The Whangarei to Brisbane passage is a thrilling blue water adventure, beginning 8 hours south of New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands and crossing the Tasman Sea to Queensland’s vibrant capital.
Departing from Whangarei, you'll enjoy a final glimpse of Aotearoa’s rugged coastline before setting your course northwest into open ocean.
This 1,350nm offshore journey offers a true test of seamanship - navigating the powerful swells, shifting pressure systems, and variable conditions of the Tasman. With rotating watches, helm time, and celestial horizons, it’s an immersive experience in ocean sailing, ideal for building offshore miles and confidence.
Landfall in Brisbane marks the rewarding end of this trans-Tasman challenge. From the solitude of open sea to the subtropical welcome of Moreton Bay, this passage offers a unique blend of adventure, skill-building, and unforgettable achievement.
Sail one of the South Pacific’s classic offshore routes
Experience the iconic trans-Tasman crossing from Opua, New Zealand, to Brisbane, Australia—a rewarding blue water adventure.
Depart from the Whangarei
Begin your journey along New Zealand’s northern coast, surrounded by tranquil bays, rolling green hills, and rich marine life.
Cross the mighty Tasman Sea
Navigate long ocean swells, dynamic weather systems, and exhilarating offshore conditions on this respected and challenging passage.
Build real offshore experience
Take the helm, plot your position, trim sails, and stand night watches—ideal for gaining sea miles and growing your confidence at sea.
Embrace the rhythm of ocean life
Witness glowing sunrises, star-filled skies, and the quiet power of the open sea as you settle into life offshore.
Arrive in subtropical Brisbane
Make landfall at the mouth of the Brisbane River, cruising past Moreton Bay’s islands and into Queensland’s welcoming capital—an unforgettable end to an epic crossing.
Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
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.
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).
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.
Step aboard Awen, a high-performance ocean-going yacht built for adventure, discovery, and unforgettable sailing experiences. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of offshore passages, island-hopping through remote archipelagos, or enjoying sunset sails with a like-minded crew, Awen offers the perfect blend of speed, adventure and capability. With experienced skippers, hands-on sailing opportunities, and ever-changing seascapes, every journey on Awen is a chance to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with nature, adventure, and yourself.
You can fly directly into Whangarei Airport on or before 1 April 2026. Upon arrival, you’ll join the vessel in Port Nikau Marina, where we’ll familiarise you with Awen, her systems, and all safety equipment. That evening, you’ll enjoy a crew welcome dinner. The following day is dedicated to crew preparation, training drills, and final passage checks. We plan to depart on 3 April, weather permitting, and aim to arrive in Brisbane by 11 April. You should plan to depart Brisbane Airport on or after 12 April, although earlier departure may be possible depending on wind and passage timing.
1 Apr 2026
Arrive at the vessel in Port Nikau Marina, Whangarei by 3:00pm
Settle in, meet your fellow crew, and enjoy a welcome dinner onboard
2 Apr 2026
Crew training and offshore preparation
Safety briefings, sail handling drills, watch system setup, and final passage checks
3 Apr 2026
Clear Customs and depart Port Nikau Marina around 11:00 AM
Begin your Tasman Sea crossing, bound for Brisbane
4–11 Apr 2026
Sail across the Tasman Sea
Experience day and night sailing, helm time, navigation, and the full rhythm of offshore life
11 Apr 2026
Arrive in Brisbane, clear customs and biosecurity
Dock at the Rivergate marina and celebrate the successful passage
12 Apr 2026
Depart from Brisbane Airport (flights after 3:00pm recommended)
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard on the passage, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device) and a safety tether.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, meals ashore at restaurants, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not available onboard, while in port prior to departure, due to the sparse nature of the race yacht fit out, lack of ventilation and lack of amenities onboard.
Prior to departure on a passage, you will need to book 2-nights’ accommodation ashore. You will stay onboard for the duration of the passage, while at sea and 1 night (optional) after arrival in port at the end of the passage.
We provide optional accommodation packages, that include transport (to and from marina) and in-house meals packages for our crew.
You can purchase as an add on item during the booking process, or closer to the event.
You can also arrange your own accommodation ashore: Options: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided.
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.