NEW ZEALAND SAILING TOURS

The 15 New Zealand Sailing Tours We Would Step Aboard

30 sailings  ·  from $34 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 new zealand sailing tours worth the money, each with its price, its verdict from the people who sailed it, and the one thing to know before you commit.

Lake Taupo: Classical Sailing to the Māori Rock Carvings - Leaving Taupō Marina on Fearless
New Zealand Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours, Taupo Sailing 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

Join Taupo Sailing Adventures for a 2.5-hour cruise from Taupō Marina to the Māori Rock Carvings. You may sail aboard Fearless or use the catamaran when weather requires it. Guides such as Aaron, Liam, Danny, Erin, and Dave share local stories, then allow time for a swim, blankets, and a complimentary drink.

“The boat trip was very nice and beautiful. The hosts were super friendly and gave us lots of information about the surroundings. The rock carvings are definitely worth it to see! Would definitely recommend!”

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Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo - A quiet ride aboard Lake Taupō’s electric yacht
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Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

2.Maori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo

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

Sail Lake Taupō aboard an electric yacht with a local guide, heading to the 14-meter Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Expect Māori myths, volcano views, quiet coves, and time for a swim in warm weather. Evening departures include a complimentary wine, beer, or soft drink. Chris and Pete are among the guides who may host the trip.

“Super relaxed way to see the carvings with knowledgeable and fun commentary from Captain Pete. Highly recommend grabbing a bean bag for a comfortable seat and the warm weather proof poncho was a bonus!”

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Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner - Crossing Waitemata Harbour
Auckland Sailing Tours, Bay, Harbour and Coastal Sailing, Coastal Sailing Tours in New Zealand, Dining Experiences, Dinner and Evening Sailing Cruises, New Zealand Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours, 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

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

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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Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch - Morning tea and the easy rhythm of the first hours
Bay, Harbour and Coastal Sailing, BBQ, Coastal Sailing Tours in New Zealand, Island Hopping Sailing Trips, Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours with Lunch and BBQ, Tall Ship and Schooner Sailing, 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 $111

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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Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner - Meeting at Viaduct Harbour
Auckland Sailing Tours, Bay, Harbour and Coastal Sailing, Coastal Sailing Tours in New Zealand, Dining Experiences, Dinner and Evening Sailing Cruises, New Zealand Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours, Tour Reviews

Auckland: Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

6.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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Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise - Boarding at Viaduct Harbour
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Auckland Harbour 1.5-Hour Sailing Cruise

7.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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Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise - Sailing among the eastern islands
Island Hopping Sailing Trips, Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, New Zealand Sailing Tours, Paihia Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

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

Spend six relaxed hours with Barefoot Sailing Adventures, sailing from Paihia among the Bay of Islands before a two-hour stop at a wildlife sanctuary island. Luke and the crew provide live commentary, lunch, tea, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and time for a beach visit or bush walk. The small group, capped at 20, keeps the day personal.

“Very enjoyable day out on a catamaran with Luke and Kate who not only were great hosts but had that sense of humour that makes the day all the more fun Picnic was great Wind was strong so sailing out to the island was good but necessarily on way back had to use motor”

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America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour - Working the sails, grinders, and helm
Auckland Sailing Tours, Bay, Harbour and Coastal Sailing, Coastal Sailing Tours in New Zealand, New Zealand Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours, Tour Reviews

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

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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Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk - Starting in Marahau at 8:30 AM
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Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

10.Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

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

Start with a morning transfer from Marahau to Kaiteriteri, then sail a catamaran along Abel Tasman’s golden coast with an English-speaking skipper. After lunch and a swim at Anchorage Bay, walk 3.5 to 4 hours through native bush and along beaches back to Marahau. Bring food, water, layers, and sturdy shoes.

“Such a fantastic way to experience Abel Tasman, our guide Claudia was great and the sailboat ride was fantastic. I recommend getting lined up to board early so you can get one of the seats out front for the best experience. The hike from the beach our boat dropped us off at back to our car was a moderate hike with a few steep sections, well marked and with multiple beaches to stop at on the way!”

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Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings - Arriving at the Māori Rock Carvings
Catamaran Sailing Trips, New Zealand Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours, Taupo Sailing Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Join Taupō Sailing Adventures for a 2.5-hour cruise aboard Tiua, a 53-foot catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating. Your English-speaking crew takes you to the Māori Rock Carvings, explains their cultural meaning, and stops for a swim when conditions allow. Dave, Danny, Aaron, and Erin are among the crew members praised for their warm, helpful style.

“This sailing adventure was excellent. The catamaran was a beautiful vessel and a smooth ride with a professional Captain Dave. The carvings were beautiful and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this experience!”

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Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove - A steady catamaran across Mercury Bay
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Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

12.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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Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands - The island stop and its high viewpoint
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Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

13.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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Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch - Wildlife watching between Paihia and the island
Bay, Harbour and Coastal Sailing, Catamaran Sailing Trips, Coastal Sailing Tours in New Zealand, Island Hopping Sailing Trips, Island Hopping Sailing Trips in New Zealand, Lunch Experiences, New Zealand Sailing Tours, Paihia Sailing Tours, Sailing Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

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

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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Luxury Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Setting out from Taupo Marina
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Luxury Sailing – Māori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures

15.Luxury Sailing – Māori Rock Carvings – Taupo Sailing Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · from $42

Spend about two and a half hours aboard Tiua, a 53-foot catamaran, sailing across Lake Taupo to carvings visible only from the water. You can swim with provided gear, relax on beanbags, and enjoy a drink, with crew members such as Aaron and Erin sharing local stories. Check in 30 minutes early at Taupo Marina.

“A lovely tour, one of the highlights of our holiday. Such a relaxaing and beautiful sailing tour. We had Aaron and Erin who were both really lovely, and Aaron was really informative during the tour.”

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