Departing from Gulf Harbour Marina, this 9-night sailing adventure explores the remote beauty of New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. With a flexible route shaped by weather, we’ll visit Great Barrier, Little Barrier, and Great Mercury Islands—each offering wild coastlines, rich wildlife, and peaceful seclusion.
Sail past the dramatic cliffs of Little Barrier Island, then enjoy a full circumnavigation of Great Barrier Island, anchoring in quiet bays perfect for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and bush walks. Onshore, discover white sand beaches, natural hot springs, and scenic canyon trails.
Continue to Great Mercury Island, where turquoise waters and soft sands invite relaxation and exploration. Evenings are spent in tranquil anchorages, sharing sunset drinks, fresh seafood, and hearty dinners under the stars.
Ideal for those looking to unplug and reconnect with nature, this coastal escape blends sailing, discovery, and the quiet magic of life at sea.
Cruise past Little Barrier Island's towering cliffs
Begin your journey with a scenic passage around this remote wildlife sanctuary, home to endangered seabirds and flourishing native bush.
Explore Great Barrier Island by land and sea
Anchor in sheltered bays perfect for kayaking and snorkelling, then go ashore to soak in natural hot springs, walk forested trails, or relax on golden beaches.
Swim and paddleboard at Great Mercury Island
Discover the island’s pristine bays and turquoise waters, ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, and slow days surrounded by nature
Experience flexible, weather-responsive cruising
With no fixed itinerary, each day is shaped by sea conditions and guest interests, offering a relaxed, intuitive approach to island-hopping.
Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s coastal wilderness
Spend nine unhurried nights reconnecting with nature, surrounded by ocean views, native bush, and the quiet rhythm of life at sea.
Gulf Harbour Marina
Full-service marina just 40 minutes from Auckland, offering facilities, cafe and a vibrant boating community.
Ideal jumping-off point for Hauraki Gulf cruising, with easy access to Tiritiri Matangi, Kawau Island, and beyond.
Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island
Strictly protected nature reserve, home to some of Aotearoa’s rarest native birds and reptiles.
Spiritual and ecological significance to Ngāti Manuhiri and conservationists alike. Offers views of rugged peaks, waterfalls, and dense untouched bush.
Port Fitzroy, Great Barrier Island / Aotea
One of NZ’s best all-weather anchorages, surrounded by steep bush-covered hills and deep bays.
Access to Windy Canyon and Mount Hobson hikes, with views across the Gulf and kauri forest-lined tracks.
Rakitu Island / Arid Island
Excellent snorkelling and diving, with crystal-clear water and caves teeming with fish life.
Sacred to Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea, and part of recent conservation and pest eradication efforts.
Great Mercury Island / Ahuahu
Rich archaeological significance, with Māori pā sites, terraces, and obsidian tools still visible across the island.
Coastal hikes and hilltop trails offer stunning views, while calm bays invite snorkelling and paddle boarding over clear reef-filled waters.
Great Barrier Island / Aotea
Sailors can drop anchor and go ashore for lush forest hikes, such as Mount Hobson (Hirakimata) via Windy Canyon, or visit natural hot springs and kauri groves just inland from the water’s edge.
Adventure hub, with swimming, surfing, kayaking and snorkelling beautiful reefs all within reach.
Tryphena, Great Barrier Island
Charming local village feel, with cafés, art galleries, and summer markets near the waterfront.
Close to bushwalks and scenic lookouts, ideal for day hikes into the island’s interior.
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
Coastal exploring offers the thrill of venturing to remote places using a RIB, uncovering hidden gems like pristine reefs, secluded beaches, and winding rivers. Discover shipwrecks teeming with history, indulge in beach combing for unique treasures, and experience the untouched beauty of coastal landscapes. View gallery
Onshore activities include hiking and bushwalking to scenic lookouts, exploring local towns, and discovering the unique charm of each destination. Enjoy cultural immersion through local traditions, relax with games, or uncover hidden gems as you explore islands. View gallery
Dining out offers the chance to enjoy local flavours, explore regional specialties, and experience unique culinary traditions. From seaside cafes to hidden gems, each meal is an opportunity to savour the culture and cuisine of the destination. View gallery
Fishing provides an opportunity to connect with nature, whether casting a line from the shore or exploring deeper waters. Enjoy the thrill of the catch, the serenity of the surroundings, and the chance to bring home a fresh, rewarding meal. View gallery
Exploring historic places offers a glimpse into the past through ancient sites, architectural landmarks, and local stories. These visits bring history to life, connecting you with the culture, traditions, and events that shaped each destination. View gallery
Kayaking allows you to glide through serene waterways, explore hidden coves, and get up close to nature. It’s a peaceful yet adventurous way to discover rivers, coastlines, and marine life from a unique perspective. View gallery
Snorkelling offers an up-close view of vibrant underwater ecosystems, from colourful coral reefs to fascinating marine life. It's a relaxing and immersive way to explore the wonders beneath the surface of the water. View gallery
Swimming offers refreshing escapes in stunning settings, from crystal-clear bays and tranquil rivers to diving off the back of the boat into azure waters. It's a perfect way to relax and be rejuvenated by nature. View gallery
Wildlife watching offers unforgettable encounters with nature, from observing birds and dolphins to spotting whales, turtles, and sharks. Discover diverse marine life, from playful fish to delicate starfish, in their natural habitats. 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 available
Moana: Aft Stateroom - includes 3 berths (2 + 1) and private ensuite. Available as private or shared cabin. USB 12v / 240v power outlets.
Tiritiri: mid cabin - includes 3 berths (2 + 1) and private ensuite. Available as private or shared cabin. USB 12v / 240v power outlets.
Mokohinau: Forward cabin - includes 4 berths (4 x 1 ) and private ensuite. Available shared cabin. USB 12v / 240v power outlets.
29 Dec 2025
Arrive at the vessel at Gulf Harbour Marina in Auckland by 3pm
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Crew welcome dinner
30 Dec 2025
Depart Gulf Harbour around 11am
31 Dec 2025 - 6 Jan 2026
Various island anchorages and adventures ashore.
7 Jan 2026
Arrive back at Gulf Harbour Marina by 3 PM
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard, 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; accommodation and meals 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
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.