drink at the cash bar, and climb the rigging if you wish. Paihia guests receive return ferry tickets.

“Amazing dedication of staff on the ship who showed their love for what they do. Explaining the story behind the group who run the experience was very interesting.”

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10.Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 90 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Best value

Board the R. Tucker Thompson at Russell Wharf for a hands-on two-hour afternoon sail. Help hoist the sails, steer under supervision, climb the rigging, or relax with antipasto and a drink from the cash bar. Your fare also supports youth sail training.

“Was such a fantastic experience and the crew were just fabulous. We did the 2 hour sail and are considering the longer one next time. Highly recommend doing this and especially as it is for such a worthy cause.”

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11.Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 36 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Step from Paihia Beach onto a modern catamaran for a two-hour evening sail through Paihia, Opua, Russell, and Waitangi. Enjoy a complimentary drink, optional anchorage swim, sunset views, and friendly English-speaking crew. Bring warm layers, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

“My family did the two hour evening cruise, absolutely loved it. My son chose this activity for his 7th birthday and he really enjoyed jumping in the ocean, watching how a sail ship operates etc. My five year old also enjoyed herself. Husband and I definitely rated it and are keen to do this again next summer. The captain is awesome, a great host, knowledgeable, friendly and approachable.”

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