Set sail on an extraordinary voyage along Australia’s wild east coast, where open-ocean adventure, remote island stops, and vibrant marine life await. Departing Sydney Harbour, leave the city behind and embrace the freedom of the sea as you cruise past rugged headlands, golden beaches, and secluded bays alive with dolphins and migrating whales.
Anchor at Broughton Island to snorkel coral gardens and kayak quiet lagoons. Hike the peaks of Lord Howe Island for sweeping views, or dive the remote reefs of Elizabeth and Middleton—home to turtles, reef sharks, and thriving marine ecosystems.
This passage is a rewarding test of seamanship, navigation, and weather strategy. Days unfold with fresh seafood, sunsets at sea, and starlit nights at anchor. The journey ends in Southport, with a sense of accomplishment and deep connection to the ocean. For those seeking challenge, beauty, and discovery—this is the ultimate blue-water adventure.
Sail Iconic Sydney Harbour
Begin your journey beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House, launching into open ocean.
Offshore Passage Sailing
Build offshore miles and confidence navigating swells, wind shifts, and evolving weather systems.
Remote Island Exploration
Anchor at Broughton Island for snorkelling, kayaking, and exploring untouched coastal landscapes.
Lord Howe Island Adventure
Hike dramatic volcanic peaks, walk lush trails, and experience one of the world’s most beautiful island reserves.
Elizabeth and Middleton Reef Diving
Snorkel or dive in pristine coral atolls teeming with marine life—turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
Marine Wildlife Encounters
Spot dolphins, seabirds, and humpback whales along the migration path (seasonal).
Life at Sea
Join watch rotations, helm under sail, trim sails, learn passage navigation, and share sunset dinners on deck.
Finish in Southport
Arrive at Queensland’s Gold Coast, celebrating your journey with golden beaches and coastal buzz.
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
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
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
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
Moana Stateroom: Booking option for couple or up to 3 singles. Private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 4 large and 2 small port hole windows. Private ensuite.
Tiritiri Suite: Booking option for couple or up to 3 singles. Private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 1 small port hole window. Private ensuite.
Mokohinau Cabin: Booking option for up to 4 occupants with private ensuite. 240v and 12v power outlets. 2 small port hole windows. Private ensuite.
8 Mar 2026
Fly into Sydney Airport
Arrive at the vessel in Sydney by 10am
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Depart Sydney Marina around 2pm
9 - 20 Mar 2026
Sail north along Australia’s stunning east coast, stopping at scenic bays, remote islands, and picturesque anchorages
Sail offshore to Balls Pyramid, Lord Howe Island, Elizabeth Reef and Middleton Reef
Enjoy a mix of offshore sailing, wildlife encounters, snorkelling, and coastal exploration, adjusting to the weather for a safe and comfortable passage
21 Mar 2026
Arrive in Southport by 3:00 PM
Crew farewell dinner
22 Mar 2026
Depart Gold Coast from this day onwards via Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Southport, Lord Howe Island, Sydney and various stopover ports en-route, accommodation onboard, your crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal flotation 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.
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.