Sailing trips · NEW ZEALAND SAILING TRIPS

15 New Zealand Sailing Trips Worth Booking

31 trips  ·  from $34 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 new zealand sailing trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before the lines come off.

Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings - Leaving Taupō Marina on Fearless
New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

1.Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

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

Sail from Taupō Marina aboard Fearless or, in some conditions, a comfortable catamaran. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories as you cruise to the 14-metre Ngātoroirangi carving, stop for a swim, and enjoy a complimentary hot drink, soft drink, or alcoholic drink depending on the departure.

“We absolutely loved our time on the sunset cruise! The boat itself was lovely, very comfy & gave a great view of the lake. Our guide was extremely accommodating & very knowledgeable about the lake and Māori carvings. The complimentary drink was a lovely touch. Would definitely recommend the sunset slot as we got a beautiful sunset & it ended the tour perfectly!”

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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran - Boarding at the Milford Sound Visitor Centre
Catamaran Cruises, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

2.Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

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

Cruise Milford Sound for 105 minutes aboard a refurbished Pure Milford catamaran with three levels, outdoor decks, live camera screens, and skipper commentary. Expect close views of waterfalls, fur seals, dolphins, and perhaps a Fiordland crested penguin. Johnno is one guide praised for his humor and local insight.

“It was absolutely amazing. The captain was excellent- he delivered his guided info with wit, interest and admiration for his surroundings. Absolutely stunning scenery. We probably had the worst weather recorded in many years with roads being blocked to Milford sounds on 2 occasions by fallen trees. Milford staff were prompt and cleared the roads in great speed allowing us to get to our reservation safely and in time. The weather was a shame but in the words of the Captain…. Appreciate and enjoy the liquid sunshine🥰 We did!!!!”

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Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo - Meeting the guides, from Chris and Pete to local stories
New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

3.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

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

Sail Lake Taupō aboard Sail Barbary’s electric yacht to the 14-meter Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Guides such as Chris and Pete share local stories, lake facts, and Māori legends. The 2.5-hour trip includes a drink, postcard, scenic bays, and a summer swim stop.

“The guide Chris was efficient and fun. The journey was well organized even though it was raining, but they were prepared for bad weather and so we still had a nice experience out on Lake Taupo. We were lucky to stay dry and it wasn‘t raining while we were admiring the Maori carvings out on lake Taupo. It is a touristic attraction, but barbary sail made it into a pleasant time out for everybody. We felt safe all the way through and there was nothing to complain about. I would definetly recommend this trip to ither people.”

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Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner - Auckland Harbour Bridge from the water
Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, Dining Experiences, Dinner & Evening Sailing Cruises, Dinner Experiences, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

4.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

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

Board a 50-foot yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening sail with a welcome drink, three-course dinner, live commentary, and views of the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge. You may help raise the sails or steer, while jackets and blankets keep you warm.

“Great way to see Auckland from the bay! The crew was extremely personable and the captain even allowed us to take a turn at the wheel!”

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America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour - Meeting at Viaduct Harbour and getting ready
2-Hour Experiences, Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

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

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

Join a professional crew aboard an authentic America’s Cup yacht in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. You can steer, work the grinders, help raise sails, or simply enjoy the views. No sailing experience is needed, but comfortable shoes and the ability to move around the boat will help.

“Had a lovely day 'sailing' Crew was very responsive and interactive!!! People took turns at the helm and others were 'grinding' and helping the crew. A very informative and delightful afternoon!”

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Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch - Morning tea and the first stretch of sailing
Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, BBQ, Island Hopping Sailing Trips, Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips with Lunch & BBQ, Tour Reviews

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

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

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

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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Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner - Sailing Waitematā Harbour as Auckland lights up
Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, Dining Experiences, Dinner & Evening Sailing Cruises, Dinner Experiences, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

7.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. You’ll dine on a three-course New Zealand menu from The Lula Inn, hear local stories, and may help steer the 50-foot yacht. Crew members such as Noel, Peter, Alex, and Sophie have been praised for their warm, capable service.

“100% recommend! The atmosphere was fantastic and the food was great!”

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Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise - A Hands-On Yacht Ride, Not Just a Viewpoint
Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

8.Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

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

Sail Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour aboard a 50-foot yacht for 90 minutes. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories, offers coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a cookie, and may let you steer or help with the sails.

“Great time on the sailing ship. The captain even allows those who wish to steer the ship and get a feeling of how it feels to hold the wheel in open water. Overall, a great time and well worth the money.”

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Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise - Leaving Paihia at 10:00 am
Island Hopping Sailing Trips, Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

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

9.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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America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour - Meeting the yacht at Quay Street
Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

America’s Cup Sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour

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

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

Join Explore Group for a two-hour hands-on sail aboard an America’s Cup racing-class yacht on Waitemata Harbour. The crew, including captain Julia on some departures, lets you steer, grind, and handle lines, or simply enjoy Auckland’s skyline from the deck. No sailing experience is needed.

“This is a real sailing experience and a ton of fun. Guests are encouraged to take part in the sailing experience. I got to grind as we hoisted the main sail, drive, and even squirrel the giant asymmetrical spinnaker. Beautiful day, exciting sailing, and a young enthusiastic crew. Highly recommended!”

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Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk - Kaiteriteri and the 2.5-hour coastal sail
Guided, National Parks, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

11.Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

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

Sail from Kaiteriteri along Abel Tasman’s golden coast with an English-speaking skipper, then walk independently from Anchorage Bay to Marahau. Expect Split Apple Rock, fur seals, beach stops, native bush, lookout points, and a 3.5 to 4-hour coastal track. Bring lunch, water, and sturdy shoes.

“Such a fantastic way to experience Abel Tasman, our guide Claudia was great and the sailboat ride was fantastic. I recommend getting lined up to board early so you can get one of the seats out front for the best experience. The hike from the beach our boat dropped us off at back to our car was a moderate hike with a few steep sections, well marked and with multiple beaches to stop at on the way!”

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Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings - Crossing the clear waters of Lake Taupō
Catamaran Cruises, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews, VIP

Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

12.Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

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

Spend 2.5 hours aboard Tiua, a 53-foot sailing catamaran, cruising from Taupō Marina to the Māori Rock Carvings. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories, offers blankets and beanbags, and stops for a swim when conditions allow. A drink is included, with more available from the licensed bar.

“The two guys who hosted the trip were amazing, very cool and nice people. They took their time so that everybody can have a very good time. Great spacious and well equipped boat, we even got free complimentary drinks:) Highly recommend this, great views and a good time!”

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Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters - The Bay of Islands from the water
Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, Full-Day, Island Hopping Sailing Trips, Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, Luxury Yacht Cruises, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

13.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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Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands - The Bay of Islands from the water
Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, Island Hopping Sailing Trips, Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews

Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

14.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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Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch - Comfortable sailing, with room to choose your pace
Bay, Harbour & Coastal Sailing, Catamaran Cruises, Island Hopping Sailing Trips, Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Sailing Trips, Sailing Trips, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

15.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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New in New Zealand Sailing Trips

★ 5.0The City of SailsFrom $10833 reviews
★ 4.5Auckland Harbour Sailing ExperienceFrom $6879 reviews
★ 5.0Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II SailingFrom $8976 reviews
★ 4.6Lake Taupo Western Bays Catamaran Tour with Bush WalkFrom $8611 reviews
★ 4.9Late Afternoon Sailing CruiseFrom $5390 reviews
★ 4.9Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.From $8648 reviews
★ 4.9Blokart Land-sailingFrom $4110 reviews
★ 4.7Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing CruiseFrom $5636 reviews
★ 4.7Self-Guided Walk & SailingFrom $8830 reviews
★ 4.8Day Sailing Adventure with LunchFrom $15884 reviews

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Catamaran Cruises933Sunset Sailing Cruises458Luxury Yacht Cruises439Sailing & Snorkeling Trips293Island Hopping Sailing Trips320Private Sailing Charters233
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