Top New Zealand Sailing Tours

Enjoy an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's scenic Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No sailing experience is necessary and this is a fun activity for keen sailors and complete beginners alike. Wet-weather jackets and sunscreen keep you comfortable.

Enjoy one of New Zealand’s original tourist attractions: a tour of the magnificent Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guide—who may be descended from the Māori chief who first discovered the caves—leads you underground and tells you about the cultural significance of this site. Hop into a boat and glide on an underground river, enjoying the light show put on by millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above.

Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a couple of hours on the water. On board a charter yacht, the Kindred Spirit, sail on Lake Taupo, admiring the mountain views. Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings, which can only be seen from the water. Depending on the weather, you can cool off with a swim or simply sit on the deck and relax with a blanket to keep you warm.

Enjoy views of Auckland you can’t get from land while sailing on a yacht in the Waitemata Harbour. Your Auckland cruise sets sail from the Viaduct Harbour, passing Auckland Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel—it’s up to you. Provided snacks and hot drinks keep you energized.

Set sail onto Lake Taupo aboard a 53ft luxury catamaran. Dive into the deep-blue crystal waters, making use of the complimentary snorkeling equipment, before hopping back on board to investigate the stunning Māori rock carvings on the cliff faces that circle the lake, only viewable from the water. Then enjoy a drink while snuggling into the onboard beanbags before heading back to shore.

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner as you sail past Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Board your yacht at the Viaduct Harbour and enjoy a welcome drink. Learn about Auckland and its scenic sights from your captain. As evening falls, dinner is served onboard while you sail.

Enjoy a day of sailing and hiking at your own pace with a fully skippered catamaran sail followed by a self-guided hike through Abel Tasman National Park. Experience the beautiful park and coastline from two perspectives, seeing bird, animal, and marine life. Enjoy transfers from Marahau and a guided sail with a knowledgeable crew, plus the freedom of hiking independently. Complimentary tea, coffee, and juice are provided onboard.

Immerse yourself in the timeless tranquillity of peaceful Paihia. With gorgeous sunset backdrops, our cruise makes for a perfect romantic evening or an escape from busy lives. Sit back and relax while your captain takes you to the best anchorages around the bay. Feel the wind in your hair on this true sailing experience.

Visit two of New Zealand's must-see attractions on this combo tour from Auckland to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Peek into Hobbit holes, frolic in the Shire, and get a drink at the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour of Middle-earth, followed by a café lunch. In the afternoon, explore Māori myths and history on an underground boat ride at Waitomo, surrounded by thousands of glowworms.

Embark on a thrilling Blackwater Rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave. Choose between two exhilarating tours: the original Black Labyrinth, where you'll float under glowworms and jump off waterfalls, or the longer Black Abyss, which includes abseiling, ziplining, and cave exploration. Both experiences offer unforgettable encounters with the natural beauty of the cave and take you to places impossible to reach on your own.

Spend a day relaxing during this catamaran sailing trip, complete with an island stop and packed lunch. Sail aboard a spacious 40-foot (12-meter) catamaran in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy the scenery as you glide through the waters. Anchor at a secluded bay at an island accessible only by boat. Choose to stroll the island, swim, try stand-up paddle boarding, or snorkel. Relish a delicious catered packed lunch on beanbags upfront before cruising back to Paihia.

See Abel Tasman National Park by both land and sea on this combination sailing and walking day tour. After boarding a water taxi at Kaiteriteri Beach, enjoy scenes of Split Apple Rock and the Fisherman and Adele Islands. Land at Anchorage Bay and take a scenic walk around the Pitt Head loop, perhaps stopping for a swim at a secluded beach. Look out for local wildlife, including dolphins and seals.

Swap Taupō’s bars and restaurants for an alternative evening activity: a leisurely sail aboard an electric yacht to the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings. These traditionally inspired modern carvings, dating from the 1970s, are a must-visit attraction in Taupō. With this handy cruise, you don’t need your own boat to reach them. Bring a picnic and your bathing suit, as swimming is encouraged in fine weather. Complimentary drinks are provided.

Relax during a chilled out half-day private sailing tour along the coast, setting sail from Cooks Beach in the Coromandel. Swim or snorkel at the marine reserve, where you can see colorful fish. Anchor at Cathedral Cove for a while to enjoy views of the cliffs and rocky outcrops. Lounge on the onboard bean bags with some smoked seafood and a cold beer or wine.

It can be difficult to see all of Abel Tasman National Park if you’re pressed for time. Save some time and see some of the park’s many highlights on this full-day sailing tour along the coast. Sit back and relax on board without the strain of hiking through the park. Stop at beaches and islands along the way, with an hour-long stop at beautiful Anchorage Beach for a picnic lunch.

This 2-hour experience aboard a tallship in the Bay of Islands offers a gentle sail in the afternoon. Step aboard the elegant 'R. Tucker Thompson' and enjoy an antipasto platter accompanied by drinks available for purchase at the bar. Enjoy views of the sunset in the scenic bay. Round-trip ferry transfer to Russell is included for travelers staying in Paihia.

Sail the Bay of Islands on the traditional tall ship “R. Tucker Thompson,” built like a 100-year-old schooner. Help hoist the sails or relax as you explore secluded bays and beaches. Enjoy morning tea with freshly made scones, a BBQ lunch, and drinks from the licensed bar. A return ferry ticket from Paihia to Russell is included if needed.

Enjoy the exclusive use of the luxury sailing catamaran, Serenity. Sit back and take in the sights, or if you want to get involved, take a turn at the wheel under the guidance of your professional captain or assist in hoisting the sails. The captain will select a suitable place to drop anchor and allow you to explore the coast via paddleboard, the beach by foot, hike the scenic island trails, swim or snorkel a lagoon, or simply lounge and relax on the spacious decks. The choice is yours to customize the day as you wish. Serenity comfortably accommodates up to 20 guests. Her spacious interior and enclosed cockpit allow ample space for all, even if a rain shower passes over. Pickup and drop-offs at your coastal luxury lodge or accommodation provider can be arranged.

Spend a day cruising through the Bay of Islands aboard a deluxe yacht that sets sail from Russell. Your captain will stop at picturesque islands and beaches, where you can snorkel, kayak, swim, walk, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Keep an eye out for marine life as you cruise, and hear commentary from your local captain about the region.

Start your day with a 3.5 - 4 hour freedom walk along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track through native forest to Anchorage Bay. At 1.15 pm meet your skipper and sailing catamaran and enjoy a 3 hour afternoon sail catching the sea breeze to Kaiteriteri. Take in the golden beaches, bays, islands and birdsong. Learn about the history, marine life flora and fauna from your knowledgeable skipper. Relax and enjoy your time on board or get involved with the sailing. Free transfer back to your vehicle in Marahau at the end of the day.

Avoid the stress of self-driving through distractingly beautiful landscapes on a full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Peer through the panoramic windows of a luxury coach as you travel through UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, stopping at sites of interest en route. At Milford Sound, board a catamaran for a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and magnificent cliff-side waterfalls. Look out for wildlife, too.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship (or a replacement vessel when the steamship is undergoing maintenance). Stroll the lakeside gardens, watch a farm show, and see sheepdogs in action. Take a guided tour and enjoy free time to stroll. Savor a delicious afternoon tea with scones before heading back to Queenstown the same way you came.

Explore the tranquil beaches and rocky coves of the Coromandel Peninsula on this morning cruise from Whitianga. Admire the dramatic natural landscapes of Cathedral Cove, and dive in to swim and snorkel in the cool Pacific waters. See views you can’t access from land. Enjoy a relaxing and leisurely cruise, sailing on a wind-powered ship with a limited number of passengers and crew on-board for an intimate experience.

The rarest dolphins in the world live in Akaroa's waters, and you can get close on this eco-friendly sailing tour. Step back in time aboard the Fox II, a vintage wooden sailboat that’s over 100 years old and one of New Zealand's oldest working ketch boats. Glide quietly through the waters, looking out for dolphins, penguins, seals, and albatross but leaving them undisturbed for a memorable wildlife experience.