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Maxi Yacht sailing - Auckland to the Bay of Islands (or vice versa)- 2 days

Lion New Zealand – The Ultimate Coastal Maxi Adventure

Sailing tours, Auckland and the Bay of Islands New Zealand

Join this two-night live-aboard voyage exploring the coast between Auckland and the Bay of Islands. Steeped in a vast and colourful history, this sailing adventure is more diverse and dynamic than any other in New Zealand and is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Become the crew of the late Sir Peter Blake’s 1985 Whitbread Round the World challenger, the legendary ‘Lion New Zealand’. Explore the 120 nautical miles of rugged coast and view the abundance of marine life. Leaving the busy Auckland Harbour, 'Lion' sails past Auckland’s youngest Volcano Rangitoto, across the 2003 America's Cup course and on to Kawau Island. Overnight in gorgeous Bon Accord Harbour where dinner is served and ample opportunity is provided to head ashore and learn more about New Zealand’s history then a visit to the famous Kawau Island Yacht Club.

On the second day sail past Maori Rock, Cape Rodney, Sail Rock, Hen and Chickens and weather permitting stop at the spectacular Poor Knights islands. Here it is possible to snorkel in the marine reserve recognised as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. The second night is usually spent in Whanagamumu harbour, a beautiful isolated harbour that was a bustling Whaling station in years gone by.

On the last morning, 'Lion' sails around Cape Brett, past the Hole in the Rock (as Captain James Cook did in 1764) through the numerous islands the Bay of Islands is famous for and completes the voyage arriving in Paihia around midday. The trip can be taken in either direction and buses connect prior to departure or at conclusion of voyage for return to Auckland or Paihia.

Your trip includes:

All meals and non alcoholic drinks (alcoholic drinks additional)
Two nights dorms style accommodation (as in original racing conditions)
Participation and instruction in navigation and operation of the yacht
Activities include snorkelling, fishing, swimming and much more
Marine wildlife viewing
Accommodation aboard

Price:

Dorm (shared) accommodation - NZ$595pp

Click here for departure dates and more information, or enquire for departure dates and availability.

NZ$595 per person

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Maxi yacht sailing in Auckland and the Bay of Islands

FAQs

Sailing trips Auckland and the Bay of Islands Q: What‘s the itinerary?

A: Not set. Island hopping with a few hours of sailing followed by active exploration and a good meal.

Q: What should I bring?

A: You will need to bring with you the following items:

Sleeping Bag (alternative bedding can be arranged by request for an additional $10)
Warm clothes
Swimming gear and towel
Soft shoes
Sunscreen
One bag

Q: What are the beds like?

A: Accommodation is dorm style, on bunks, as in original racing conditions.

Q: What if the weather is bad?

A: We sail in all conditions and have wet weather gear onboard.

Q: Will I actually get to sail, or do I just sit and watch?

A: The sailing includes participation however no experience is necessary. Instruction in operation and navigation of the yacht is part of the adventure. Every sailing is different as weather will influence the anchorages and routes chosen by the skipper.

Departure dates

Lion departs 2pm on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. Arrives approx midday on the last day.

	Departing Auckand	Departing Paihia
November	Sat 5th Wed 9th Mon 14th Sat 19th Wed 23rd Mon 28th	Wed 2nd Mon 7th Sat 12th Wed 16th Mon 21st Sat 26th Wed 30th
December	Sat 3rd Wed 7th Mon 12th Sat 17th Wed 21st Mon 26th Sat 31st	Mon 5th Sat 10th Wed 14th Mon 19th Sat 24th Wed 28th
January	Wed 11th Mon 16th Sat 21st Mon 30th	Mon 2nd Mon 9th Sat 14th Wed 18th Mon 23rd Sat 28th
February	Sat 4th Wed 8th Mon 13th Sat 25th	Wed 1st Mon 6th Sat 11th Wed 15th Wed 22nd Mon 27th
March	Wed 1st Mon 6th Sat 11th Wed 15th Mon 27th	Sat 4th Wed 8th Mon 13th Sat 18th Sat 25th Mon 29th

Buses connect from Auckland and Paihia either prior to departure or at the end of your voyage.
Bring a sleeping bag (alternative bedding can be arranged by request for an additional $10).
Trip is only suitable for people with an adventurous attitude and those willing to participate as part of a team.