Sail, Explore, Repeat!
New Zealand is a dream destination for boating enthusiasts, with its stunning coastline, pristine islands, and diverse marine life. Whether you want to sail around the scenic bays, cruise to the remote fjords, or charter a luxury yacht for a special occasion, you’ll find plenty of options to rent a boat in New Zealand and explore this beautiful country from the water. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on sailing in New Zealand, suggest some itineraries for your boating adventure, and share some of the top experiences and attractions you can enjoy along the way. We’ll also provide some safety and emergency information to help you plan your trip.
New Zealand has two main islands, North Island and South Island, each offering different landscapes, climates, and attractions. Depending on your preferences, budget, and time, you can choose to rent a sailboat in New Zealand and explore one or both islands, or opt for a private boat rental in New Zealand with captain and let someone else take care of the navigation. Here are some of the top nearby destinations that can be reached from New Zealand by boat:
Bay of Islands: This is one of the most popular boating destinations in New Zealand, located in the north of North Island. The bay has more than 140 islands, each with its own charm and character. You can anchor in sheltered coves, swim with dolphins, fish for marlin, or visit historic sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The bay is also home to the famous Hole in the Rock, a natural arch that you can sail through at high tide. You can rent a boat in New Zealand for a week and explore the Bay of Islands at your own pace, or join a daily boat rental in New Zealand and enjoy a guided tour of the highlights.
Hauraki Gulf: Just south of the Bay of Islands, the Hauraki Gulf is another boating paradise, with 50 islands and hundreds of anchorages to choose from. The gulf is also part of a marine park that protects a rich biodiversity of marine life, including whales, dolphins, penguins, and seabirds. You can sail to Waiheke Island and sample some of the best wines in New Zealand, visit Rangitoto Island and hike to the summit of an extinct volcano, or explore the historic Kawau Island and its mansion house. The gulf is also close to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where you can find many options for motor boat charters in New Zealand with captain or party boat rentals in New Zealand.
Abel Tasman National Park: On the northern tip of South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is a stunning area of golden beaches, turquoise waters, and native forests. The park is best explored by boat, as there are many secluded bays and islands that are only accessible by water. You can rent a sailboat in New Zealand and cruise along the coast, stopping at places like Anchorage Bay, Bark Bay, Tonga Island Marine Reserve, or Awaroa Inlet. You can also kayak, snorkel, hike, or camp along the way. The park is also famous for its coastal track, one of the best hikes in New Zealand.
Marlborough Sounds: Further south on South Island, Marlborough Sounds is a network of sunken valleys that form intricate waterways and islands. The sounds are ideal for sailing in New Zealand, as they offer calm waters, scenic views, and abundant wildlife. You can charter a luxury yacht in New Zealand and enjoy the comfort and convenience of a fully equipped vessel, or rent a boat in New Zealand for a week and discover the sounds at your leisure. Some of the highlights include Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound, D’Urville Island, and Ship Cove.
Fiordland National Park: On the southwestern corner of South Island lies Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site that protects some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. The park is famous for its dramatic fiords (also spelled fjords), which are deep valleys carved by glaciers that reach the sea. The fiords are surrounded by towering mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife. You can rent a boat in New Zealand for a week and explore some of the fiords like Milford Sound (the most famous), Doubtful Sound (the largest), or Dusky Sound (the most remote). Alternatively, you can join a daily boat rental in New Zealand and enjoy a cruise with commentary and meals included.
New Zealand has more than just beautiful beaches and islands to offer. The country is also rich in culture, history, and adventure. Here are some of the top experiences and attractions you can enjoy while boating in New Zealand:
Visit Hobbiton: If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit movies, you’ll love visiting Hobbiton, the movie set where the scenes of The Shire were filmed. Located near Matamata in North Island, Hobbiton is a charming village of hobbit holes, gardens, and a pub. You can take a guided tour of the set and learn about the behind-the-scenes stories, or book a birthday party boat in New Zealand and celebrate in style at the Green Dragon Inn.
See the glowworms: New Zealand is home to a unique species of glowworms that light up the dark caves with their bioluminescence. You can see these amazing creatures in several places, but one of the best is Waitomo Caves in North Island. You can take a boat ride through the caves and marvel at the starry spectacle, or join a more adventurous tour that involves abseiling, rafting, or tubing through the caves.
Experience Māori culture: Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and their culture is an integral part of the country’s identity. You can learn more about Māori history, traditions, and values by visiting a marae (meeting house), watching a kapa haka (cultural performance), or joining a hāngi (feast cooked in an earth oven). Some of the best places to experience Māori culture are Rotorua, Waitangi, and Te Papa Museum.
Go whale watching: New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to see whales, as many species migrate, feed, or breed in its waters. You can spot sperm whales, humpback whales, orca whales, blue whales, and more throughout the year. Some of the best places to go whale watching are Kaikoura, Auckland, Bay of Islands, and Fiordland. You can join a boat tour with a professional guide, or charter a luxury yacht in New Zealand and enjoy a private whale watching experience.
Skydive over Lake Taupo: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you can’t beat skydiving over Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. You’ll jump from 15,000 feet and freefall for 60 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h. You’ll then enjoy a scenic parachute ride over the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. You can also skydive over other locations in New Zealand, such as Queenstown, Abel Tasman, or Bay of Islands.
New Zealand has plenty of activities to suit all tastes and interests, whether you prefer to relax on the beach, explore the nature, or try something new. Here are some of the best on-the-water and on-land activities you can do while boating in New Zealand:
Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to get closer to the water and discover hidden gems along the coast. You can kayak around islands, fiords, lakes, or rivers, and see wildlife like dolphins, penguins, seals, or birds. Some of the best places to kayak in New Zealand are Abel Tasman National Park, Milford Sound, Bay of Islands, and Coromandel Peninsula.
Fishing: Fishing is a popular pastime in New Zealand, as the country has some of the best fishing spots in the world. You can fish for trout, salmon, snapper, kingfish, marlin, or tuna, depending on the season and location. You can also join a fishing charter or rent a boat in New Zealand with captain and equipment included. Some of the best places to fish in New Zealand are Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula, Kaikoura, and Fiordland.
Hiking: Hiking is one of the best ways to experience New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and scenery. The country has thousands of hiking trails for all levels of fitness and duration, from short walks to multi-day treks. You can hike through forests, mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, or beaches, and enjoy stunning views along the way. Some of the best hikes in New Zealand are Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Biking: Biking is another fun activity that lets you explore New Zealand at your own pace. You can bike on roads, trails, or tracks, and choose from easy rides to challenging ones. You can also join a guided bike tour or rent a bike and equipment from local operators. Some of the best places to bike in New Zealand are Otago Central Rail Trail, Queenstown Trail, Hawke’s Bay Trails, and Great Taste Trail.
New Zealand also has some of the best beaches in the world, where you can relax, swim, surf, or sunbathe. Here are some of the best beaches in New Zealand:
Ninety Mile Beach: This is a long stretch of sand that runs along the west coast of North Island. Despite its name, it’s actually only 55 miles long, but it still offers plenty of space and scenery for beach lovers. You can drive along the beach with a 4WD vehicle, surf the waves, or watch the sunset over the Tasman Sea.
Hot Water Beach: This is a unique beach on the east coast of Coromandel Peninsula, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand. The beach has underground hot springs that seep through the sand at low tide, creating natural spas that can reach up to 64°C. You can rent a spade from a nearby shop or bring your own, and enjoy a relaxing soak in your own hot water pool.
Piha Beach: This is a popular beach near Auckland, known for its black sand and big surf. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs and native bush, creating a dramatic contrast with the blue water. The beach is also home to Lion Rock, a volcanic formation that resembles a lion’s head. You can climb to the top of the rock and enjoy panoramic views of the beach and the ocean.
Kaiteriteri Beach: This is a golden beach on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, where you can access some of the best kayaking and hiking trails in the country. The beach has clear water and soft sand, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. You can also join a boat tour or rent a kayak from the beach and explore the nearby islands and bays.
Koekohe Beach: This is a beach on the east coast of South Island, where you can see the famous Moeraki Boulders. These are large spherical rocks that dot the beach, some weighing up to several tons. They are formed by natural processes over millions of years, and have become a popular attraction for tourists and photographers. You can walk among the boulders and marvel at their size and shape.
In case of an emergency while boating in New Zealand, you should contact the relevant authorities as soon as possible. Some of the emergency contacts are:
Coastguard: This is the main rescue service for boating emergencies in New Zealand. You can call them on VHF channel 16 or dial 111 on your cellphone and ask for Coastguard. They can assist you with any situation, such as engine failure, fire, collision, or medical emergency.
Police: This is the main law enforcement service for boating incidents in New Zealand. You can call them on VHF channel 16 or dial 111 on your cellphone and ask for Police. They can assist you with any situation, such as theft, assault, or missing person.
Maritime New Zealand: This is the main regulatory agency for boating safety and environmental issues in New Zealand. You can call them on 0508 22 55 22 or visit their website for more information. They can assist you with any situation, such as oil spill, marine mammal strike, or navigation hazard.
We hope this article has given you some useful information and inspiration for your boating trip in New Zealand. New Zealand is a wonderful country to explore by boat, with its diverse and beautiful scenery, culture, and wildlife. Whether you want to rent a sailboat in New Zealand, charter a luxury yacht in New Zealand, or join a daily boat rental in New Zealand, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs and preferences. Happy boating!