The 13 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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7.Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 1h 30m · from $86

Join Captain Adam and the crew aboard Faith, a beautifully preserved 1935 Scottish motor yacht, for a 90-minute Lake Te Anau cruise. Sip complimentary drinks, enjoy canapés, hear the yacht’s story, help with the sailing, and finish in a quiet cove as evening settles over Fiordland.

“A wonderful way to conclude our trip in Te Anau. Beautiful boat and the friendliest staff. They went out of their way to make this excursion one of our favourite parts of our holiday.”

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8.Private boat charter in Abel Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews

Set out from Kaiteriteri with a private skipper such as Tim, Rod, Emma, or Kim. Cruise Abel Tasman’s golden beaches and green water, visit Tonga Island’s fur seals, and choose between hiking, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing aboard. Lunch may be included, depending on your charter.

“The captain of the boat, Tim, was genuinely intent with us having a great day. He went out of his way to make sure were were cared for in every aspect of our day. From what we wanted to see and do to unexpected treats like feeding fish with bread in our toes. He kindly made sure all directions were clear when we kayaked and hiked. Great day!!”

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9.Exclusive Sailing Charter from Waiheke Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews

Set sail from Waiheke aboard the 41-foot catamaran Pacific Star with two crew members and your own private group. Learn to trim the sails, look for seabirds, dolphins, and whales, enjoy lunch, and stop for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or a guided walk on a pest-free island.

“Right from the moment we arrived we were extremely well looked after.”

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10.Private Luxury Sailing Catamaran Charter in the Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $1,281

Charter Serenity for a private six-hour sailing day in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Captain Magnus or Adam can guide you at the wheel, set the sails, and choose an island stop for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, or quiet time on deck.

“This sailing charter was a huge highlight of our trip. Magnus and Adam were great and even though we had some cloudy weather .. we saw the whole Bay, penguins , dolphins and tons of birds . Even caught a fish and chef Adam made Read more”

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11.Private Yacht Charter and Island Excursions in the Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Erin and Bruno take your private group from Russell Wharf into the Bay of Islands aboard their yacht. You choose the pace: sail to a quiet anchorage, walk a predator-free island, paddleboard, snorkel, or relax on a beach. Lunch, coffee, and tea are included.

“Had the most amazing day with Erin, she was great in sorting out an itinerary that worked for us, gave us the most amazing lunch and was fantastic with my kids who adored steering the boat. Can not recommend enough.”

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12.Private Catamaran Full Day Sailing Charter | Bay Of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Sail from Paihia or Russell with Brad and Monique aboard a private catamaran for up to 10 people. Spend two hours at a remote island with snorkeling, paddleboarding, a walk, and lunch before sailing back through the Bay of Islands.

“We had an amazing day on the water with our Bayscapes private charter. Monique and Brad were lovely to work with both during the planning stages and during the trip itself. The day we originally booked had rain forecast for the whole dRead more”

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13.Yonder Star Sailing Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $806

Sail from Viaduct Harbour aboard Yonder Star with Captain Peter and crew. Choose a half-day harbour cruise, a full-day Motuihe Island outing with lunch and water toys, or a custom overnight charter for up to six people.

“The Yonder Star Cruise by Auckland Beyond Tour is a fantastic way to experience Auckland’s harbour in comfort and style. Guests can enjoy stunning views, warm hospitality, and a uniquely memorable journey on the water. I highly recommend this experience for visitors seeking something truly special during their stay in Auckland.”

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