Set sail on a 7-night adventure through the iconic waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound, Kenepuru Sound, and the legendary D’Urville Island. This hands-on coastal sailing expedition blends wind-powered exploration, scenic anchorages, and immersive connection with the Marlborough Sounds.
Departing from Picton Marina, we’ll harness the breeze as we navigate a maze of headlands, coves, and sheltered waterways—perfect for both seasoned sailors and those new to life under sail. Each day brings a new anchorage, selected for beauty, protection, and adventure.
Swim in turquoise bays, snorkel over kelp beds, paddle ashore for bushwalks, or simply relax on deck as the landscape drifts by. We’ll sail through the thrilling Te Aumiti/French Pass, then explore the remote wilderness of D’Urville Island, rich in Māori heritage and natural drama.
Evenings are spent anchored in tranquil bays, sharing hearty meals, local wine, and stories as the sun sets. Whether you're trimming sails or lounging under the stars, this is coastal New Zealand at its most raw, beautiful, and rewarding.
Depart from Picton Marina
Begin your journey from the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, where well-equipped docks and a lively waterfront mark the start of remote cruising.
Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui
Sail past forested bays and tranquil waters, and step ashore to explore sections of the Queen Charlotte Track with sweeping coastal views.
Venture into Kenepuru Sound
Navigate narrow, quiet inlets and enjoy kayaking or swimming in peaceful, secluded bays surrounded by native bush.
Discover Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere
Cruise New Zealand’s largest sound, dotted with mussel farms and dramatic ridgelines, with options to hike or explore hidden estuaries by tender.
Explore D’Urville Island / Rangitoto ki te Tonga
Anchor near rugged beaches to fish, dive, or simply soak in the isolation, while learning about the island’s deep Māori history.
Experience Te Aumiti / French Pass
Sail through swirling tidal currents and narrow channels for one of New Zealand’s most exhilarating and scenic passages at sea.
Picton Marina
Gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, with full marina services, provisioning, and easy access to remote cruising.
Visit the Picton Foreshore or EcoWorld Aquarium before departure for a relaxed start or family-friendly activity.
Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui
Walk the Queen Charlotte Track, with multiple access points and scenic lookouts over forested ridgelines.
Explore historic Ship Cove, a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook, with monuments and interpretation panels.
Kenepuru Sound
Kayak or paddleboard through calm, narrow inlets surrounded by native bush and birdlife.
Anchor near peaceful eco-lodges or holiday homes accessible only by water, ideal for a secluded retreat.
Pelorus Sound / Te Hoiere
Cruise past mussel farms and rugged hillsides in one of New Zealand’s most remote and least visited sounds.
Walk the Nydia Track from Nydia Bay for a scenic bush hike through regenerating forest and coastal views.
D’Urville Island / Rangitoto ki te Tonga
Fish in renowned areas like Catherine Cove, with excellent visibility and abundant marine life.
Hike to Bald Hill for panoramic views across the island and surrounding waters, with a true sense of isolation.
Te Aumiti / French Pass
Navigate the narrow, fast-moving tidal channel for a thrilling and memorable sailing experience.
Walk to the French Pass lookout to watch swirling currents and eddies from above—especially striking at peak tide.
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.
16 Feb 2027
Fly into Blenheim or Picton Airports or catch the Cook Strait Ferry from Wellington.
Arrive at the vessel in Picton Marina by 11am
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Depart for first anchorage.
17 - 22 Feb 2027
Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound, and Kenepuru Sound
Navigate the iconic Te Aumiti/French Pass for a thrilling passage
Explore D’Urville Island, a rugged and remote paradise
Activities include snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting
Evenings spent anchored in sheltered bays, enjoying fresh seafood and sunset dinners
23 Feb 2027
Sail back to Picton Marina, arriving by 2pm
Depart via Picton Ferry Terminal, Picton Airport, or Blenheim Airport later that day
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, 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; meals and 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
If you plan to fly in a day earlier, or stay onboard the night after we return to port, an extra night's accommodation is available onboard, prior to departure and/or after arrival as an add-on, for $100 per person, per night. This can be purchased through your We Travel account during the booking process or prior to departure.
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.