Set sail on a remarkable sailing expedition from Port Vila in Vanuatu to Noumea in New Caledonia and onward to Opua in New Zealand. This Category 1 ocean passage combines offshore adventure with cultural discovery, taking you through the volcanic landscapes of Vanuatu, the French-Pacific charm of New Caledonia, and the subtropical beauty of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.
Departing Vanuatu’s warm tropical waters, we sail southwest to Noumea, a cosmopolitan hub surrounded by white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. Weather and timing permitting, we may step ashore to clear customs and enjoy a short break in this relaxed French-influenced city before continuing south.
The next leg offers a true ocean passage experience. Expect rolling swells, brilliant night skies, and the steady rhythm of life at sea. You will gain practical experience with navigation, weather routing, and offshore passage-making systems, steadily building your sailing confidence and skill.
Landfall in Opua marks the rewarding conclusion to an unforgettable journey. Whether you are logging ocean miles, developing seamanship, or simply embracing the beauty of life at sea, this expedition offers a powerful way to experience the heart of the South Pacific.
Sail from the Volcanic Shores of Vanuatu
Depart from the tropical harbour of Port Vila and begin your journey through the warm waters of Melanesia, surrounded by lush islands, coral reefs, and volcanic peaks.
Explore the French-Pacific Charm of Noumea
Experience the unique blend of French and island cultures in New Caledonia’s capital. Optional shore time offers a chance to enjoy beach cafés, patisseries, turquoise lagoons, and a touch of European flair in the heart of the Pacific.
Cross the Open Ocean to New Zealand
Embark on a classic bluewater passage across one of the South Pacific’s most iconic offshore routes. Encounter long ocean swells, starlit night watches, and the meditative rhythm of life at sea.
Hands-On Offshore Sailing Experience
Gain real-world experience in navigation, weather routing, watch-keeping, and offshore systems under the guidance of experienced crew aboard a Category 1 vessel.
Witness Ocean Wildlife in Remote Waters
pot dolphins riding the bow, albatross soaring overhead, and flying fish darting across the surface. During the right season, you may also encounter migrating whales, all in their natural open-ocean habitat.
Arrive in Opua, Gateway to the Bay of Islands
Make landfall in New Zealand’s most renowned cruising region. The sheltered harbours, green headlands, and maritime hospitality of Opua mark the rewarding conclusion of an unforgettable ocean crossing.
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 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.
9 Oct 2027
Fly into Bauerfield International Airport, Vanuatu, to arrive at the vessel at Yachting World Marina, in Port Vila by 3pm
Crew welcome dinner
10 Oct 2027
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Clear customs and depart Yachting World Marina around 2pm
10 - 27 Oct 2027
Head for Opua, New Zealand stopping at Noumea for 2 - 3 days along the way
28 Oct 2027
Arrive in Opua Marina and clear customs
Crew farewell dinner
29 Oct 2027
Depart Opua via Bay of Islands Airport or by bus to Auckland
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Port Vila and Opua and various stopover ports, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation 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.