Catamaran Cruises in New Zealand: the 15 We’d Board First

1.Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 476 reviews · from $105Our pick

Board a 50-foot sailing yacht at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening cruise with a welcome drink, live commentary, and three-course dinner. See the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, Ferry Building, and Mt. Eden. Jackets and blankets are supplied, and you may help with the sails or take the wheel.

“What a beautiful way to see Auckland Harbor, and the city other than a sunset, cruise coming back into the harbor and you get to see some of the sunset colors against the backdrop of Auckland and the sky tower was beautiful”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111Top rated

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working tall ship sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Help raise sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim from the ship, visit an island, and enjoy scones, tea, and a chicken BBQ lunch. Paihia ferry transport is included when selected.

“Wonderful day out, sun, sea and sand. Dip in the water. Fabulous weather. Food was yummy. Staff were really attentive. They looked after everyone and we’re “down” with the kids!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 319 reviews · 2h 30m · from $95

Meet Explore Group at Viaduct Harbour for a 2.5-hour evening sail on a 50ft yacht. Enjoy a welcome drink, help steer if conditions allow, hear Auckland stories from the crew, and choose a main and dessert from a three-course meal by The Lula Inn.

“Was relaxing, food was great and activity was well beyond our expectations”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Join Nat, Nathalie, Nick, Dallas, or Anita aboard Vigilant for a 5.5-hour sailing trip from Russell. Help with the sails, stop at an island for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or a walk, then enjoy lunch, hot drinks, and the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life.

“We enjoyed a lovely day aboard Vigilant. The captain and her first mate were knowledgeable sailors and made the day quite enjoyable. They made us feel welcome and shared their knowledge and history of the area. We spent 1.5 hours on an island that allowed us to hike, swim, and kayak followed by a freshly made lunch and a leisurely sail. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed our time getting to know the captain, first mate and our fellow passengers. We highly recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Phantom Sailing Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $121

Join sailing hosts Rick and Robin aboard the Phantom for about five and a half hours around New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. With no more than 10 people aboard, you’ll enjoy an island walk, swimming, snorkeling, homemade lunch, local stories, and a possible dolphin sighting.

“Wow! What an absolutely wonderful day we had sailing with Rick & Robin. We sailed through many incredible places, and the knowledge and experience that was shared was second to none. Everything was just amazing! The lunch also was beautiful, all home made and delicious. Highly recommend you go with this company above others. Even my aged parents, with Dad over 80 felt safe and comfortable. Sailing with Rick & Robin is a day our family will never ever forget!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Bay of Islands: Full-Day Tall Ship Sailing Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 147 reviews · 5h 30m · from $107

Spend about five and a half hours aboard the locally built R. Tucker Thompson. Help hoist sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim from the ship, and walk to a scenic viewpoint. Your fare includes ferry tickets from Paihia, cream tea, BBQ lunch, and support for youth sailing.

“We did this on our last visit to NZ, and had to do it again. The crew are brilliant and there were lots of hands-on opportunities, hoisting the sails, climbing the rigging, I even had a go at helming! There was plenty of wind so we were under sail most of the time. Cream tea, fine lunch, swimming, trip ashore to investigate an historic landing by Capt Cook - this excursion has everything.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 6 hours · from $128

Join Brad and Monique aboard the Bayscapes catamaran for six hours around the Bay of Islands. Sail from Paihia, use the provided snorkel gear and paddleboards at a quiet island stop, take a short bush walk, and enjoy a catered lunch before returning.

“our hosts were amazing and made you feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you stepped on board. a great way to see the bay of Islands in all its beauty. we were also supplied a delicious lunch while relaxing in one of the many beautiful bays. highly recommend doing this cruise.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Bay of Islands: Awesome Day Sailing Tour with Island Stop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 6 hours · from $104

Join Captain Mike, David, or another friendly Gungha II skipper for six hours aboard a 65-foot sailing yacht. Help with the sailing or relax, watch for dolphins and penguins, then swim, snorkel, walk, and eat a fresh lunch on a quiet island.

“A beautiful and relaxed scenic trip through the Bay. Mike is a well informed, warm and friendly Captain & tour guide. Be sure to sit at the stern of the boat, if you want to hear more about Pahia/Keri Keri. Mike has no shortage of stories and invaluable historical information about the Bay of Islands. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, myself in particular getting to connect with a fellow Canadian (Mike) living abroad.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sundowner Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $61

Meet the R. Tucker Thompson at Russell Wharf for a relaxed 1-hour-50-minute sunset sail. Help raise the sails, try the rigging if you wish, share an antipasto platter, and buy drinks from the licensed bar. Paihia visitors receive return ferry tickets to Russell.

“booked to sail to hole in the rock , but Captain said wind was not from right direction , a bit disappointed , only sailed across harbour and back , a bit tame and boring , crew were friendly and cheerful , trip was over too soon . Darryl and Xian”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 90 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Best value

Join the R. Tucker Thompson at Russell Wharf for a two-hour late afternoon sail through the inner Bay of Islands. Help raise the sails, steer under supervision, climb the rigging, or relax with antipasto and a cash-bar drink. Ferry tickets from Paihia are included.

“we had fabulous weather so. that was a great start. the crew were excellent great food”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Bay of Islands: Day Sailing Cruise with Island Stop and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · from $133

Sail from Paihia aboard Bayscapes Charters’ spacious 40-foot catamaran with Brad and Monique. After two hours on the water, stop at a boat-access-only island for a short walk, swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a packed lunch before sailing back.

“The couple that ran the catamaran were extremely nice and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed our time sailing and spending time on the beach and hiking. The lunch they provided was really good as well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · from $68

Cruise from Viaduct Harbour for 90 minutes past Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina, Devonport, and the skyline. The crew provides tea, coffee, hot chocolate, a cookie, and weatherproof jackets. You may help with the sails or take the helm, with commentary from the captain and crew.

“This tour was everything I’d hoped for and more. It was laid back, comfortable, and so much fun. Our crew made sure we had fun and seemed to enjoy the experience as well. Many passengers got a turn at the wheel, which was really fun! The views of the harbor were breathtaking. It give the chance, I’d do it again tomorrow!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 36 reviews · 2 hours · from $56

Step from Paihia Beach onto Barefoot Sailing Adventures’ modern catamaran for a two-hour evening sail through Paihia, Opua, Russell, and Waitangi. Expect a swim stop, beanbag seating, local stories, a complimentary drink, and crew such as Luke, Rachel, Luca, or Michelle.

“Loved it! Delightful couple of hours sailing and a fab swim!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Take exclusive use of Serenity for six hours in the Bay of Islands. Captain Magnus and Adam can guide you sailing, fishing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or ashore for a walk. The catamaran holds up to 20 people, with pickup, lunch, and drinks arranged to suit your group.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

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

“What a fantastic day! Erin and Bruno are wonderful and do a great job. A very nice ham and mushroom quiche was served for lunch along with a salad and a nice rose wine. The island we went to was great for hiking. Water still a bit brisk but snorkeling and paddle boarding were available. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review