Sailing Tours
Cruises
Family-friendly Tours
Half-Day Tours
What do you see and do, and where does the yacht go?
After a safety briefing, the crew takes the yacht onto Waitematā Harbour and explains its America’s Cup history. You can take the helm or help work the grinders under their guidance. Participation is optional: you can stay on deck, watch the crew handle the yacht and look back towards Auckland’s waterfront and skyline.
The experience is a harbour sail, with no island landing or stop ashore. Its course can vary with wind and sea conditions, so it is best to treat particular close-up landmark views as possibilities rather than a fixed itinerary. If you would prefer a sightseeing yacht with a shorter, more relaxed sail, compare the Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise.
Are meals included, is it suitable for families, and what happens in bad weather?
Meals are not included, and the operator asks passengers to bring their own water. Plan to eat before or after the sail; there is no stop for lunch. If you want a meal as part of your time on the harbour, the separate Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise includes a three-course dinner.
Families can join with children aged 10 years or older. Children aged 10–15 use the child fare, and everyone must wear a supplied lifejacket. The hands-on tasks are optional, which lets family members choose how involved they want to be. For children under 10, consider the Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise, which welcomes younger passengers.
Wear flat-soled shoes and bring a light jacket. Rain jackets are supplied in wet weather, but the operator may change the course or cancel a departure if sea or weather conditions are unsuitable. Check the status of your sailing before making tightly timed plans afterwards.
- 2 hours sailing experience
- A unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America’s Cup yacht.
- Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders with guidance from our professional crew
- Informative commentary about the harbour, the America’s Cup and it’s history
- Time to sit back and relax while you take in the city sights
- A wet weather jacket will be provided if required
- No sailing experience necessary
- Attire: Please wear a light jacket and flat-soled shoes.
- Arrival: Check in 15 minutes before departure for your scheduled trip.
- Optional Participation: While active involvement is encouraged, you can choose to observe without participating.
- Safety: A comprehensive safety briefing will precede the experience, and lifejackets will be provided.
- Weather Precautions: In case of wet weather, rain jackets will be supplied.
Adventure Caution: This activity is an adventure experience and is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with medical conditions. Please discuss any medical concerns during the booking process.
- Adults: 16 years and older
- Child Age: 10-15 years old
- Minimum age: 10 years
- More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund*
- Within 24 hours: No refund
*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
