New Zealand · SAILING

15 Sailing Trips in New Zealand That Justify a Whole Day

42 tours  ·  from $35 a head

15 sailing trips laid out with the price, the running time and the kind of traveller each one actually suits. Top of the list first.

Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings - Leaving Taupō Marina aboard Fearless
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Maori Cultural Experiences, Maori Cultural Experiences in Taupo, Rock Carvings Cruises, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Taupo, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews

Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

1.Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35Our pick

Sail Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings aboard Fearless, with local stories, a swim stop, scenic views, and a complimentary drink.

“Thorough and interesting information provided - lovely sailing yacht - good facilities. Shame we had bad weather but managed to reach carvings thanks to crew’s expertise. Would highly recommend this trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran - Boarding a spacious three-level catamaran
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland & Te Anau Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

2.Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,006 reviews · 1h 45m · from $92

Review of Pure Milford’s 105-minute catamaran cruise, with waterfalls, wildlife, live commentary, comfort, access, price, and practical tips.

“It was great. The boat did not feel overcrowded. The weather was rainy, which made it better for waterfall observations! We spent the whole time on the deck. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner - Auckland Harbour Bridge and the city skyline
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Auckland, Tour Reviews

Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

3.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 476 reviews · from $105

Review of Auckland’s 2.5-hour sailboat dinner cruise, with sunset harbor views, live commentary, a three-course meal, and practical booking tips.

“This was a lovely sunset cruise around Auckland Harbor. We had spent the day around downtown Auckland and this was a relaxing way to end our time in Auckland. The crew kept us happy with food and drinks. They also let us move around the sailboat, steer, and ask questions. Weather was perfect for this activity.”

Check availability →Read our full review

America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour - The safety briefing sets the tone
2-Hour Experiences, Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Auckland, Tour Reviews

America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

4.America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 370 reviews · 2 hours · from $125

Sail an authentic America’s Cup yacht in Auckland, take the helm or work the grinders, and enjoy two thrilling hours on Waitemata Harbour.

“Our two hour sailing on an America’s Cup vessel was amazing. It was a perfect sunny 70° with nice winds that made the excursion exciting. The crew was great, they showed whoever wanted to help raise the sales exactly what to do and if you didn’t feel comfortable helping you could just enjoy the day. I would recommend this activity.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch - Morning tea with fresh scones
Bay of Islands Tours, BBQ, Boat Tours in the Bay of Islands, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the Bay of Islands, Tour Reviews

Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

5.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111Top rated

Review of the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship cruise in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, with sailing, scones, BBQ lunch, island stops, and practical tips.

“Capt Magnus and his crew showed us just how beautiful the Bay of Islands really is! Fascinating to learn the history of the ship’s creation and how this activity directly supports youth development in sailing. Bravo Zulu!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner - Setting sail across Waitematā Harbour
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Auckland, Tour Reviews

Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise - Leaving Auckland with the sails raised
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Auckland, Tour Reviews

Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

7.Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 301 reviews · 1h 30m · from $65

Sail Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour for 90 minutes, help steer a 50-foot yacht, hear local stories, and enjoy coffee with harbor views.

“Very enjoyable cruise around the harbor. We had great weather, though not real windy for the sailing, but we enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. I would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise - The Two-Hour Wildlife Sanctuary Stop
Bay of Islands Tours, Boat Tours in the Bay of Islands, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the Bay of Islands, Tour Reviews, Wildlife & Nature Tours

Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

8.Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $139

Review of Barefoot Sailing Adventures’ six-hour Bay of Islands cruise, with wildlife sanctuary stop, lunch, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and practical tips.

“Nice day great crew. Be sure to hike over the hill to the other cove. It is 10 x more beautiful that the cove they are able to dock in. And the walk is challenging but really nice.”

Check availability →Read our full review

America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour - What happens during the two-hour sail
Auckland Tours, Boat Tours in Auckland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Auckland, Tour Reviews

America’s Cup Sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk - Starting in Marahau at 8:30am
Boat Tours in Nelson, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, National Park Tours in Nelson, National Parks, Nelson Tours, Sailing, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Nelson

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

10.Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 238 reviews · 8 hours · from $80

Sail Abel Tasman’s golden coast, spot fur seals, then walk from Anchorage Bay to Marahau on this flexible 8-hour outing.

“Great day in Abel Tasman National Park. Fantastic ‘guides’ Nick and Claudia, very personable and knowledgable, and a great laid back atmosphere on board. I highly recommend this trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings - A calm ride across Great Lake Taupo
Boat Tours in Taupo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Maori Cultural Experiences, Maori Cultural Experiences in Taupo, Rock Carvings Cruises, Sailing, Sailing Trips in Taupo, Taupo Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP

Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

11.Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 234 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Review of Lake Taupo’s Tiua catamaran cruise to Māori Rock Carvings, with sailing, swimming, drinks, comfort, value, and practical tips.

“Amazing experience! The team are very friendly and presented their culture and customs, answered to questions and presented a beautiful dance for the welcoming ceremony. I highly recommend it!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters - Why the sailing itself matters
Bay of Islands Tours, Boat Tours in the Bay of Islands, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the Bay of Islands, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove - What the Sailing Is Really Like
Boat Tours in the Coromandel, Cathedral Cove Tours, Coromandel & Whitianga Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

13.Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 190 reviews · 3h 30m · from $86

Sail from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove aboard a roomy catamaran, with swimming, snorkeling, coastal views, snacks, and drinks included.

“A great way to see the area from the water. Down to earth, friendly crew. A great experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands - Leaving Russell at 10:00 am
Bay of Islands Tours, Boat Tours in the Bay of Islands, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the Bay of Islands, Tour Reviews

Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

14.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $121

Review of Phantom Sailing in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, with a small group, island walk, homemade lunch, snorkeling, and dolphin sightings.

“We had a great time sailing with Robin and Rick. She fixed us a nice lunch, and he regaled us with stories from his vast, and not only sailing, experience. Sailing went smoothly, and we had some time for swimming and hiking on Robinton Island.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch - Two hours across the Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands Tours, Boat Tours in the Bay of Islands, Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Sailing, Sailing Trips in the Bay of Islands, Tour Reviews, Wildlife & Nature Tours

Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

Scroll to Top

Explore New Zealand

Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.