Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise (90 Minutes)

About This Experience

Explore Group runs this shorter, gentler sail on a 50-foot cruising yacht from its base at Viaduct Harbour. At $65 per person it is the most affordable way on this site to get out on the water under sail, and it holds a 4.7 rating from 317 reviews.

Boarding is at the Explore Group kiosk at 220 Quay Street in the Viaduct. The crew welcomes you aboard and runs through a short introduction and safety briefing before the yacht slips out of the harbour.

The route takes in the Auckland skyline and Sky Tower, then heads under the Harbour Bridge past Westhaven Marina and across towards the seaside suburb of Devonport before returning to the Viaduct. The skipper keeps up a commentary on the city and its America's Cup story, and anyone who wants to can help the crew with the sails or take a turn at the helm. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate comes with a sweet treat.

It suits first-time visitors, couples and families who want harbour views and the feel of a sailing boat without the physical work of the America's Cup experience. There is a toilet on board, and weatherproof ponchos are handed out if the spray picks up.

Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and eat beforehand, as lunch and soft drinks are not included. The sail is not wheelchair accessible. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before departure.

Highlights

• Sail on a 50-foot cruising yacht around the Waitematā Harbour
• Pass beneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge and along Westhaven Marina
• Views of the Sky Tower, the city skyline and the Devonport shoreline
• Take the helm or help the crew raise and trim the sails
• Skipper's commentary on Auckland and its America's Cup history
• A short 90-minute outing that fits easily into a city day

What's Included

• ✓ 90-minute harbour sail
• ✓ Welcome and safety briefing from the crew
• ✓ Live commentary from the skipper and crew
• ✓ Coffee, tea or hot chocolate with a sweet treat
• ✓ Use of weatherproof ponchos
• ✓ Toilet on board

Not Included

• Lunch
• Soft drinks and juice
• Transport to and from Viaduct Harbour

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• A light warm layer

Good to Know & Caveats

• Not wheelchair accessible.
• The sail needs minimum numbers; if they are not met you are offered another date or a full refund.
• Helping to sail is optional; you can sit back for the whole trip.
• Lunch and soft drinks are not included, so eat before or after.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Meeting Point

Explore Group booking kiosk, 220 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour; your confirmation gives the check-in time.