The 6 Best New Zealand Yacht Charters

1.Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 234 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41Our pick

Spend 150 minutes aboard Tiua, a 53-foot catamaran sailing from Taupō Marina to the Māori Rock Carvings. Your English-speaking crew, including skippers such as Dave and Danny, shares local stories, offers a drink, and stops for a swim when conditions allow.

“Nice leisurely sail to the carvings with views of the volcanoes Then a lovely swim in the clear fresh lake water. Our guide was great.”

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2.Full-Day Bay of Islands Tour by Vigilant Yacht Charters

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $114Top rated

Set sail from Russell at 10am aboard Vigilant for about five and a half hours. Captain Nat or another local skipper chooses the island based on the wind, with time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, walking, and lunch. The small group is capped at 10, and the crew may let you take the helm.

“We had a great day out sailing with Nick in Vigilant. He dropped us ashore at Moturua Island where we followed a trail across the island to another wonderful beach where we swam. On our return, after a brief spell of kayaking Nick took us back to boat where he had prepared a delicious salad lunch. Despite light winds we then sailed across the Bay with the option of taking a turn at the helm. Nick was very knowledgeable about the local wildlife which made our trip both really enjoyable and instructive. We would definitely join him again!”

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3.Scenic Cruise & Guided Walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · from $102

Spend three relaxed hours aboard the historic motor yacht Faith with a small crew and up to 16 passengers. Cruise Lake Te Anau, enjoy afternoon tea, then walk through native forest to a clear mirror lake with a nature guide. Crew members such as Adam, Megan, and George are known for warm, personal service.

“What an amazing experience!! Paul and Adam, our captains, provided the best customer care sharing the story of Faith, the beautiful vessel, serving tasty afternoon tea and showing us the beauty of the lake. A short nature walk brought us to a spectacular mirror lake. This trip was the highlight of our trip to Fiordland. Thank you!”

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

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

Join Taupō Sailing Adventures for a 2.5-hour cruise on Tiua, a polished 53-foot catamaran. Aron, Aaron, Erin, Steph, Dave, and other crew members share stories of the lake and carvings. You can swim, use onboard snorkeling gear, relax on beanbags, and enjoy a complimentary drink.

“Perfect way to start the day! This was such a fun and relaxing activity for us to do on our last full day in New Zealand. The staff was also very friendly and knowledgeable.”

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5.Day Sailing Charter on Catamaran with Lunch : Bay Of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 97 reviews · from $126

Join Brad and Monique aboard the Bayscapes catamaran for six hours around the Bay of Islands. Sail from Paihia, stop at a secluded island bay for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a self-guided walk, then enjoy a catered lunch before returning under sail when conditions allow.

“Nice sail out and back, had a swim and walked over the island before a tasty lunch.”

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6.Scenic Cruise & Guided walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · from $102

Spend about three hours aboard the historic yacht Faith on Lake Te Anau, with live commentary from the crew, tea or coffee, a guided 15-minute walk to a Hidden Lake, and afternoon or morning tea. Adam, Jackie, and George are among the crew associated with this relaxed small-group cruise.

“Good snacks and drinks. Wonderful crew and yaght. It rained the whole time so we spent most of the time in the cabin. It still was nice!”

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