A guide to yachting across New Zealand
New Zealand is truly a sailor’s dream. With thousands of kilometres of coastline to explore, it is no wonder so many avid sailors speak highly of New Zealand. Whether you’re renting or purchasing a motor yacht for sale, streaming through the glorious sights of New Zealand is something that should be on any yachtsman’s bucket list. Today, we have a look at 6 of the top sailing spots in New Zealand that you cannot miss, so read on to find out more!
1. Good Ol’ Auckland
Auckland is the first on our list of must-sail destinations in New Zealand. Also known as the “City of Sails”, Auckland provides the absolute perfect conditions that every yachtsman will delight in. With an incredibly accessible harbour, Auckland is the ideal destination for those who want an all rounded sailing trip that includes winery tours at Waiheke Island and a great range of hiking and walking activities including Rangitoto Island.
2. Bay Of Islands
You’ll be spoilt for choice at the Bay Of Islands – home to over 144 islands just waiting to be explored. The Bay Of Islands is a fantastic place to not just take your yacht out but also engage in snorkelling activities and sunbathing due to its incredibly sunny weather. With a vast variety of options for day sailing including traditional and modern, monohulls and multihulls, this is the perfect yachting destination for a variety of people of different experience levels. If you’re lucky enough, you may even encounter a dolphin pod. You never know until you set sail and experience all that the Bay Of Islands has to offer!
3. Fiordland
Located in the south island’s west coast, Fiordland offers yachtsmen a one of a kind sailing experience. A hot destination for sailors, Fiordland offers wondrous waterfalls, inky blue waters, ancient rainforests and an incredible underwater experience. With its high rainfall, Fiordland is home to an abundance of freshwater, jewelled coloured anemones, deep-sea coral and the famous black coral trees. Those who are lucky may even encounter a seal, dolphin, whale or all three! Fiordland is ideal for groups of friends who are looking for an out of this world adventure surrounded by some of nature’s most beautiful work.
4. Lake Taupo
Aside from being a prime tourist destination, Lake Taupo is the ideal location for those who are looking for a peaceful sail. With its still waters, this is the ideal sailing spot for those who may be prone to feeling seasick in choppy waters. Lake Taupo is also home to the historic Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, something that anyone visiting the area should check out.
5. Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman is renowned for its golden beaches and crystal clear waters, making it the ideal destination for anyone who is looking for a holiday experience unlike any other. The Abel Tasman National Park is also one of New Zealand’s finest sailing destinations, offering the highest amount of sunshine hours in the country. Don’t forget to visit remote coves, secluded islands and the protected fur seal colony along your way!
6. Marlborough Sounds
Last but certainly by no means least, every yachtsman traveling across New Zealand has to make a pitstop at the Marlborough Sounds. Situated at the tip of the South Island, the Marlborough Sounds is a sailing paradise that offers a vast variety of coves, valleys, island, bays and beaches to visit. Also renowned for its wine and seafood, you can be sure that you won’t be left hungry when visiting the Marlborough Sounds.
And there you have it – 6 of the most popular sailing spots in New Zealand. If you’re planning on taking a journey across the country on your yacht, we urge you to do yourself a favour and visit at least one of these top sailing spots.
