The Hobart to Opua Ocean Passage is an exhilarating 1,350nm Category 0 bluewater voyage that crosses the formidable Tasman Sea, one of the world's most challenging bodies of water, before continuing along New Zealand’s stunning northeast coast to the picturesque town of Opua in the renowned Bay of Islands.
Departing from Hobart, we clear Tasmania’s rugged and dramatic coastline and head northeast across the Tasman Sea, a body of water known for its long-period swells, rapidly changing weather, and raw, untamed power. With nothing but open ocean stretching for more than 2,500nm to the south, this crossing is both a true test of seamanship and a rite of passage that many sailors aspire to complete.
Our highly experienced skippers, who have completed more than 20 Tasman crossings including two solo voyages, carefully time the weather window and adjust our routing mid-passage using live forecasts to ensure a safe and rewarding crossing. After making landfall at the iconic Cape Reinga, we sail the final 80nm to Opua in the Bay of Islands, where we clear customs. This is a bold, bucket-list journey for sailors seeking challenge, adventure, and unforgettable ocean miles that create lasting memories.
Sail One of the World’s Great Ocean Routes
The Hobart to Opua Ocean Passage is a thrilling offshore expedition from Tasmania’s wild southern coast to the subtropical waters of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. As a direct, non stop blue water crossing, this is a serious offshore challenge. Ideal for sailors wanting to test themselves and gain ocean experience.
Conquer the Legendary Tasman Sea
Known for its powerful weather systems, long-period swells, and ever-changing conditions, the Tasman Sea is a rite of passage for many offshore sailors. With no landmass between you and Antarctica, this route demands skill, resilience, and good seamanship.
Guided by Expert Skippers
Our skippers bring decades of offshore experience, including more than 20 Tasman crossings. You'll benefit from expert knowledge in ocean routing, heavy weather tactics, and onboard safety, ensuring your passage is challenging, but well managed and rewarding.
Live the Offshore Rhythm
Sail day and night as you fall into the rhythm of blue water life. From helming and navigation to watch rotations, weather interpretation and sail trim, this is a hands-on learning environment. Starlit night sails, bioluminescent wakes, and dolphins on the bow add wonder to the experience.
A True Sense of Accomplishment
After rounding Cape Reinga, the course turns toward Opua, New Zealand’s northern gateway for international yachts. Making landfall here signals the completion of a significant ocean voyage. Clearing customs is more than just formalities, it marks the moment you can truly savour the sense of achievement that comes from completing a serious offshore passage.
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 Silverfern, a sleek and spacious sailing yacht crafted for comfort, camaraderie, and coastal exploration. Whether you're navigating hidden bays, sharing stories over dinner on deck, or trimming sails on an offshore leg, Silverfern offers the ideal balance of relaxation and hands-on adventure. With warm hospitality, inviting living spaces, and a spirit of discovery at its core, every journey on Silverfern feels like coming home—only at sea.
You can fly directly into Hobart Airport to join the yacht at the Hobart Marina.
7 Jan 2026
Arrive at the vessel in Hobart by 3pm
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Crew welcome dinner
8 Jan 2026
Clear customs and depart Hobart around 12pm
8 - 17 Jan 2026
Sail across the Tasman Sea to Opua
18 Jan 2026
Arrive in Opua and clear customs
Crew farewell dinner
19 Jan 2026
Depart Opua on bus to Auckland or catch taxi 30 minutes to Keri Keri Airport, to connect to Auckland Airport.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew 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; meals and accommodation 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.
Eligibility
You will need to complete a 5-hour online or 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
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.