12 New Zealand Sailing Trips Worth Booking

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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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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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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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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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.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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9.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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10.Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 100 reviews · 6 hours · from $122

Start with a 30-minute water taxi from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Bay, walk the Pitt Head Loop to Te Pukatea Bay, then sail back aboard a yacht. English-speaking crew such as Nick, Claudia, Inky, Frank, and Angela may share local stories, help with sailing, and point out fur seals.

“Wonderful day! A perfect mix of boating, walking, beach and sailing. The walk to Pitt loop and small private beach was amazing. The beach was gorgeous! The lunch was very good and plenty of food. The sailing crew were very helpful, informative and skilled. The catamaran was very comfortable! The perfect way to enjoy Able Tasmania!”

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11.Day Sailing Adventure with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 84 reviews · from $158

Set sail from Kaiteriteri with an English-speaking skipper and crew, then cruise past Split Apple Rock, seal colonies, islands, and sheltered coves. You get an hour at Anchorage Beach for a packed lunch, swimming, a short walk, or cave exploring. Modern catamarans and hands-on sailing make this a flexible six-hour outing.

“Perfect! Really enjoyed the catamaran sail and stopping for lunch at Anchorage Beach. Our guides were very enjoyable and informative and made the sail alot of fun. Especially enjoyed seeing the seals! Would highly recommend!!!”

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12.Self-Guided Walk & Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 30 reviews · 6 hours · from $88

Walk independently from Marahau to Anchorage, then meet your skipper at 1:15 pm for a three-hour sail to Kaiteriteri. You will pass beaches, bays, and estuaries, with tea and coffee on board and a free transfer back to Marahau.

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