New Zealand · SAILING

15 Sailing Trips in New Zealand, With the Price Beside Each

33 tours  ·  from $34

15 sailing trips that repay the money, with the price, the running time and who each one suits. The first entry is the one the rest have to beat.

Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran - From the terminal to the first waterfalls
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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

1.Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

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

Cruise Milford Sound aboard Pure Milford’s modern catamaran for 105 minutes, with three levels of seating, live outdoor camera views, outdoor decks, and commentary from the skipper. You’ll visit waterfalls, watch for seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins, and may travel out toward the Tasman Sea.

“If no one else tells you - I will. If you’re coming to Milford because you’ve seen those videos on social media of all the crazy waterfalls YOU HAVE TO DO THIS EXPERIENCE THE DAY AFTER A HEAVY RAINFALL OR WHILE ITS ACTIVELY RAINING TO ACHIEVE THOSE EXACT VIEWS. No, I’m not kidding- the captain or crew will even tell you this too. The experience was absolutely wonderful however, it hadn’t rained the day prior and it wasn’t raining the day I did this tour either - in conditions such as these you only see maybe 5 or 6 waterfalls and only 2 are really anything to gawk at (in…”

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Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings - Setting out across Lake Taupō
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Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings

2.Lake Taupo: Sailboat Trip to the Maori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 972 reviews · from $35

Sail across Lake Taupō for a close look at the Māori Rock Carvings, with guides such as Aaron, Liam, and David sharing local stories along the way. You can help with the sailing or relax on the roomy deck, enjoy a hot drink, stop for a swim, and return under blankets. Boats may include a classic sailboat or catamaran.

“A really amazing experience! Great value and lovely guides.”

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Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo - Leaving Redoubt Street for open water
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Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

3.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 758 reviews · from $33Best value

Sail from Taupō with Captain Chris or Pete aboard an eco-friendly electric yacht, heading across Lake Taupō to the 14-meter Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings. Hear local myths, enjoy views of the lake and volcanoes, and swim near Mine Bay when conditions allow. The 2.5-hour cruise carries no more than 18 people.

“Place was awesome. Don't forget sunscreen. Captain was funny and charming. The carving was really cool”

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Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner - Waitematā Harbour, Auckland’s best front-row seat
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Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

4.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

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

Board a 50-foot sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening cruise past the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Ferry Building, and Mt. Eden. Your captain provides live commentary, and you may help raise the sails or try the wheel. A welcome drink, jackets, blankets, and a three-course dinner are included.

“Great experience first timer on a sail boat and water, even though the weather was cold and rainy. The two were great, drinks went down well”

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America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour - Meeting at Viaduct Harbour
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America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour

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

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

Join a professional crew for two hours aboard an authentic America’s Cup yacht in Auckland. You can steer, help raise sails, work the grinders, or sit back while the crew handles the boat. The English-language trip suits beginners and experienced sailors, with views of the skyline, harbour, and former America’s Cup waters.

“it was a real chance to get hands on the running gear with having no experience they do saft slow moves so even if you.rhink you can't you can. the salt are trendy and happy to help even the new safe are learning.how bloody cool to be on a boat with no out board motor.”

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Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch - Five and a half hours across the Bay of Islands
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Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

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

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

Spend about 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Captain Magnus and the crew invite you to help with sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim, or simply enjoy the scenery. Morning tea, fresh scones, a chicken BBQ lunch, and optional return ferry transport from Paihia are included.

“A brilliant experience with lots of activity, if you want, or do nothing. Skipper Magnus and his crew ensured that everyone had a fabulous time on board the sailing ship.”

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Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner - A 50ft yacht instead of a standard dinner boat
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Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

7.Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 319 reviews · 2h 30m · from $95

Set sail from Viaduct Harbour for 2.5 hours aboard a 50ft yacht. Enjoy a welcome drink, a three-course meal from The Lula Inn, local stories from the crew, and Auckland views at sunset. Captains and crew, including Noel, Peter, Luke, and Alex on different departures, may let you help sail or try the wheel.

“A nice and windy evening, so lots of great sailing. Food was tasty.”

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Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise - Leaving the city behind
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Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

8.Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

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

Join Explore Group New Zealand at Viaduct Harbour for a 90-minute sail on a 50-foot yacht. You’ll pass the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport, and the city skyline, with live commentary, a hot drink, cookie, and the chance to help at the helm.

“It was a nice sailing excursion -- I would recommend”

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America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour - From the Quay Street kiosk to Waitemata Harbour
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America’s Cup Sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour

9.America’s Cup Sailing on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 298 reviews · from $130

Meet Explore Group on Auckland's Quay Street for a two-hour sail aboard an authentic America's Cup racing-class yacht. Captain Julia and the crew explain the ropes, invite you to grind, steer, and help with sails, or let you simply enjoy the harbor. No sailing experience is needed. Minimum age is 10.

“Great time! Excellent crew. Coming back in October to do it again!!! My husband’s favorite excursion ever!”

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Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk - Start in Marahau, not Kaiteriteri
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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

Start with a skippered catamaran sail from Kaiteriteri, passing Split Apple Rock, golden bays, islands, and New Zealand fur seals. After lunch and a swim at Anchorage Bay, follow the marked coastal track back to Marahau for 3.5 to 4 hours. Guides such as Inky, Claudia, Nick, and Frank provide local nature and park insight.

“Perfect combination, small group and a very authentic skipper. We got a lot of information and enjoyed the time on the water. The track was easy to walk and surprised with nice beaches for swimming 😃”

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Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters - Why the wind shapes your day
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Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

11.Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $114

Join a small group of up to 10 aboard Vigilant from Russell at 10am. Nat, Dallas, Anita, or Nick may guide the day, shaped by the wind. Sail among the Bay’s 144 islands, stop for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or a beach walk, then enjoy lunch, tea, coffee, and local commentary before returning to Russell.

“Unfortunately our cruise ship notified us within the 24 hours that they weren’t able to dock at Bay of Islands. The tour provider kept the entire amount. It was their right under the Viator agreement. However, this happened at another port and the tour provider gave back a portion of the cost—that is providing excellent customer service.”

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Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove - Setting out from Flaxmill Bay
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Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

12.Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

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

Set sail from Flaxmill Bay aboard Boom Sailing’s modern catamaran, No Worries. Your English-speaking crew, including skippers such as Hamish, Mat, Bridget, and Sam, guides you past Cathedral Cove, offers sailing help, and anchors for an optional swim or snorkel. Morning trips include coffee and banana bread, while afternoons bring local wine or beer and fruit.

“Thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing morning sailing - went for a quick and cold swim, had some hot coffee and saw Cathedral Cove from the water. Our guides were easy going and knowledgeable. Would recommend for anyone looking for something a little off the beaten path!”

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Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands - Leaving Russell at 10:00 am
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Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

13.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

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

Spend about five and a half hours aboard Phantom, a live-aboard yacht sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Rick and Robin host up to 10 people, sharing sailing stories and local knowledge. You can walk to an island viewpoint, swim, snorkel, enjoy a homemade lunch, and watch for dolphins.

“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.”

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Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch - The outward sail through 144 islands
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Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

14.Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 6 hours · from $134

Spend six hours sailing from Paihia with Barefoot Sailing Adventures. Help steer, stretch out on beanbags, and watch for penguins, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. After two hours on a wildlife sanctuary island, you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, hike, or eat a packed lunch. Luke and his crew provide local stories, hot drinks, and a cold drink for the return sail.

“We absolutely loved our guides and the atmosphere! Great sense of humour and genuine interest in getting to know each and every person on the tour!”

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Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau - Boarding Faith at Te Anau’s lakefront
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Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

15.Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $102

Spend about three hours aboard Faith, a restored historic motor yacht, with live commentary from the crew, afternoon tea, and a guided walk to a mirror-like hidden lake. The small group, capped at 16 people, gives the outing a personal feel. Crew members such as Adam, Megan, George, Jackie, and Paul may share the boat’s story, local plant knowledge, and even sailing duties.

“We had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon cruising Lake Te Anau on the Faith. The crew were friendly, welcoming and attentive to all 12 passengers on our cruise. We sailed across the lake to some mound islands in an arm of Lake Te Anau where we had a very pleasant buffet tea. Later we went on a walk through the forest to the Hidden Lake with a highly informative commentary by one of the crew. On the way back we enjoyed a period of steering the boat whilst under sail. This was our second cruise on The Faith in four years and it won't be the last.”

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New in Sailing

★ 5.0Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner SailingFrom $61100 reviews
★ 4.5Auckland Harbour Sailing ExperienceFrom $6879 reviews
★ 4.6Lake Taupo Western Bays Catamaran Tour with Bush WalkFrom $8611 reviews
★ 5.0Kinloch: Lake Taupo Catamaran Cruise with PaddleboardingFrom $1704 reviews
★ 4.9Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing CruiseFrom $5390 reviews
★ 4.9Day Sailing Charter on Catamaran with Lunch : Bay Of IslandsFrom $12697 reviews
★ 4.7Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing CruiseFrom $5636 reviews
★ 4.7Abel Tasman National Park: Self-Guided Walk & SailingFrom $8830 reviews
★ 5.0Scenic Cruise & Guided walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te AnauFrom $10276 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National ParkFrom $16778 reviews
★ 4.9Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.From $8648 reviews
★ 4.8Abel Tasman National Park: Day Sailing Adventure with LunchFrom $15884 reviews

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