City of Sails
In Auckland you're never far from the water; on the East Coast it's the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf and on the West Coast dramatic surf beaches. Residents make the most of it and the number of watercraft make it clear why they call Auckland the City of Sails. There are lots of opportunities for you to take part in the fun.
There are more yachts here per capita than in any other city in the world, and some of the world’s fastest vessels are built and crewed by Kiwis. New Zealand has won two America’s Cup competitions and hosts regattas of all sizes. In summer, Viaduct Harbour dazzles with some of the sleekest racing boats and splashiest yachts and superyachts in the hemisphere. Aquatic innovation isn’t just about racing, though. A New Zealand farmer invented the jet-boat, a high-octane contraption that thrills adrenaline junkies on shallow inland rivers.
Outside of the city, the Bay of Islands’ lonely beaches, hundreds of islands, and safe inlets make for great sailing, while the South Island’s dramatic geography is a cruise-taker’s scenic fantasy. Inland, meandering rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting, while Abel Tasman National Park’s coast is a must-kayak stretch of empty beaches and teal blue bays.
There are plenty of charter companies ready to take you out for a day on the water around Auckland, and they offer a wide array of experiences, from gentle, 1½-hour trips for the sea-wary to multiday treks along the coast.
Top Operators
Fullers Ferries. See the Auckland skyline on Fullers’s 1½-hour Auckland Harbour cruise. Commentary runs while taking passengers past the Harbour Bridge, Devonport’s naval base, and Bean Rock Lighthouse. There’s a brief stopover at Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Various day tours of Waiheke Island are also available. Departure: 10:30 am and 1:30 pm from the Downtown Ferry Terminal. Pier 1, Ferry Terminal, 99 Quay St.09/367–9111 www.fullers.co.nz NZ$40.
Pride of Auckland. Pride of Auckland trips keep customers well fed and active as they take in the sights of Waitemata Harbour. Affiliated with Sail NZ, this fleet of purpose-built sailboats plus serious racing yachts is based in Viaduct Harbour in downtown Auckland. Don't get too relaxed, since helping the crew is part of the experience. For those wanting a classic, more sedate day out, the company also offers a classic wooden launch. You'll eat well on trips timed for lunch, dinner, and coffee breaks. The fee includes entrance to the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, where you can explore the country’s seafaring past. Departure: 1 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:45 pm, and 5:30 pm from Viaduct Harbour. Auckland NZ Maritime Museum, corner Quay and Hobson Sts.09/373–4557www.exploregroup.netNZ$75–NZ$160.
Ross Adventures. Ross Adventures proves there’s more to Waiheke Island than relaxed beaches and wineries. Half-day (appropriate for beginners), full-day, and multiday kayaking trips take paddlers past coastal cliffs and inlets. Explore caves, beaches, and Māori pā sites (depending on the day’s route). Full-day trips include swimming and snorkeling, and you may spot blue penguins or dolphins as you kayak. Departure: 9 am from the kayak shed at Matiatia. Waiheke Island09/372–5550www.kayakwaiheke.co.nzNZ$125–NZ$195.
Sail NZ. Sail on America’s Cup racing yachts in Viaduct or Waitemata harbors (depending on the trip). With Sail NZ’s America’s Cup Sailing Experience you can sail with a racing crew (or relax while they do the work). For more thrills participate in the America’s Cup Match Racing trip. This three-hour experience includes practice drills followed by a race against other yachts with a race crew. Departure: Daily from Viaduct Harbour. Booking Kiosk, Viaduct Harbour09/359–5987www.exploregroup.net NZ$160.
