Itinerary · 13 nights · Auckland to Auckland

New Zealand Discovery & Adventure

A comprehensive 14-day journey from Auckland through Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier Island, and Bay of Islands to pristine Northland waters

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

Best months
September - April
How long
14 Days / 13 Nights
Start and finish
Auckland to Auckland
The pace
9 days, 9 stops
Suits
New Zealand, Auckland
1

Auckland & Waiheke Island

Hauraki Gulf

Day 1, Auckland & Waiheke Island

Begin your New Zealand yacht charter in Auckland, the "City of Sails," departing through the scenic waters of Hauraki Gulf. Cruise past iconic Rangitoto Island before anchoring at Waiheke Island for private vineyard tastings and coastal dining. Enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking rolling vineyards while swimming and paddleboarding in calm protected bays.

  • Scenic departure past Rangitoto Island
  • Private vineyard tastings and dining
  • Sunset cocktails and water activities
2

Great Barrier Island

Day 2, Great Barrier Island

Cruise to Great Barrier Island, one of New Zealand's most untouched and remote destinations. Anchor in Tryphena Harbour and explore dramatic coastlines through kayaking, native bush trail hiking, and stargazing in a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary. This island offers an authentic nature-led superyacht experience far from civilization.

  • Kayaking dramatic coastline
  • Native bush hiking and exploration
  • Stargazing in Dark Sky Sanctuary
3

Coromandel Peninsula & Mercury Islands

Coromandel Peninsula

Cruise south to the Coromandel Peninsula before heading offshore to the Mercury Islands' turquoise bays. Explore Cathedral Cove by tender, paddleboard in pristine waters, and snorkel vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. Enjoy fishing in rich coastal waters with peaceful overnight anchorages in secluded bays.

  • Cathedral Cove tender exploration
  • Paddleboarding and snorkelling
  • Fishing and secluded anchorages
4

Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Poor Knights Islands

Day 4, Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Cruise north to the Poor Knights Islands, one of the world's top diving destinations showcasing world-class underwater experiences. Explore dramatic sea caves and volcanic arches while encountering abundant marine life including rays and schooling fish in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy spa and relaxation onboard after your diving adventures.

  • World-class diving and snorkelling
  • Sea caves and volcanic arches
  • Spa and relaxation afternoon
5

Bay of Islands Yacht Charter

Bay of Islands

Day 5, Bay of Islands Yacht Charter

Arrive in the legendary Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands and calm protected anchorages perfect for exploration. Cruise through the iconic Hole in the Rock, enjoy watersports and swim stops in sheltered bays, and explore Russell—New Zealand's first capital. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and enjoy beach picnics under the stars.

  • Cruise through Hole in the Rock
  • Explore Russell and Treaty Grounds
  • Beach picnics and sunset anchorages
6

Northland Coast & Whangaroa Harbour

Whangaroa Harbour

Cruise further north into Whangaroa Harbour, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and remote anchorages. Enjoy deep-water fishing opportunities, scenic hiking with wildlife spotting, and peaceful overnight anchorage in this adventurous extension beyond typical cruising grounds.

  • Dramatic cliffs and remote anchorages
  • Deep-water fishing opportunities
  • Scenic hiking and wildlife spotting
7

Return South via Cavalli Islands

Cavalli Islands

Day 7, Return South via Cavalli Islands

Cruise south with a stop at the Cavalli Islands for snorkelling in clear turquoise waters and secluded beach landings. Enjoy afternoon relaxation on expansive decks while taking in scenic coastal views as you make your way back toward Auckland.

  • Snorkelling in clear waters
  • Secluded beach landings
  • Deck relaxation and scenic cruising
8

Kawau Island

Day 8, Kawau Island

Continue south toward Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf, home to the historic Mansion House surrounded by native forest. Enjoy coastal walks, wildlife spotting in pristine ecosystems, and prepare for your farewell dinner onboard celebrating an unforgettable two-week New Zealand adventure.

  • Historic Mansion House visit
  • Coastal walks and wildlife spotting
  • Farewell celebration dinner
9

Return to Auckland

Auckland

Enjoy a relaxed final cruise back into Auckland Harbour, starting with sunrise coffee on deck. Take advantage of one final swim stop if weather permits before arriving beneath the iconic Auckland skyline with unforgettable memories of your New Zealand yacht charter.

  • Sunrise coffee on deck
  • Final swim stop (weather permitting)
  • Scenic Auckland skyline arrival

The idea of the week

Embark on a comprehensive 14-day New Zealand yacht charter spanning from the vibrant City of Sails in Auckland through pristine island waters to the remote and dramatic Northland coast. This extended journey combines cosmopolitan experiences with untouched natural beauty, offering the perfect blend of adventure, culinary excellence, and peaceful anchorages.

From the protected waters of Hauraki Gulf and the vineyard-dotted shores of Waiheke Island to the remote wilderness of Great Barrier Island, dramatic coastlines of the Coromandel Peninsula, world-class diving at Poor Knights Islands, and the legendary 144 islands of the Bay of Islands- this itinerary showcases New Zealand's diverse and spectacular cruising grounds.

Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive New Zealand experience, this two-week charter balances active exploration with serene relaxation, cultural heritage with natural adventure, and luxury yacht living with authentic Kiwi hospitality.

  • New Zealand
  • Auckland
  • Hauraki Gulf
  • Bay of Islands
  • Great Barrier Island
  • Vineyard Experience
  • Diving & Snorkelling
  • Cultural Heritage
  • 14-Day Charter
  • Adventure & Relaxation

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.

Vineyard Tasting on Waiheke Island

Vineyard Tasting on Waiheke Island

Enjoy private vineyard tastings on Waiheke Island, renowned for world-class wines produced in a stunning seaside setting.

  • Private vineyard tours and tastings
  • Wine and gourmet pairing experiences
  • Coastal vineyard dining
  • Expert sommelier guidance
  • Premium wine selection
Poor Knights Islands Diving

Poor Knights Islands Diving

Experience world-class diving at the Poor Knights Islands, featuring dramatic sea caves, volcanic arches, and abundant marine life in pristine waters.

  • Guided diving expeditions
  • Sea cave and arch exploration
  • Professional diving instruction
  • Equipment provided
  • All certification levels welcomed
Bay of Islands Cultural Heritage

Bay of Islands Cultural Heritage

Discover New Zealand's rich cultural heritage with visits to historic Russell and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learning stories that shaped the nation.

  • Russell historic town exploration
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds visit
  • Guided cultural heritage tours
  • Museum and heritage exhibits
  • Local cultural experiences
Deep-Water Fishing Charter

Deep-Water Fishing Charter

Pursue premium fish species in Northland's rich coastal waters with professional crew guidance and expert fishing knowledge.

  • Full-day deep-sea fishing expeditions
  • Target kingfish and premium species
  • Professional fishing expertise
  • All equipment and tackle provided
  • Fish preparation and cooking
Great Barrier Island Adventure Hiking

Great Barrier Island Adventure Hiking

Explore Great Barrier Island's pristine native bush trails, dramatic coastlines, and immerse yourself in untouched natural landscapes.

  • Guided native bush trail hikes
  • Coastal trail exploration
  • Wildlife and nature spotting
  • Photography opportunities
  • Beginner and advanced routes

Back to

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