The 3 Wildlife Sailings Worth the Airfare

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

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

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · from $89Best value

Set sail from Daly’s Wharf aboard the Fox II, a wooden ketch built in 1880. Captain Roy guides this small-group trip through Akaroa Harbour, sharing local history, geology, and wildlife facts as you look for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins, and albatross. The boat may shut off its engine for quiet sailing near the animals.

“The dolphins we saw were amazing and worth the trip alone. Roy was a great guide with lots of knowledge about Akaroa and very friendly. Couldn't have asked for a better tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review