Unwind on the Water with Scenic and Cultural Adventures
New Zealand sailing tours offer an unbeatable way to experience the country’s stunning coastlines, tranquil harbours, and rich maritime culture. From the subtropical Bay of Islands to the serene Marlborough Sounds, each region offers its own slice of paradise. Set sail with experienced crews and explore crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and hidden coves while soaking in views that change with every nautical mile.
These tours cater to all skill levels – whether you're a seasoned sailor or a total novice. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and playful seabirds that often follow the boats. A sailing tour in New Zealand is also a journey through Aotearoa’s history, with opportunities to visit Māori cultural sites and historic towns that reveal the stories of this incredible island nation.
Iconic Experiences – From Cathedral Cove to the America’s Cup
The Coromandel Peninsula is a favourite for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays, with Cathedral Cove offering a spectacular spot for swimming or snorkelling. In the central North Island, Lake Taupō’s Māori Rock Carvings provide a unique cultural stop only accessible by water. For wine lovers and beach seekers, Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf is a top sailing destination – and just a short cruise from Auckland.
And for those keen on high-performance sailing, Auckland also offers America’s Cup sailing trips – a thrilling way to experience world-class racing yachts on the very waters where Team New Zealand made history. You can even get hands-on and help hoist the sails or just sit back and enjoy the speed and spray. Whether it’s an exhilarating adventure or a serene coastal escape, New Zealand sailing tours have something for every traveller.
In New Zealand, you'll find a range of sailing tours tailored to a variety of interests and levels of experience. Each tour offers a unique way to explore the stunning coastlines and seas of this beautiful country.
Day Sailing Tours: Perfect for those with limited time or new to sailing, day tours can last from a few hours to a full day. These tours often include sightseeing around key coastal landmarks, opportunities for wildlife watching, and sometimes even a chance to take the helm under the crew's supervision.
Sunset Sailing Tours: Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of a New Zealand sunset from the deck of a sailing boat. These tours are often paired with dinner or a glass of local wine, making them a popular choice for romantic outings or relaxing evenings.
Overnight Sailing Tours: If you're looking for a more immersive sailing experience, consider an overnight tour. These often involve anchoring in a secluded bay, giving you the opportunity to stargaze, swim, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the night sea.
Private Charters: For a more personalized experience, private charters offer the opportunity to customize your itinerary, destinations, and activities. They're ideal for family trips, corporate events, or special occasions like anniversaries or honeymoons.
Multi-Day Sailing Tours: These tours range from a few days to a week or more and are perfect for true sailing enthusiasts. You'll have the chance to explore multiple destinations and engage in a variety of activities, from fishing to hiking.
Adventure Sailing Tours: Aimed at the more adventurous or those wanting to learn more about sailing, these tours can include more challenging routes and conditions. You may learn about navigation, knot-tying, and even get hands-on experience as part of the crew.
Wildlife Sailing Tours: These tours focus on visiting locations known for their diverse marine wildlife. From dolphin and whale watching to bird spotting, they're a fantastic choice for nature lovers.
Cultural Sailing Tours: Discover the rich history and culture of New Zealand from a different perspective. These tours often include visits to historical sites and an introduction to Maori traditions related to the sea.
Choose the sailing tour type that best suits your interests, and prepare yourself for a memorable adventure on the waters of New Zealand.
Sailing is woven deeply into the fabric of New Zealand's history and culture, providing a fascinating narrative that has shaped the nation.
Early Polynesian Navigators: The Polynesian ancestors of the Maori were among the world's greatest sailors and navigators. They arrived in Aotearoa, now known as New Zealand, around 1300 AD in waka hourua (double-hulled canoes), navigating the vast Pacific Ocean using their knowledge of the stars, wind, and wildlife.
Maori Waka: Waka, or canoes, played a central role in Maori society. They were used for coastal and deep-sea voyages, fishing, warfare, and ceremonial purposes. Today, waka ama (outrigger canoes) and waka hourua have seen a resurgence and are used in races and cultural celebrations.
European Arrival: From the late 18th century, European explorers, whalers, and settlers began to arrive, also relying on sailing ships for travel. Ships like the Endeavour, used by Captain James Cook, are significant in New Zealand's history.
Modern Sailing: In the 20th century, New Zealand developed a strong recreational and competitive sailing culture. The City of Sails, Auckland, is a testament to the country's love for the sport. Many Kiwis grow up learning to sail, contributing to New Zealand's reputation as a world-class producer of sailors.
America's Cup: New Zealand has a rich history in the America's Cup, one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world. The country has been a competitor since the 1980s and has won the Cup multiple times, solidifying its place in competitive sailing history.
Traditional Navigation: There's growing interest in reviving the ancient Polynesian art of wayfinding, a navigational method using observation of nature's signs, like the stars, the sun, the ocean swells, and wildlife. This renaissance connects New Zealanders with their Polynesian heritage.
Through exploring the sailing history and traditions in New Zealand, one gains deeper insight into the culture and people of this island nation. It's a testament to human innovation, bravery, and the timeless allure of the sea.
New Zealand, with its deep maritime traditions and sailing enthusiasm, hosts a plethora of sailing events and regattas throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable ones:
The America's Cup: Known as the "oldest trophy in international sport," New Zealand has been a frequent participant and multiple-time winner of this prestigious sailing event. When New Zealand is the defending champion, the races are held in the waters around Auckland.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week: This is one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier yachting events, attracting competitors from around New Zealand and internationally. The event is usually held in late January in the stunning Bay of Islands.
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta: Dating back to 1840, this is one of the oldest sporting events in New Zealand. Held on the last Monday in January, it features races for a wide variety of watercraft, from waka to classic yachts.
Millennium Cup: Known as the South Pacific's premier superyacht regatta, this event is often held in the beautiful Bay of Islands. The event showcases some of the world's most luxurious superyachts in a friendly competition.
New Zealand Coastal Classic: This iconic race from Devonport Wharf in Auckland to Russell in the Bay of Islands is a major event in the New Zealand sailing calendar. The race covers approximately 119 nautical miles.
Wine Race: The Wine Race is a unique event where sailing vessels race from Wellington to Picton carrying bottles of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The first boat to dock wins the honour of having their wine released first.
RNZYS Winter Series: The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron hosts an annual winter series in Auckland, offering competitive racing for different classes of yachts.
Stewart 34 Championship Series: This is a popular Monday night sailing series in Auckland that runs throughout the summer, featuring the classic Stewart 34 yachts.
These events provide thrilling experiences for both competitors and spectators, showcasing New Zealand's vibrant sailing culture and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a casual observer, these events offer something for everyone.
