The Opua to Sydney passage is an exhilarating blue water adventure that blends the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s northern coastline with the challenge of crossing the Tasman Sea. Departing from the picturesque harbour of Opua, the journey begins with a chance to explore the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, where towering cliffs, secluded coves, and abundant marine life create an unforgettable backdrop.
After clearing customs in Opua, the real adventure begins as we set sail into the open waters of the Tasman Sea. This legendary stretch of ocean is known for its constantly shifting conditions, from steady trade winds to fast-moving weather systems, offering an exciting test of sailing skill, endurance, and teamwork. Days at sea bring breathtaking sunrises, endless horizons, and the thrill of blue water sailing, while nights reveal star-filled skies and the rhythmic movement of the ocean beneath us.
As Sydney’s iconic skyline appears on the horizon, the final approach through the majestic heads of Sydney Harbour marks the perfect conclusion to this offshore adventure. Ideal for experienced sailors looking for a challenge or those eager to gain blue water experience, this passage is a true test of seamanship and a rewarding journey across the Tasman Sea.
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 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 from Auckland to the Bay of Islands Airport or take a bus from Auckland to Opua.
20 Feb 2026
Arrive at the vessel in Opua Marina by 3pm
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Crew welcome dinner
21 Feb 2026
Clear customs and depart Opua Marina around 11am
21 Feb - 2 Mar 2026
Sail across the Tasman Sea to Sydney
3 Mar 2026
Arrive in Sydney midday
Complete border processing
Final Crew dinner
4 Mar 2026
Depart Sydney via Sydney 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.
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.
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.
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.