Catamaran Cruises in Paihia: the 5 We’d Board First

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

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

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.”

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

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

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.”

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3.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”

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4.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.”

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5.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”

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