Set sail on a true blue water adventure with this sailing passage from Picton, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, to Opua in the stunning Bay of Islands. This non-stop offshore expedition takes you through the Cook Strait and into the open waters of the Tasman Sea, before rounding New Zealand’s northern capes and sailing down the east coast to your final landfall in Opua.
This is a hands-on sailing experience ideal for sailors looking to gain offshore miles, refine their seamanship, and embrace the rhythm of ocean sailing. You'll take part in day and night watches, helm under starlit skies, trim sails in shifting conditions, and learn about navigation, weather routing, and life at sea. Expect varied conditions—from fast-reaching under the sun to calm night sailing and dynamic Tasman breezes.
As you sail up the dramatic west coast of the North Island, you’ll pass remote headlands, spot seabirds and marine life, and enjoy the immersive simplicity of life offshore. Rounding North Cape and Cape Reinga is a rite of passage for any New Zealand sailor, marking your arrival into the subtropical waters of Northland.
Landfall in Opua brings a warm welcome and the satisfaction of a successful passage completed. Whether you’re building miles or chasing the thrill of the open ocean, this expedition offers a rewarding and unforgettable sailing experience along one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal routes.
Sail New Zealand’s iconic North Island west coast from South to North
Embark on a non-stop offshore journey from Picton to Opua, passing through the Cook Strait, Tasman Sea, and around Cape Reinga into the Bay of Islands.
Build offshore miles and seamanship
Perfect for sailors looking to log offshore experience, with hands-on involvement in navigation, weather routing, watch rotations, sail handling, and helming.
Experience a variety of ocean conditions
Sail through ever-changing wind and sea states, from fast daytime reaching to starlit night sailing and fresh Tasman breezes.
Pass remote and rugged headlands
Enjoy dramatic views of New Zealand’s west coast and its wild, uninhabited stretches—home to seabirds, dolphins, and migrating whales.
Round Cape Reinga and North Cape
Mark a significant sailing milestone as you round these northern headlands into the warmer, sheltered waters of Northland.
Arrive in the Bay of Islands
Finish your journey with a well-earned landfall in Opua—New Zealand’s premier cruising hub—offering a friendly welcome and stunning subtropical scenery.
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
Step aboard Silverfern, a sleek and spacious sailing yacht crafted for comfort, camaraderie, and coastal exploration. Whether you're navigating hidden bays, sharing stories over dinner on deck, or trimming sails on an offshore leg, Silverfern offers the ideal balance of relaxation and hands-on adventure. With warm hospitality, inviting living spaces, and a spirit of discovery at its core, every journey on Silverfern feels like coming home—only at sea.
You can fly directly into Blenheim or Picton Airports or arrive in Picton by Cook Strait Ferry to join the yacht.
23 Feb 2027
Arrive at the vessel in Picton Marina by 11am
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Depart Picton Marina around 1pm
23 Feb - 1 Mar 2027
Sail the 600nm offshore passage to Opua
Day and night watch rotations, hands-on helming, navigation, and sail trim
Expect starlit skies, sunrise watches, and marine life sightings en route
2 Mar 2027
Arrive into Opua Marina by mid-morning
Crew farewell lunch
Disembark and depart from Bay of Islands Airport (to Auckland Airport) or catch bus from Opua to Auckland
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.
Eligibility
You will need to complete a 5-hour online or 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
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.