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New Zealand, a verdant land as green as the eye can see, is located in the south-western Pacific Ocean. It is comprised of two large islands called the North Island and the South Island and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand has a temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation making it an ideal, year-round vacation and outdoors destination.

One of the world's least crowded countries, it is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation, or a great place to relax and unwind. New Zealand’s extensive coast, bays, islands, lush forests, wildlife and pleasant climate also make it a playground for adventurers and nature lovers. It is a natural wonderland.

New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings and highlight its cultural diversity and history that has created this land of beauty and interest.

With stunning natural landscapes, gorgeous beaches, spectacular geothermal and volcanic activity, and fascinating animal and plant life, it is no surprise that New Zealand’s pure natural environment is so attractive to visitors. Cruise the North Island out of Auckland and explore the 150 Bay Islands while swimming, diving, hiking, fishing and kayaking. The Bay Islands are home to two marine parks - natural aquariums full of large snappers, crayfish, stingrays, sponges and dolphins.

Or cruise the northern end of South Island in the Marlborough Sounds and explore the many inlets and anchorages. While there, explore the numerous wineries and taste wines from this world famous wine producing area. At last count there were over 65 wineries in this area producing, among other wines, renowned Sauvignon Blancs. Cruise with seals and dolphins - be on constant watch and you might see penguins.

Allow us to custom tailor your luxury, crewed New Zealand yacht charter. Our knowledge of New Zealand charter yachts, crews, destinations and cruising itineraries is unmatched! We personally inspect each yacht, meet the captains, sample the chefs' cuisine and evaluate the service offered by each yacht crew.

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Sample New Zealand Yacht Charter - Auckland to Bay of Islands (10 Days)

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland and settle into your charter yacht. Relax and review your itinerary with your charter captain before visiting the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, for a panoramic view of the city and Auckland's 48 volcanoes. If you are brave enough you can jump off the tower and free fall for 192m supported by just a wire. Return to the charter yacht to enjoy cocktails and dinner while spending the night at the dock in the Viaduct.

Auckland Skyline with the Sky Tower

Day 2: Leave after breakfast for Waiheke Island. Take a mini bus tour of the island visiting Stoneyridge Vineyard and Mudbrick Vineyard and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting. Spend the night at anchor.

Waiheke Island

Day 3: Relocate to a different bay at Waiheke or set out for the Coromandel Peninsula to a secluded bay. Enjoy water sports activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, wakeboarding or water-skiing. Spend the evening at anchor. Dinner on board.

Coromandel Peninsula

Day 4: Early departure for Great Barrier, the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. It is a rugged and scenic island with unspoiled beaches, hot springs, old kauri dams and a forest sanctuary. There are many activities to enjoy including four popular options:

• Option 1 - Beach riding and swimming with horses (the horses do the swimming!);
• Option 2 - Mountain biking through forests to the hot water springs;
• Option 3 - 8x8 adventures, traverse beaches, wetlands and volcanic terrain;
• Option 4 - Diving – there are pinnacles, shipwrecks, lots of fish and great visibility; and
• Option 5 - Hike to the top of Mt Hobson for fantastic views.

Overnight.

Great Barrier Island Beach


Great Barrier Island Coast

Day 5: Explore more of Great Barrier Island.

Goat Island Marine Reserve

Day 6: Early morning departure for Leigh and Goat Island. Goat Island is the country's first marine reserve with 547 acres and the sea has become a giant aquarium. Visitors can snorkel and scuba dive and see huge snapper, blue maomao, crayfish, stingrays, colorful sponges and if you're very lucky, orca and bottle nosed dolphins.

Snorkeling off Goat Island

Day 7: Depart for the Poor Knights Islands. Another marine reserve, it is reputed to have the best scuba diving in New Zealand, and has been rated one of the world's top 10 diving spots. The islands are bathed in a subtropical current from the Coral Sea, so varieties of tropical and subtropical fish not seen in other coastal areas are observed here. There are underwater cliffs, and a labyrinth of archways, caves, tunnels and fissures. There are also wrecks of two navy ships to explore. Late afternoon departure for Whangaruru, an old whaling base in an idyllic anchorage.

Diving off Poor Knights Islands


One of Many Manta Rays Off Poor Knights

Days 8 & 9: Depart for the Bay of Islands after breakfast. Long famed for its stunning coastal scenery, the bay is punctuated by dozens of coves and the clear waters range in hue from turquoise to deep blue. Over two days enjoy a variety of activities. Choose from:

• Fishing as the Bay of Islands is noted for its great fishing;
• Have lunch in historic Russell and explore the town and its lovely waterfront;
• Take a dive trip to the Cavalli Islands and dive on the Greenpeace boat The Rainbow Warrior;
• Kayak through the 150 islands that make up the Bay of Islands;
• Visit Waitangi, the site of the historic signing on 6 February 1840 between Maori chiefs and Queen Victoria's government;
• or take cruise in the tender up the Keri Keri inlet to the old stone store.

Bay of Islands


Queenstown, New Zealand

Day 10: Disembark and fly to Queenstown for more adventures. While in Queenstown try bungy-jumping, skydiving, white water rafting or play a round of golf as a guest on a private course that will be hosting the next 3 New Zealand Opens.

Bungy Jumping in Queenstown