Secluded bays, native forest and crystal water — New Zealand offers pristine sailing at the edge of the world.
New Zealand offers some of the cleanest, most unspoilt sailing waters on earth. In the warm subtropical north, the Bay of Islands scatters one hundred and forty-four islands across sheltered, dolphin-rich water, fringed with native forest and golden coves. Nearby, the Hauraki Gulf off Auckland — the City of Sails — offers superb cruising among islands and vineyards. The sailing is excellent, the scenery green and dramatic, and the welcome warm. A crewed catamaran lets you explore secluded bays, encounter abundant marine life, and experience a country famous for its natural beauty from the water.
Our crewed catamarans can be arranged for New Zealand waters, ready to show you the unspoilt north.
External resources: Tourism New Zealand
A crewed catamaran is an excellent way to explore New Zealand’s northern waters. The sheltered conditions and short hops suit relaxed cruising, and a shallow draft opens up secluded bays and coves. Your crew handles the sailing and the local knowledge — where the dolphins gather, which cove to anchor in, which Waiheke vineyard to visit — while you take in the green, dramatic scenery of one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Pristine, green and gloriously unspoilt — New Zealand is for those who want their sailing wild and clean.
New Zealand offers some of the most rewarding sailing in the Mediterranean — warm seas, beautiful coastlines, and anchorages from glamorous to gloriously remote.
Sail through the famous sea arch at Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands, often accompanied by dolphins.
The Bay of Islands is rich in dolphins, which frequently play around the boat — a magical encounter.
Anchor off Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf and step ashore for world-class wine and dining.
Drop anchor in quiet bays fringed by native bush, often the only boat in sight.
Encounter dolphins, penguins, gannets and abundant birdlife in these clean, protected waters.
A sample week through the subtropical Bay of Islands — secluded coves and abundant wildlife, tailored by your crew.
Welcome aboard at Opua marina, then a short crossing to Russell — once known as the hellhole of the Pacific in whaling days, now a perfectly preserved colonial village. Dinner ashore at the original Duke of Marlborough.
A morning sail to Roberton — twin lagoons enclosed by a sandbar. Swim, walk the ridge, anchor for the night.
A sail out to the Cape Brett peninsula and through the famous Hole in the Rock if conditions allow. Dolphins regularly join the boat on this passage.
Round the cape to the abandoned whaling station of Whangamumu — a remote bay with kiwi calling at dusk. The wildest anchorage of the trip.
A return passage to Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island — the largest of the bay’s islands. Walking tracks across the headlands, beach lunch at anchor.
A short final hop to Paihia. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — the founding site of modern New Zealand — for an afternoon of context.
A relaxed brunch on board and a final swim before disembarkation.
New Zealand offers some of the cleanest, most unspoilt sailing waters on earth. The subtropical Bay of Islands scatters 144 islands across sheltered, dolphin-rich water fringed with native forest, while the Hauraki Gulf offers islands, vineyards and superb sailing. Pristine, green and beautiful.
December to April is the southern-hemisphere summer and prime season — warm, settled and ideal in the subtropical north. The Bay of Islands enjoys the warmest, most reliable weather then. This is the perfect escape during the northern-hemisphere winter.
Most begin in the Bay of Islands (Opua or Paihia) in the north, or from Auckland for the Hauraki Gulf. Both are reached via Auckland International Airport. Our team coordinates flights, transfers and private aviation.
Yes — the Bay of Islands is rich in marine life, and dolphins frequently play around the boat. You may also see penguins, gannets and abundant birdlife in these clean, protected subtropical waters. It is a highlight of any New Zealand charter.
Excellent. Auckland is known as the City of Sails for good reason — the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands offer superb, varied sailing in sheltered waters, with reliable summer breezes and beautiful, unspoilt scenery throughout.
Very much so. The sheltered waters, short hops, wildlife and beautiful coves make the Bay of Islands excellent for families, with dolphins, beaches and forest walks to enjoy. The warm summer conditions keep everyone comfortable.
Every journey begins with a conversation. Tell us what you have in mind — dates, destinations, group size, experiences — and your Odyssea agent will craft a proposal tailored precisely to you.
An invitation-led membership for travellers who choose the ocean often. Preferred rates on yachts and villas, early access to themed departures, and bespoke journey design from our concierge — reach out to find out more.
“We came to NZ from the UK and it was our first time in NZ so we really didn’t know what to expect… it was stunningly beautiful! Sam and Dudley made our trip onboard Crazy Horse really comfortable and wonderful. Sam was an incredible cook and Dudley so sweet!”
