The 7 Best Private Charters in New Zealand

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

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

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.”

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2.Bay of Islands Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $589

Travel privately from Auckland to Paihia with a professional guide such as Nancy, Jon, or Dave, then cruise for 4.5 hours among 144 islands. Look for dolphins, visit Urupukapuka Island, and approach the Hole in the Rock before returning to Auckland.

“Jon was our driver today and he was great. Very informative on the drive in regards to Auckland and very friendly!!”

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3.Private Charter Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews

Join Nathalie and Dallas aboard the 42-foot Vigilant for a private Bay of Islands charter from Russell. You choose the pace, from a relaxed sail and picnic lunch to an island walk, snorkeling, kayaking, or time on a private beach. The charter suits up to 10 people and lasts about 5½ hours.

“Nathalie and Dallas were great hosts to a perfect day! We motored to an island that allowed us to take a great hike to the front side where we snorkeled and enjoyed our own private beach. When we returned to the boat we enjoyed a greaRead more”

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4.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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5.Private Tour: Bay of Islands Day Trip from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 6 reviews · from $578

Travel from Auckland to the Bay of Islands in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Visit Parry Kauri Park, two waterfalls, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and Paihia, with an optional cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Guide Mike has earned especially warm praise.

“For a tour for 2, which was expensive, I expected a decent car, because there were a lot of miles to cover. Instead we had a 12 seater minibus and I expect Viator to refund some of the cost as this is not good enough. Had I wanted a minibRead more”

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6.Full Day Private Tour to the Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 12 hours · from $567

Travel north from Auckland in a private Mercedes-Benz van, then cruise among the Bay of Islands by catamaran. You’ll visit Urupukapuka Island, see dolphins when conditions allow, and sail to the Hole in the Rock. Lunch, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and Auckland pickup are included.

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7.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.”

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