Top New Zealand Sailing Tours

Relax aboard an eco-friendly electric yacht on Lake Taupo during this sightseeing cruise to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. Accessible solely by water, this impressive work of art was created by a master carver in the 1970s. Get close to the 46-foot (14-meter)-high gallery and enjoy beautiful views from the deck. Relax with a complimentary glass of wine or beer if you sail in the evening.

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner during a memorable tour of Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Set out aboard a sailing yacht from Viaduct Harbour and learn about Auckland and its iconic sights from your captain. As evening falls, dinner is served onboard while you sail.

Board the TSS "Earnslaw," a vintage steamship, for an evening cruise on Queenstown’s scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’re treated to a sumptuous barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Sink your teeth into roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts, and a New Zealand cheeseboard. After dinner, see farm demonstrations or purchase a drink and simply relax in the bar.

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your Auckland cruise sets sail from Viaduct Harbour, passing the Auckland 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.

Come visit a New Zealand attraction that’s sure to have you ‘glowing’ during this 45-minute small-group guided boat ride through the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Glide by boat through this underground complex, enjoying a light show put on by the millions of tiny bioluminescent insects hanging above. As an added bonus, many of the trip guides are of Maori descent, adding unique historical context to your visit.

Visit a pair of New Zealand's must-see attractions with 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 Kiwi-style lunch. In the afternoon, explore Maori myths and history on a boat ride through mesmerizing caves lit by thousands of glowworms, and finish with a drive through some of the North Island’s most majestic scenery.

Arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand, Milford Sound offers a sweeping landscape of jagged snow-capped mountains, shimmering fjords and lakes, towering waterfalls and emerald greenery. Travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown to Fiordland National Park to explore this lush wilderness, including a boat cruise on the Milford Sound. You also see The Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu—New Zealand's longest lake, and Lake Te Anau—the South Island’s the largest lake.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS ‘Earnslaw,’ a vintage steamship. Stroll the lakeside gardens and enjoy a traditional morning or afternoon tea and take a walking tour of the farm. You’ll watch sheepdogs in action and see sheep shearing demonstrations. Treat yourself to home-baked goods and alpine views of the Remarkables mountain range. Savor a delicious afternoon tea and an amble through lakeside gardens before heading back to Queenstown by boat.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a luxurious catamaran. Peer through panoramic windows of a luxury coach while you travel through the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, before a memorable sightseeing cruise by Mitre Peak and the magnificent cliff-side waterfalls of Milford Sound.

Go Waitomo black-water rafting (cave tubing) for a memorable adventure in the Waitomo Caves. Choose a 3-hour Labyrinth experience that takes you floating underground on an inner tube, including a small waterfall jump. Or upgrade to the 5-hour Black Abyss for an exhilarating abseil (rappel) down limestone walls; instruction and equipment included. The resident glowworms, stalactites and stalagmites will amaze you! Finish with a hot shower, soup and bagel.

Take a break from the busy-ness of 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. If the weather’s good you can swim, or simply sit on the deck and relax with a blanket to keep you warm.

Spend a day relaxing during this catamaran sailing trip, complete with an island stop and 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 lunch on beanbags upfront before cruising back to Paihia.

The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands, and the best way to explore them is by boat. On this island-hopping day cruise, you can relax on board a comfortable catamaran while admiring the beautiful views of the sea, islands, and maybe even some dolphins. Snorkel, swim, or paddle board, and stop on land to visit a wildlife sanctuary. This is the easy way to see the bay, as it’s difficult to travel here independently without a boat.

Sail the Bay of Islands on a working tall ship aboard the famed ‘R. Tucker Thompson,’ built in the tradition of a 100-year-old Northland schooner. Ply the waters of the pristine bay, where you can help hoist the sails, climb the rigging or simply relax on board, then swim while anchored in a sheltered bay in the maritime park. Enjoy morning tea and a barbecue lunch, with an optional complimentary ferry ride from Paihia to Russell, where your vessel departs.

This 2-hour experience aboard a tall ship 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. Round-trip ferry transfer to Russell is included.

Relax during a chilled out half-day 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 the views of the cliffs and rocky outcrops. Lounge on the on-board bean bags with some smoked seafood and a cold beer or wine.

Spend a day cruising through the Bay of Islands aboard a deluxe sailboat that sets sail from Russell. Your captain stops at a picturesque island where you have lunch, and time to snorkel, kayak, swim, and walk to a lookout point. Cruise over to The Black Rocks for photo ops of the volcanic formation, keep an eye out for marine life, and hear commentary from your captain about the region.

Cruise Great Lake Taupo in style and comfort on our luxury catamaran Tiua. Tiua brings smooth sailing to effortless entertaining, as a high-end charter vessel. She blends her original character and style with the latest comfort and class. Tiua is the only boat on Lake Taupo which combines the relaxing feeling of an eco friendly sailing experience with the comfort of being able to go out in any weather and keep customers out of rain and the cold with her spacious saloon and covered cockpit. [Tee-ua] Māori 1. (verb) To move with the wind Synonyms – to relax and immerse oneself in nature and luxury with family and friends.

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.

It can be difficult to see all of Abel Tasman National Park if you’re pressed for time, especially if you’re only visiting for a day or two. Save some time and see some of the park’s many highlights on this full-day sailing trip around the coast. Spend the day stopping at beaches and islands around the coast; just make sure to book in advance, as this is Abel Tasman National Park’s only full-day sailing tour and is sure to be in high demand.

Explore the tranquil beaches and rocky coves of the Coromandel Peninsula on this morning cruise from Whitianga. Set sail around Mercury Bay and Gemstone Bay; admire the dramatic natural landscapes of Cathedral Cove; and dive in to swim and snorkel in the cool Pacific waters. Enjoy a relaxing and leisurely cruise, sailing on-board a wind-powered ship with a limited number of passengers and crew on-board.

By cruising with us and you are helping to protect our wild dolphins! A portion of every fare contributes directly to marine mammal conservation and to our children's marine education program Protect the future We are a small, local family owned and operated wildlife cruise. Join us on our marine wildlife conservation vessel. On board help to set sails or sit back and relax.Time to take a deep breath and unwind.

Enjoy a day of sailing and hiking at your own pace, with a fully-skippered catamaran sail followed by a self-guided hike through the Abel Tasman National Park. Experience the beautiful park and coastline from two different perspectives, and see much bird, animal, and marine life. Enjoy the convenience of transfers to the starting point and a guided sail with a knowledgeable crew, plus the freedom of hiking independently.