Sailing
With over 15,000km of coastline and 220 offshore islands, New Zealand’s coastal waters promise a blissful holiday for those who seek time on the water. Coastal waters teem with colourful, fascinating sea life and the usually clear waters make for excellent viewing and fishing.
The most popular sailing and sheltered locations in New Zealand are the Bay of Islands and Auckland on the North Island, and the Marlborough Sounds on the upper South Island.
Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds are certainly a cruising paradise. There’s a whole network of submerged mountain valleys, numerous islands and tranquil sheltered bays, bush-clad hills and almost 1500 km of deep water coastline to explore. The two major Sounds in the area are the Queen Charlotte and the Pelorus Sound, and together they form the heart of this cruising area. D’Urville Island is the largest of the islands, and is separated from the mainland by the narrow, tidal channel of French Pass. The Scenery is spectacular, ranging from towering forest clad mountains, through tranquil bays and coves to the rugged exposed shoreline of D’Urville Island. West of D’Urville is Tasman Bay. A cruise across this bay will reward you with the sight of golden beaches.
Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman National Park coastline offers some of the best sailing in New Zealand. Almost daily through summer the sea breeze fills in from the North mid morning and gradually builds through the afternoon. Peaceful relaxing sailing early in the day is the ideal time to cruise North exploring the native bush clad coastline and golden beaches. The afternoon offers the thrill and excitement of fast sailing, a great opportunity to ride the waves back down the coast. Shelter and calm water can still be found in most bays when the breeze is up, offering a great balance for cruising sailors.
Bay of Islands
This sub-tropical region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. It is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand. It combines great fishing, diving, sailing and other water sports with some of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites. One of the most popular attractions is the Hole in the Rock, off Cape Brett. You can take a boating trip through the hole in a huge rock outcrop. Also popular are dolphin swimming and diving trips to the sunken Rainbow Warrior wreck.
Aucklands Hauraki Gulf
And what better place to sail but the former home of the Americas Cup! Auckland boasts the busiest recreational harbour in New Zealand and consequently is known as “The City of Sails”. It is fortunate to have on its doorstep one of the worlds largest cruising grounds. With numerous islands spread over 1500 nautical miles and with 500 sheltered island anchorages, the Hauraki Gulf is a perfect destination for your cruising holiday. And as the former home of the Americas Cup it attracts the world’s best sailors and most amazing super yachts from all over the world. With great sailing like this in our backyard there’s no wonder that New Zealand sailors are among the world’s finest.
If you don’t have time to charter a yacht or join one of our sailing tours, there are also a number of day sailing options – from the pure adrenaline of sailing an Americas Cup Yacht through to evening dinner cruises on Auckland’s Waitamata Harbour. Ask us for details.
New Zealand Sailing Options |
