The 15 Coastal Sailing Tours in New Zealand We Would Step Aboard

1.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

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

Board a 50-foot sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening cruise with a welcome drink, live commentary, and three-course dinner. Sail past the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Ferry Building, and Mt. Eden. You may help raise the sails or try the wheel, with jackets and blankets available.

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

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

Join Explore Group New Zealand at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour for two hours aboard a genuine America’s Cup yacht. After a safety briefing, you can help raise sails, work the grinders, steer under crew guidance, or simply enjoy the harbour views. No sailing experience is needed, but you should be comfortable moving around a working yacht.

“An exciting sailing trip. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I would definitely recommend it. The crew were great. The hands on experience was amazing. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted.”

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

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

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Help with the ropes, steer the ship, climb the rigging, swim or walk on an island, and enjoy scones, tea, and a chicken BBQ lunch. Captain Magnus and the crew keep the day friendly and active.

“This was an amazing day out. The crew are very welcoming and inclusive. We were all encouraged to participate.”

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4.Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

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

Sail Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour aboard a 50-foot yacht for 2.5 hours, with a welcome drink, live commentary, and a three-course meal from The Lula Inn. You can help sail or try the wheel, then watch the Harbour Bridge, skyline, sunset, and city lights appear. Jackets and blankets are provided.

“I found the dinner cruise on line so didn’t know what boat we were travelling on and was absolutely wrapped when we got into the sailing boat, Peter , Vicky and Lydia were fantastic and the service for food and drinks was great thankyou”

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5.Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

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

Join Explore Group at Viaduct Harbour for a 90-minute sail aboard a 50-foot yacht. Your English-speaking crew guides you past the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport, and the city skyline. You can help with the sails or take the helm, then enjoy coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a cookie.

“Sophie and Brad were wonderful and worked very well together Defiance is a beautiful lady and just right for a gentle cruise in the harbour Always like more time on the water but that’s not possible Just superb”

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

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

Join a professional crew for a two-hour sailing trip aboard an authentic America's Cup racing-class yacht. You can help with grinders, lines, and sails, or simply enjoy the ride across Waitemata Harbour. Captain Julia and the crew provide sailing guidance, wet-weather jackets, sunscreen, and views of Auckland from the water.

“If you are a sailor you will really appreciate this experience. Great adventure in Auckland harbor!!”

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7.Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

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

Spend 3.5 hours sailing from Flaxmill Bay across Mercury Bay toward Cathedral Cove aboard a spacious catamaran. You can help with the sails, stretch out on beanbags, or swim and snorkel in a marine reserve when conditions allow. The crew, including sailors such as Hamish, Mat, Bridget, and Sam, serves drinks and snacks during the trip.

“Fabulous vessel, Katarina & Matt (crew) very chill and relaxed, exactly what a half-day sail on a cat should be!!”

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8.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

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

Join sailors Rick and Robin aboard Phantom for about five and a half hours in the Bay of Islands. From Russell, you’ll sail among the islands, stop for a one-hour walk and swim, enjoy a homemade lunch, and hear local stories. The small group, limited to 10 people, keeps the day personal and relaxed.

“Wow! What an absolutely wonderful day we had sailing with Rick & Robin. We sailed through many incredible places, and the knowledge and experience that was shared was second to none. Everything was just amazing! The lunch also was beautiful, all home made and delicious. Highly recommend you go with this company above others. Even my aged parents, with Dad over 80 felt safe and comfortable. Sailing with Rick & Robin is a day our family will never ever forget!”

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

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

Join Barefoot Sailing Adventures in Paihia for six hours aboard a comfortable catamaran. Captain Luke and his crew guide you through the Bay of Islands, with time to sail, spot wildlife, picnic, hike, swim, snorkel, or paddleboard at a remote sanctuary island.

“We had a great time. The crew were awesome and friendly. I would recommend it to anyone.”

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10.Bay of Islands: Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 147 reviews · 5h 30m · from $107

Spend about five and a half hours aboard the locally built R. Tucker Thompson, a working-style schooner in the Bay of Islands. Help raise sails, take the helm, climb the rigging, swim from the ship, and walk to a viewpoint on Motuarohia Island. Cream tea and BBQ lunch are included, with ferry transfers from Paihia to Russell.

“Great day. Couldn’t be better. Admittedly the weather was great and we saw a load of dolphins but .. the crew really knew their stuff”

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11.Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 6 hours · from $128

Join Brad and Monique aboard the Bayscapes catamaran for six hours around the Bay of Islands. Sail from Paihia, stop at a quiet island for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a short walk, then enjoy a catered lunch onboard. The spacious boat has beanbags, an indoor saloon, blankets, and a small-group feel.

“The activity was fantastic. We loved it all . The hosts were great ;the catamaran was great; the food was great . No drinks ( alcoholic) included. Just a shame that the cost is quite high to cover the agents fees”

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12.Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 6 hours · from $104

Join Captain Mike and crew aboard the 65-foot Gungha II from Paihia. Sail past lava formations, caves, penguins and possible dolphins, then stop at a beautiful island for walking, swimming or snorkeling. Fresh snacks, lunch, drinks, equipment and a hot shower are included. Expect an informal day, with the option to help sail or simply enjoy the ride.

“A beautiful and relaxed scenic trip through the Bay. Mike is a well informed, warm and friendly Captain & tour guide. Be sure to sit at the stern of the boat, if you want to hear more about Pahia/Keri Keri. Mike has no shortage of stories and invaluable historical information about the Bay of Islands. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, myself in particular getting to connect with a fellow Canadian (Mike) living abroad.”

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13.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $61

Join the crew of the R. Tucker Thompson in Russell for a relaxed 1-hour-50-minute sail through the inner Bay of Islands. You can help raise the sails, steer, climb the rigging with a harness, or simply enjoy the antipasto platter and a drink from the cash bar. Paihia visitors receive return ferry tickets.

“Fabulous experience from start to finish. My husband got to play a small role in the sail and also a chance to climb the mast. A fantastic experience”

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14.Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 90 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Best value

Spend two hours sailing the inner Bay of Islands aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, Northland’s traditional tall ship. You can help raise the sails, steer under supervision, or climb the rigging with safety equipment. The fare includes an antipasto platter and ferry transfers between Paihia and Russell. A cash bar is available.

“Excellent way to spend the afternoon, especially with good wind. Most relaxing.”

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15.Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · from $68

Board a small sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 90-minute cruise past the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport, and the skyline. The crew provides tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, a cookie, and weather jackets. You can help with the sails or take the helm when conditions allow. Brad and James are among the crew members you may meet.

“A nice relaxing sail in Auckland harbor. Great crew and vessel. Had a wonderful time with group of friends.”

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