Itinerary · 7 nights · Auckland Marina to Auckland Marina

Northern New Zealand

Discover boutique islands, world-class diving, historic harbors, and postcard-perfect anchorages across New Zealand's most enchanting cruising grounds

Planned by the Ahoy Club charter team and reshaped for every yacht and every group we send here.

Best months
September to April
How long
8 Days / 7 Nights
Start and finish
Auckland Marina to Auckland Marina
The pace
8 days, 7 stops
Suits
New Zealand, Auckland
1

Auckland to Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island

Day 1, Auckland to Waiheke Island

Depart from Auckland's vibrant marina and cruise east across the Hauraki Gulf toward Waiheke Island, passing the iconic Rangitoto Island. Anchor in Oneroa or Onetangi Bay for an afternoon swim and private vineyard tasting experience showcasing New Zealand's finest wines. Enjoy a sunset dinner onboard overlooking rolling hills and turquoise waters.

  • Scenic Auckland departure and Rangitoto Island views
  • Boutique vineyard tasting experience
  • Sunset dinner with island vistas
2

Waiheke to Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island

Day 2, Waiheke to Great Barrier Island

Cruise further into the Hauraki Gulf to Great Barrier Island, one of New Zealand's most untouched and remote destinations with pristine natural beauty. Anchor in peaceful Tryphena Harbour and spend the afternoon kayaking along dramatic coastlines and exploring secluded coves. After dark, experience stargazing in one of the world's Dark Sky Sanctuaries, or enjoy a chef-led tasting menu onboard.

  • Kayaking dramatic Great Barrier Island coastline
  • Stargazing in Dark Sky Sanctuary
  • Nature-immersed overnight anchorage
3

Great Barrier to Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel Peninsula

Day 3, Great Barrier to Coromandel Peninsula

Cruise south toward the Coromandel Peninsula to experience dramatic coastal scenery and sheltered anchorages. Explore the iconic Cathedral Cove and hidden beaches accessible only by water, then enjoy paddleboarding and snorkeling in crystal-clear turquoise bays teeming with marine life. Anchor near Cooks Beach for a peaceful overnight surrounded by native forest and pristine coastline.

  • Cathedral Cove exploration
  • Snorkeling turquoise bays
  • Sheltered Cooks Beach anchorage
4

Mercury Islands & Remote Exploration

Mercury Islands

Day 4, Mercury Islands & Remote Exploration

Continue to the Mercury Islands, a remote cluster of rugged islets offering a true off-grid superyacht experience far from civilization. Spend the day snorkeling pristine reefs, fishing in rich local waters, and exploring sea caves and secluded coves. Enjoy sunset cocktails on deck in complete seclusion, surrounded only by natural beauty and starlit skies.

  • Pristine reef snorkeling
  • Off-grid sea cave exploration
  • Sunset cocktails in total seclusion
5

Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Poor Knights Islands

Day 5, Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Cruise north to the Poor Knights Islands, one of the world's top dive and snorkeling locations with world-class underwater ecosystems. Explore spectacular sea caves, natural arches, and dramatic volcanic formations teeming with abundant marine life including rays and schooling fish. Conclude with a rejuvenating private onboard spa afternoon after your water adventures.

  • World-class diving and snorkeling
  • Sea caves and volcanic arches
  • Private onboard spa treatment
6

Bay of Islands Arrival

Bay of Islands

Day 6, Bay of Islands Arrival

Arrive in the legendary Bay of Islands, home to 144 scenic islands and sheltered anchorages perfect for peaceful cruising. Navigate through the famous Hole in the Rock and explore turquoise bays ideal for swimming and water sports. Anchor in a protected cove for a spectacular sunset while enjoying cocktails on deck and preparing for your final days of exploration.

  • Hole in the Rock navigation
  • Turquoise bay swimming and water sports
  • Sunset anchorage with postcard views
7

Russell, Waitangi & Kawau Island

Bay of Islands

Day 7, Russell, Waitangi & Kawau Island

Spend the morning exploring Russell, New Zealand's charming first capital with historic colonial buildings and waterfront character. Visit the iconic Waitangi Treaty Grounds to experience Māori cultural heritage, then cruise south toward Kawau Island. Tour the historic Mansion House and enjoy a leisurely afternoon before your farewell dinner onboard reflecting on an extraordinary week.

  • Historic Russell exploration
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds visit
  • Kawau Island Mansion House tour
8

Return to Auckland

Auckland

Day 8, Return to Auckland

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on deck while cruising back toward Auckland Harbour through scenic Hauraki Gulf waters. Stop for a final swim in pristine bay waters (weather permitting) to savor the last moments of your New Zealand adventure. Disembark at central Auckland marina with unforgettable memories of island explorations, marine adventures, and the remarkable beauty of the North Island's waters.

  • Scenic Hauraki Gulf return cruise
  • Final swim in pristine waters
  • Disembark with extraordinary memories

The idea of the week

Embark on an unforgettable week through New Zealand's most captivating northern waters, where world-class diving meets pristine island anchorages and historic harbors. This expertly curated itinerary showcases the Hauraki Gulf's remote islands, the Poor Knights Islands' extraordinary marine reserves, and the Bay of Islands' legendary beauty and rich Māori heritage.

From boutique wine tastings on Waiheke Island to snorkeling in one of the world's top dive locations, each day unveils new adventures. Discover untouched coastlines, explore sea caves and volcanic formations, and experience the effortless luxury of yacht living in some of the South Pacific's most pristine waters.

Perfect for those seeking both water sports thrills and serene island relaxation, this New Zealand charter balances exploration with rejuvenation in settings that feel utterly remote.

  • New Zealand
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Islands
  • Island Exploration
  • Diving Adventure
  • Cultural Experience
  • Vineyard Tasting
  • 8-Day Charter
  • Marine Reserve
  • Remote Island
  • Coastal Cruising

What the week costs

The yacht's published weekly rate, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance, customarily 30 percent, for fuel, food, drink and berths, plus local VAT where it applies. Every listing shows its rate.

How charter pricing works

Also on this coast

Everything we know about : when to go, where the fleet is and the other weeks we have planned.

Open

Woven into the week

What the crew arrange along the way

The parts of the week that need a phone call before you arrive: tables, guides, instructors and the toys on deck.

Waiheke Island Vineyard Tasting

Waiheke Island Vineyard Tasting

Explore boutique vineyards with sun-kissed terraces and enjoy curated wine tastings showcasing New Zealand's finest wines with stunning island views.

  • Private vineyard visits
  • Curated wine tastings
  • Terraced vineyard views
  • Local wine education
  • Premium wine selections
  • Scenic island backdrop
Poor Knights Islands Diving & Snorkeling

Poor Knights Islands Diving & Snorkeling

Experience world-class diving and snorkeling at one of the planet's premier marine reserves with diverse ecosystems, sea caves, and abundant marine life.

  • World-class dive sites
  • Snorkeling in protected waters
  • Sea cave exploration
  • Marine life encounters
  • Professional dive guides
  • All equipment provided
Bay of Islands Cultural Experience

Bay of Islands Cultural Experience

Discover New Zealand's cultural heritage through guided visits to historic Russell, the iconic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and Kawau Island's historic Mansion House.

  • Russell historic exploration
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds visit
  • Māori cultural learning
  • Kawau Island mansion tour
  • Historical interpretation
  • Cultural immersion
Private Chef Gourmet Tasting Menu

Private Chef Gourmet Tasting Menu

Indulge in a multi-course gourmet dining experience prepared by a professional private chef featuring fresh local New Zealand produce and premium wine pairings.

  • Multi-course gourmet meals
  • Fresh local NZ produce
  • Premium wine pairings
  • Dietary customization
  • Chef's tasting menus
  • Exceptional presentation
Spa & Wellness Retreat Afternoon

Spa & Wellness Retreat Afternoon

Rejuvenate with professional spa treatments delivered onboard, including massage therapy and wellness consultations in the privacy of your yacht.

  • Professional massage therapy
  • Wellness consultations
  • Onboard spa treatments
  • Skincare and facials
  • Relaxation programming
  • Premium spa products

Back to

The other weeks we have planned on this coast, and when to go.