New Zealand Yacht Charter

Your Guide to Yacht Charter in New Zealand

New Zealand Yacht Charter

View New Zealand yacht charters here

The New Zealand yacht charter scene is quite spectacular. But it's no surprise that New Zealand and yacht charters go hand in hand. The New Zealanders (Kiwis) are particularly at home on the water with more boats per capita than any other country. This is a reflection of the quality of incredible cruising grounds within what New Zealanders term 'Godzone'. With the demand for tours going from strength to strength, what better way to see the 'Land of the Long White Cloud' than aboard a superyacht, and seeing this amazing counry how the locals would - from the water.

Marlborough Sounds - New Zealand - Photo by ROb Suisted - credit to Tourism New Zealand

Marlborough Sounds - New Zealand - Photo by ROb Suisted - credit to Tourism New Zealand 

Known mostly for its mountainous white peaks and dense forests as shown in the Lord of the Rings films, New Zealand has plenty of maritime activities and coastal locations to match the inland environments it is famous for. A number of stretches along the North and South Islands are common charter grounds, including Fiordland, Marlborough Sound, the Abel Tasman, the Bay of Islands and also the Bay of Plenty close to Auckland, New Zealand's most populous city.

New Zealand truly is one of the most stunning countries on earth. This land holds an ancient mystic, worthy of countries far older. Its beauty can be rugged or intoxicatingly tranquil - still and perfect.

Kaka Parrot - Photo by Venture Southland - Credit to Tourism New Zealand

Kaka Parrot - Photo by Venture Southland - Credit to Tourism New Zealand

Fiordland on South Island's southwest coast is full of misty isles, rocky cliffs, lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls that are resting grounds for seals, dolphins, whales, penguins and a host of migratory birds. Milford Sound is the most famous of the locations to be found here but Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound are ideal destinations for fishing trips to catch blue cod or dive for lobster. The southernmost point of New Zealand is a great location for those who want to feel as if they have come to 'the edge of the world', which it was to many only 150 years ago.

  

Photo 1: Balloon Safari over the Canterbury Plains - New Zealand - Photograper David Wall; Photo 2: Christchurch - Canterbury - Photo by Elite Images; Photo 3: Hawkes Bay - New Zealand - Image photo by Chris McLennan - All Images courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

Marlborough Sound and the Abel Tasman are at the northern point of the South Island and ferries from Picton will pass through this way to reach Wellington on the North Island. The area is a vinter's paradise and vineyard tours followed by wine tasting sessions can be organised for interested groups. On a yacht charter in New Zealand, you'll be spoilt for choice of fine cuisine and wines. The seas and Sounds are filled with fish and marine life including the famous green-lipped mussel, lobster and scallops. In Marlborough, you'll find the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world.

40km of national park territory is part of the breeding grounds of the Little Blue Penguin - or Fairy Penguin - which comes ashore between November and March to nest. Herons and dolphins are regularly spotted in the area by kayakers as they roam between the islands. There's also a chance to catch a glimpse of whales playing in the clear waters. D'Urville Island has excellent coves to snorkel and dive while water-skiers and windsurfers will discover excellent territory for day-long activities.

Awaroa Inlet - Abel Tasman National Park - Image credit to Tourism New Zealand - Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

Awaroa Inlet - Abel Tasman National Park - Image credit to Tourism New Zealand - Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

The Abel Tasman has a number of natural wonders, but the Pupu Springs are famous for having the clearest freshwater anywhere in the world. The nearby town of Nelson is known for its outdoor dining and fresh cuisine, making a trip to the Abel Tasman perfect for food and drink lovers as well as fitness fans.

As a young country, New Zealand takes care in preserving the history which forms its national identity. Wherever you charter, you are sure to find plenty of museums and galleries dedicated to the lives of early explorers. The university town of Dunedin has a plenty of Victorian architecture and there are guided tours of the most significant buildings as well as a steam train for a day ride into the countryside.

 Auckland - Photo by Chris McLennan - Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

Auckland - Photo by Chris McLennan - Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

Known as the City of Sails, Auckland is the most notable charter destination for arts and theatre, casinos and shopping. The largest centre for Polynesian culture in the world, Auckland is a city of sophistication and has a wealth of museums to explore before the night-time glamour begins to sparkle.
 
That is to say nothing of the natural beauty of the beaches and parks stretching up to the Bay of Islands and down to the Bay of Plenty. The region is the epicentre of sailing in New Zealand, with approximately one in every three households owning a boat. As an international yachting destination, New Zealand can compare with the most popular charter grounds of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. The local culture is geared towards adventure sports, fresh native cuisine and friendly hospitality, making it a noteworthy destination for summer sun during the winter season.
 
The yacht charter season in New Zealand is year round, however most people tend to prefer the warmer months of September to April. If you're brave enough, try a winter charter when the atmosphere can take on an incredible stillness. The water becomes mirror-like and breezes tend to be light and constant, although they can also be stormy and rainy. If you're well equipped and well dressed, a winter charter can be equally as satisfying, and even more magnificent than a New Zealand summer charter.
 
 

Heli-picnic above Lake Wakatipu - Queenstown - Photographer Chris Sisarich - Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

For decades, Australasian's have recognized the intensity of New Zealand's beauty and tranquillity, and for most part, have had it all to themselves. With recent exposure as a world-class travel destination New Zealand is attracting yacht charter clients from around the world. People come to New Zealand with mild expectations and generally leave amazed. The New Zealand yacht charter industry is a key player in the expected continued growth in South Pacific yacht chartering in general.

TOP DESTINATIONS

Auckland & Hauraki Gulf Yacht Charter
The 'City of Sails', as Auckland is fondly known, has a superyacht marina that sits against the backdrop of the sparkling Waitemata harbour. Auckland is the base for sailing the magnificent Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel Peninsula.

Bay of Islands Yacht Charter
The Bay of Islands is one of the most favoured cruising and yacht charter locations within New Zealand. Travellers and locals alike are drawn to the Bay of Island's protected bay for its mild sub-tropical climate, hundreds of uninhabited islands and pure serenity.

Marlborough Sounds Yacht Charter
A yacht charter in the Marlborough Sounds can be quite mystical and spiritual with a view of soft green mountains downed in native forest meeting still turquoise waters in an endless web of tiny bays.

Fiordland Yacht Charter
Fiordland, which is home to the famous Milford and Doubtful Sounds, is a natural wonder which is unrivaled anywhere. Indeed, Rudyard Kipling described Fiordland as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’.  It is a certainty that you will leave your yacht charter awe inspired and deeply affected.

White water rafting - Queenstown - Photo by Julian Apse - Image courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

The different types of yacht available for New Zealand yacht vacation includes motor, sailing, ecotourism charter, skippered, crewed yachts, catamaran, power boat, sailboat, luxury yachts and superyacht charters.

Below is a selection of yachts based, or able to charter in New Zealand. There is a bigger selection of New Zealand charter yachts here, however please get in touch with us for more information and the full list of yachts available for the period you are interested in. 

New Zealand Yacht Charter Enquiry

The boat was amazing and we had the best time. The captain and all the crew where so lovely, they couldn't be more helpful - so much so we gave them a (very good) tip. Capri was so beautiful but you couldn't move for the people, we did all the islands; weather was so hot we just swam, ate and took in the sights. Thanks so much for your help.   A. Davies from New Zealand - chartered in Italy.

Yachting Destinations In and Around New Zealand

Explore Location Guides for great destinations near New Zealand .

Yachts for Charter in New Zealand

New Zealand Yachting News

CharterWorld Superyacht Charter News

Charter Yacht Disclaimer

This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter