Set sail on a 300nm coastal adventure, navigating from Opua in the Bay of Islands to Auckland’s Gulf Harbour Marina. This 11-night sailing voyage blends exploration, adventure, and relaxation, with a flexible route tailored to weather and discovery opportunities.
With over 30 possible stopovers, each day brings new anchorages, remote beaches, and sheltered bays. Visit Great Barrier Island, Great Mercury Island, and the hidden gems of the Hauraki Gulf, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel thriving reefs, hike scenic trails, and fish in rich coastal waters.
Evenings are spent anchored in tranquil bays, indulging in barbecues, fresh seafood, and breathtaking sunset dinners. Whether you're seeking coastal exploration, up-close marine encounters, or simply the joy of sailing, this expedition offers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity, culminating in a stunning arrival into Auckland’s City of Sails.
Cruise through the iconic Bay of Islands
With over 140 subtropical islands, the Bay of Islands is rich with secluded coves, marine life, and anchorages steeped in Māori history and coastal heritage to explore.
Visit Great Barrier Island’s wild east coast
Hike lush trails, soak in natural hot springs, and explore the island’s rugged beauty—one of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine cruising destinations.
Swim and snorkel at Great Mercury Island
Dive into crystal clear waters and vibrant reef systems surrounding this privately owned island paradise, only accessible by boat.
Discover hidden coves and marine sanctuaries
Kayak, paddleboard, or snorkel in calm, protected bays teeming with sea life, from colourful reef fish to stingrays and dolphins.
Experience Māori heritage and coastal culture
Visit historic island sites and coastal settlements where local stories, ancient pā sites, and cultural landmarks bring the journey to life.
Sail into Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour
Conclude your voyage with a spectacular arrival into New Zealand’s most famous harbour, framed by city skylines and iconic sailing culture.
Opua Marina, Bay of Islands
First port of entry for yachts arriving from Pacific crossings.
Social hub for global cruisers, with weather briefings and stories at the Opua Cruising Club.
Motuarohia Island / Roberton Island
Historic pā site and Cook’s 1769 landing, a key site of early Māori–European interaction.
Scenic lagoon and walking track to twin lookouts, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Islands.
Urupukapuka Island
Largest island in the Bay of Islands, rich in Māori archaeological sites and coastal walking trails.
Conservation hotspot, part of Project Island Song - home to reintroduced native birds and predator-free bush.
Whangamumu Harbour
Ruins of New Zealand’s only land-based whaling station, accessible via a scenic bush track.
Well-protected anchorage, surrounded by steep green hills and often visited by dolphins and seabirds.
Poor Knights Islands
Explore sea caves. Rikoriko Cave is vast enough to have reportedly sheltered a WWII-era Japanese sub.
Swim and snorkel in fully protected marine reserve teeming with untouched marine life.
Mokohinau Islands
Remote, rugged group with crystal-clear waters, ideal for fishing in untouched conditions.
Iconic 1883 lighthouse on Burgess Island—a remote sentinel with sweeping sea views and bird colonies.
Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island
Deep, sheltered harbour ringed by bush-covered hills—one of NZ’s finest natural anchorages.
Hike to the top of Mount Hobson / Hirakimata, passing rare kauri snails and historic tramway remnants.
Great Mercury Island / Ahuahu
Privately owned island with archaeological treasures, including pā sites and obsidian tools.
Immaculate white-sand beaches and clear waters, ideal for paddleboarding, snorkelling, and off-grid picnicking.
Kawau Island
Mansion House, former home of Governor Sir George Grey, now a historic museum in landscaped gardens.
Copper mine ruins, accessible via forest walk—offering a glimpse into the island’s 19th-century mining era.
Moturekareka Island
Wreck of the Rewa, a full-size steel ship deliberately sunk in 1930 to create a breakwater—still visible and swimmable.
Calm, clear waters ideal for snorkelling, with abundant fish life sheltered by the rusting hulk.
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Superyacht marina and America’s Cup legacy zone, alive with sailing history and marine activity.
Wynyard Quarter and Silo Park, a short stroll away with food trucks, silo art, and waterfront events.
Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls. View gallery
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination. View gallery
Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s. View gallery
Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication. View gallery
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures. View gallery
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard. View gallery
Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan. View gallery
Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather). View gallery
Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions. View gallery
Coastal exploring offers the thrill of venturing to remote places using a RIB, uncovering hidden gems like pristine reefs, secluded beaches, and winding rivers. Discover shipwrecks teeming with history, indulge in beach combing for unique treasures, and experience the untouched beauty of coastal landscapes. View gallery
Onshore activities include hiking and bushwalking to scenic lookouts, exploring local towns, and discovering the unique charm of each destination. Enjoy cultural immersion through local traditions, relax with games, or uncover hidden gems as you explore islands. View gallery
Dining out offers the chance to enjoy local flavours, explore regional specialties, and experience unique culinary traditions. From seaside cafes to hidden gems, each meal is an opportunity to savour the culture and cuisine of the destination. View gallery
Fishing provides an opportunity to connect with nature, whether casting a line from the shore or exploring deeper waters. Enjoy the thrill of the catch, the serenity of the surroundings, and the chance to bring home a fresh, rewarding meal. View gallery
Exploring historic places offers a glimpse into the past through ancient sites, architectural landmarks, and local stories. These visits bring history to life, connecting you with the culture, traditions, and events that shaped each destination. View gallery
Kayaking allows you to glide through serene waterways, explore hidden coves, and get up close to nature. It’s a peaceful yet adventurous way to discover rivers, coastlines, and marine life from a unique perspective. View gallery
Snorkelling offers an up-close view of vibrant underwater ecosystems, from colourful coral reefs to fascinating marine life. It's a relaxing and immersive way to explore the wonders beneath the surface of the water. View gallery
Swimming offers refreshing escapes in stunning settings, from crystal-clear bays and tranquil rivers to diving off the back of the boat into azure waters. It's a perfect way to relax and be rejuvenated by nature. View gallery
Wildlife watching offers unforgettable encounters with nature, from observing birds and dolphins to spotting whales, turtles, and sharks. Discover diverse marine life, from playful fish to delicate starfish, in their natural habitats. View gallery
Step aboard Te Kaihopara, a purpose-built South Pacific cruising ketch designed for modern explorers seeking connection, challenge, and discovery at sea. From remote coastlines to open ocean passages, Te Kaihopara delivers comfort, capability, and adventure in equal measure. With a strong, ocean-tested build, hands-on sailing opportunities, and space to relax and reflect, every voyage is a chance to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the ocean and the raw beauty of the natural world.
With $1m spent on a refit, new electronics, a full rewire and the latest safety equipment in 2023, the yacht meets the highest safety standards.
With a generous galley, 4 fridges and a freezer, the yacht is able to be well provisioned for long distance cruising.
With a saloon and wheelhouse that seat up to 16 people, there are ample indoor and outdoor seating choices.
Berth and Cabin and options
Moana Stateroom: Booking option for couple or up to 3 singles. Private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 4 large and 2 small port hole windows. Private ensuite.
Tiritiri Suite: Booking option for couple or up to 3 singles. Private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 1 small port hole window. Private ensuite.
Mokohinau Cabin: Booking option for up to 4 occupants with private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 2 small port hole windows. Private ensuite.
You can fly directly into Keri Keri Airport (a 30 minute car ride from Opua) in the Bay of Islands, or catch a bus from Auckland or Whangarei.
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Our plan is to sail into the The Gulf Harbour Marina in Auckland by 2pm on day 12 and you can plan to depart out of Auckland Airport (a 60-75 minute car ride) the same day.
29 Dec 2027
Arrive at the vessel in Opua by 10am
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Depart Opua around 12pm
29 Dec 2027 - 8 Jan 2028
Explore the bays and islands of the Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf.
9 Jan 2028
Arrive at the Gulf Harbour Marina in Auckland by 2pm
Depart Auckland Airport after 5pm
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Auckland and Opua, accommodation onboard, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.
Members
Check for Member's availability here before booking this event, using Members Benefits. When you book Reserve your place here.