New Zealand Yacht Charter: Land of the Long White Cloud
New Zealand is a critical player in the continued growth of the South Pacific yacht charter industry. Take a yacht charter vacation here and experience one of the most stunning countries on earth.
The most popular sailing area in New Zealand is a 170-mile stretch of coastline extending north from the central city of Auckland, with the Bay of Islands lying in the center. This area also includes Whangaroa Harbour, Poor Knights Islands, the Hauraki Gulf, and the western side of Great Barrier Island. This is New Zealand’s premier cruising ground, with safe harbors and sheltered coves. Visitors are often surprised at the unexploited nature of this magnificent cruising area.
New Zealand Yacht Charter | Sailing Seasons
New Zealand offers yachting opportunities at any time of the year. However, summer is the most popular time. These warmer months stretch from November to April.
Although not for the faint of heart, a winter charter can be a fantastic experience. In the colder months, the water is calm, and the breezes are light. However, the weather can turn rather stormy, so it is best to be well-equipped. Winter charters can be even more exciting than summer charters.
The Bay of Islands
Known worldwide as the most popular sailing destination in New Zealand, The Bay of Islands consists of four main islands and several smaller ones. The four larger islands offer many small coves with clean sandy beaches and the opportunity for a forest or grassland hike ashore.
This area is rich in both European and Maori history. Capt. Cook anchored here and named the bay; the first white missionaries also chose the Bay of Islands as their home base. The quaint village of Russell, and the resort town of Paihia, have world-class restaurants and plenty of cafes if you choose to dine ashore.
Venturing Beyond the Bay of Islands
Your New Zealand yacht charter allows you to choose your destinations. Choose to leave society behind and find an island all to yourself. For those who want to venture beyond the flat waters of the Bay, there is Northland’s coastline, indented with safe havens.
The spectacular Whangaroa Harbour is an easy day sail north. Heading south, there are numerous harbors and scattered bays along the 100 miles of coast between the Bay and Auckland. Or, sail 50 miles of open water to the rugged mountains of Great Barrier Island.
Aukland is fondly known as the ‘City of Sails.’ With a superyacht marina that sits against the backdrop of the sparkling Waitemata harbor, Auckland is the base for sailing the magnificent Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel Peninsula.
Explore the Beautiful Marlborough Sounds
The beautiful Marlborough Sounds, Tasman, and Golden Bays are south of Aukland at the northern tip of the South Island. The Marlborough Sounds is a yachting delight with miles and miles of unspoiled coastline with sheltered bays and beaches. This sparsely populated area has scenic beauty, many historic sites, fishing and scuba diving opportunities, and excellent wildlife viewing.
New Zealand Yacht Charter | Activities
The Bay is famed for its dolphins, and a friendly pod will likely visit you. The fishing is good; snapper is the favored catch. Dive the world-renowned marine reserve of the Poor Knights’ Islands south of the Bay or the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior – destroyed by sabotage in 1985.
There are historical sites to visit ashore. Waitangi is the site of the signing of the nation’s founding document. The tranquil Assassination Cove is remembered as the site of a bloody confrontation between European explorers and the local Maori. A lonely cross at now deserted Oihi commemorates the first Christian service in New Zealand.
See New Zealand the Way Locals Do
Yacht chartering in New Zealand is undoubtedly spectacular. But that’s no surprise to New Zealanders (Kiwis). With more boats per capita than any other country, they are at home on the water. With the demand for New Zealand tours strengthening, what better way to see the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ than aboard a New Zealand yacht charter?
Although people come to New Zealand with mild expectations, they leave amazed. And you will too! Allow Luxury Yacht Charters to arrange for you the most beautiful chartering experience in New Zealand.
Australia | Fiji | New Zealand
