America's Cup Sailing Experience on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour
Recommended by 91% of travelers
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Auckland, New Zealand
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Sail aboard an authentic America's Cup racing-class yacht
- Sit back and relax or get hands-on and help sail the yacht
- Admire views of Auckland's skyline from the water
- Understand why Auckland is nicknamed the City of Sails
What's Included
- Sail on an authentic America's Cup Yacht
- Use of wet weather jackets and sunscreen
- Opportunity to participate in sailing the vessel as part of our crew
- Informative commentary from our knowledgeable crew
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks (not available on board)
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Explore Group - AucklandExplore Booking Kiosk Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Please check in at least 15 minutes prior to departure time at the Explore Kiosk in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, diagonally opposite the Maritime Museum.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
While in Auckland, sail in an elite yacht that has been part of the world's most prestigious yachting regatta: America's Cup. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity invites you to sail with professional yachties and see what it's like sailing on these powerful vessels. Sail aboard a grand prix racing yacht—a must-do experience for any visitor to the City of Sails.
This is a 2-hour sailing experience. Enjoy a unique opportunity to become part of the crew on an actual America's Cup yacht. Exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back for the ride as you sail through the stunning Waitemata Harbour.
This is a 2-hour sailing experience. Enjoy a unique opportunity to become part of the crew on an actual America's Cup yacht. Exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back for the ride as you sail through the stunning Waitemata Harbour.
1
Waitemata Harbour
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Minimum age is 10 years
- Sailing is subject to weather conditions, please dress appropriately Flat shoes such as sneakers or boat shoes are best
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Dalene_P
This was a great experience and definitely a bucket list item. The crew was exceptional. Knowledgeable and highly skilled. We as passengers had the opportunity to assist with sailing hoisting rigs, etc. The scenery amazing. We would go again in a heartbeat. Our craft was in the 1995 American cup with a Japanese crew. They did not win but a great vessel none the less.
Reviews
4.6
based on 336 reviews
Angel_R, Apr 2026
We went out on the 1pm sail. It was really fun. We both loved grinding and being part of the crew. The sailors on board were very friendly. Would 10/10 do again.
Dean_W, Apr 2026
For a child of the 80’s this was a bucket list item. Sailing on an America’s Cup yacht,
JPN 41, raced in San Diego as part of the challenger series. The crew led by Julia was professional and engaging. They let everyone take at turn at the helm and gave us a great experience. You can’t beat sailing on a racing yacht in Auckland harbor!
J_R, Apr 2026
With a couple of extra days in Auckland I had asked on FB for recommendations on what to do. A couple of contributors replied that this was an absolute "must do". We duly booked it for the afternoon of our arrival. With glorious sunny weather it seemed we were all set for a memorable afternoon. Unfortunately when we turned up we were advised that due to winds it would not go ahead. Clearly safety was of utmost importance so gold star for that. We were offered the opportunity to receive a refund or to rearrange. Staff at the desk went out of their way to assist us. We were lucky enough to be able to rearrange and for the sail to go ahead. And it was certainly a memorable one for our last day in Auckland
I think the yacht can take 30 passengers but i don't think there was a full contingent. The crew were friendly whilst at the same time being professional. Safety procedure were clearly explained to us. The crew explained the history of the yacht to us and engaged with us continually. There is an opportunity to actually help with crewing the yacht and it was certainly tempting to .join in. However we just took the opportunity to sit back and enjoy an exhilarating experience. It might not be the cheapest of experiences but we loved every minute and were so glad we did it.
James_V, Apr 2026
For people who love sailing and people that have never experienced it, this was a great experience. The crew was great and we were able to do as much work or as little as you wanted. We had perfect weather with light winds and calm seas. The sail under these conditions was comfortable but not overly exciting. Your experience on this outing is highly dependent upon the weather.
Dalene_P, Apr 2026
This was a great experience and definitely a bucket list item. The crew was exceptional. Knowledgeable and highly skilled. We as passengers had the opportunity to assist with sailing hoisting rigs, etc. The scenery amazing. We would go again in a heartbeat. Our craft was in the 1995 American cup with a Japanese crew. They did not win but a great vessel none the less.
Rafael_R, Apr 2026
We sailed in an official America’s Cup sailboat. We had a great time around the Auckland harbor. The crew will teach you how to raise the sails, steer the boat so you can take part in the adventure. We enjoyed perfect views around the harbor, below the bridge, even saw someone doing the bungee jumping… Have great photos a memories! Huge thanks to the amazing crew for making such a standout experience.
Edward_H, Mar 2026
Great crew! Let us help with the sails and steering and guided us! Positive attitude always! Thanks!
Joshua_K, Mar 2026
Awesome experience to sail this boat! The Crew was professional and strict! Gorgeous day for a cruise in the harbour
steven_d, Mar 2026
Great sailing on an Americas Cup vessel. They let everyone who wanted steer the boat. The staff was as very helpful and informative. Definitely recommend
kara_h, Mar 2026
This was a great trio. The feeling of just being out in the harbor with other sailing enthusiasts was wonderful, then when we put up the sails and got some wind- it was exhilarating!
Susie_B, Mar 2026
Brad's crew was awesome. Friendly, informative and funny.
We had light winds but it was still a great time.
Highly recommend.
Chris_L, Mar 2026
A beautiful couple of hours on the water with a great crew. Maybe not perfect winds today but the crew worked hard to give us the best sail possible in the light conditions.
Nicole_W, Mar 2026
This experience was amazing! There is some active participation for those who would like to which my hubby and I loved. We’re not sit and do nothing people. We learned some of the history of Americas cup racing and about the boat itself. Definitely one of the top activities we booked during our 2 weeks in NZ.
ommar_w, Mar 2026
great experience. can have hands on experience. highly recommend it. everyone was very nice and helpful.
Robyn_R, Feb 2026
We had a beautiful day sailing the Auckland harbor! The crew was informative, very personable, friendly, and knowledgeable! We had such a great time. Hands on was encouraged but you could just enjoy the experience without moving the sails or steering. A fantastic experience on an America Cup sailboat!
David_B, Feb 2026
Interesting and easy. We enjoyed being able to help sail the boat if you wanted to
Crew was friendly and informative.
Luke_U, Feb 2026
Unique experience and very interactive with opportunity to participate in key tasks. Little wind but made it work which was surprising. Would recommend.
Janie_S, Feb 2026
Fantastic sail. If you want to be engaged in the sail you can be. Or you can sit back and watch. Please know that this vessel was actually not sailed during the Americas Cup but used as a test and training vessel. It would have been nice to know that ahead of time.
ROBBI_M, Feb 2026
When you get out on the water, the experience is thrilling and invigorating. The crew were amazing. They were so capable, professional and informative. They allowed anyone who wanted to, to streer the boat and encouraged us to take part in the positioning of the sails. I would highly recommend this tour
Richard_S, Feb 2026
A very enjoyable 2 hours on the water in a unique sailing race boat achieving amazing speeds for a wind powered craft. Just a shame that attempts to launch the spinaker failed - perhaps it should have been stored better, or maybe the crew needed more training ? A very approachable captain, and an enthusiastic crew helped make the experience a success,
Kathleen_R, Feb 2026
Fun day! Loved the whole experience from “working” to the views of the city from the water. Crew was fabulous
audrey_s, Feb 2026
All backpacks or bags go into the locker before boarding. Also, beverages or water is not provided on board. The crew is super nice and the experience is great, epecially with a little breeze! The sailboat is very impressive. You can help crew the boat if you’d like.
Helen_B, Feb 2026
A great hands on experience.
Crew very informative. An experience not to be missed.
A fabulous couple of hours sailing.
Janice_G, Feb 2026
Very organized and loads of fun. Passengers were able to participate in running up the sails and steering the boat
Mike_G, Feb 2026
Our skipper, Brad, and his crew did an awesome job sailing us around the harbor in the NZL41. It was fun and participatory. The wind cooperated and we had an excellent time. Highly recommended.
James_S, Feb 2026
The Americas Cup sailing in Auckland was exciting and thrilling. I got to man the helm and while sailing the wind in the sails put the boat on its edge and that was a thrill. Captain and crew were great. We all had a great time sailing on Americas Cup yacht.
Jim & Karen Savage
Mhairi_H, Feb 2026
Fantastic , hands on sailing experience. Friendly crew , great views and an awesome experience. Had the opportunity to helm and raise sails . If you weren’t wanting to you could just enjoy the trip
Sue_B, Feb 2026
Great activity on the water! So fun to sail on a "retired" America's Cup boat. The crew was terrific!
Cathy_Q, Feb 2026
Very nice crew and kept trying to find wind. We did get some but they offered us a free pass to come again.
Caribe_H, Feb 2026
Wonderful interactive experience. Great way to spend a couple hours sailing on an authentic America’s cup boat.
From $125.65
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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America's Cup Sailing Experience on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour
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