The Opua to Sydney passage is a thrilling blue water journey that combines the dramatic beauty of New Zealand’s northern coast with the challenge of crossing the Tasman Sea.
Departing from the sheltered harbour of Opua, we begin by exploring the rugged east coast of the North Island—home to towering cliffs, hidden coves, and rich marine life. After clearing customs, we set a course west into the Tasman Sea, a powerful stretch of ocean known for its deep swells, shifting pressure systems, and fast-changing conditions.
This is true ocean sailing—demanding vigilance, resilience, and teamwork. Watch rotations structure each day, as we settle into the rhythm of life at sea, navigating everything from steady trade winds to squalls and variable fronts. Days bring sunrises on open water, celestial navigation opportunities, and wildlife sightings; nights are marked by starlit skies and the hum of the boat carving through the dark.
As Sydney’s skyline emerges and we sail through the towering heads of the harbour, the journey ends with a deep sense of accomplishment. This passage is a test of seamanship and endurance—an unforgettable offshore experience for those seeking to cross one of the world’s legendary blue water routes.
Sail New Zealand’s wild northern coast
Begin your journey along the dramatic east coast of the North Island, where rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and rich marine life set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Take on the Tasman Sea
Cross one of the world’s most dynamic ocean passages. Experience everything from calm trade winds to powerful weather systems as you test your seamanship and build offshore confidence.
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of offshore sailing
Embrace the full offshore experience with day-and-night watches, celestial navigation, and the deep quiet that only comes from life at sea.
Unforgettable sunrises, starlit nights, and ocean horizons
Witness nature at its most raw and beautiful—from blazing sunrises and phosphorescent wakes to uninterrupted stargazing on clear Tasman nights.
Gain true bluewater experience
This is a hands-on, skill-building voyage perfect for sailors looking to log offshore miles, practise heavy-weather sailing, or work toward certifications.
Arrive beneath the Sydney skyline
Finish your passage with a dramatic entrance through the Heads of Sydney Harbour—one of the most iconic landfalls in ocean voyaging.
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 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.
17 Feb 2026
You can fly directly into the Bay of Islands Airport and take a taxi to the marina
Arrive at the vessel in Opua Marina by 10am
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Crew welcome dinner
18 Feb 2026
Clear Customs and depart Opua Marina around 11am
18 Feb - 1 Mar 2026
Sail to Sydney, crossing the Tasman Sea
2 Mar 2026
Arrive in Sydney
Complete border processing
Crew celebration dinner and stay onboard
3 Mar 2026
Depart Sydney via Sydney Airport
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Opua and Sydney, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions shirt, 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 ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.
You will need to complete either a 5-hour online or 2-day classroom based Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent prior to departure. 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.