Chartering in New Zeland

[anddy103]

Hi guys,
my Dad wants to do a trip to new Zealand so I started looking for charter companies. It does not seem like there was not much there for companies or boats. Any recommendations there or in Australia?

[belizesailor]

Ive done a little sailing out of Waikawa Bay on the N end of the S island. Beautiful area, very gusty when I was there (November). There is a charter company there, but I have no experience with them:

http://www.compass-charters.co.nz/ch...s/yachts_index

[Tillsbury]

The only chartering you’ll get is from Waikawa or Auckland/Bay of Islands. It will be a much less organised and smaller operation than almost anywhere else. Chartering just isn’t a thing down here. If those locations suit though, you’ll get some good sailing. October through April is the best weather, January the entire country is on holiday and everything will be full and double the price.

[belizesailor]

Bay of Islands is spectacularly beautiful. Sure would be an awesome charter venue.

[s/v Moondancer]

The Bay of Islands is a delightful cruising area...

Fairwind New Zealand Yacht Charters

Also a very good Indian restaurant...

https://www.visitboi.co.nz/listing/greens-restaurant

[snippet]

About 4 years ago I chartered with Fairwinds Yacht Charter in Opua and explored the Bay of Islands. At that time the owner was a guy who had been the manager of the Moorings base there and he took it over when they left. Nice guy, quality operation. The boat had issues (don't they all?) but he took care of us. As others have said it's a beautiful area.

[Broadoak]

Compass charters are the main yacht charters in the Marlborough Sounds. They are based in Picton, which is a beautiful ferry ride from the capital city Wellington. (www.compass-charter.co.nz)
CharterLink operate charters out of Auckland and the Bay of Islands. (CharterLink Yacht Charter - Charterlink Home)
The Marlborough Sounds including Pelorus Sound, through French Pass and over to the Able Tasman National Park are amazing waterways with a huge variety of anchorages to suit all weather conditions. We have sailed this area for decades and even the busy season in late December- early January there are always quiet bays to anchor in. The charter companies have a good range of moorings available. Later January, early February often brings the most settled weather.
It is a spectacular area to sail in, unlike almost anywhere else.
Let me know if you decide to come down this way as we spend most ofthe holiday period in and around the Sounds,but as we are retired can sail down any time.

[PhilC]

Nov and dec can be a bit windy/colder. Recommend feb-April.

[fxykty]

February and March - the school holidays are over and popular locations such as Bay of Islands (Fairwinds and Great Escape), Hauraki Gulf/Auckand (Charterlink), and Marlborough Sounds (Compass Charters) won’t be as busy.

Shoulder season starts early March, depending on the company.

Stay north if you want warmer water and sub tropical islands, beaches and snorkeling. Go south to the Sounds for cooler water and fjords.

You can combine Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf/Auckland with a one way charter, enabling you to visit Great Barrier Island - that will be a highlight. Fairwinds describes a 14 day itinerary like this.

[barnakiel]

Have sailed in both places and can assure you AUS between Sydney and Cooktown is beyond magnificent.

When we lived in Auck there was a nice charter company just opposite the Orams. I will try to find out if they are still there now.


Cheers,
b.

[barnakiel]

No, they are not.


But the charterlink company mentioned above has a number of boats so you should be able to book something to your taste.


I would base from Auck. Better connections and you can sail out to BOI easily too, with fine stops along the way.



Cheers,
b.

[ski69sail]

Hi There

I might be happy to charter my Yacht...would have to sort out the details

thanks Ray

[BigAl.NZ]

Originally Posted by fxykty

February and March - the school holidays are over and popular locations such as Bay of Islands (Fairwinds and Great Escape), Hauraki Gulf/Auckand (Charterlink), and Marlborough Sounds (Compass Charters) won’t be as busy.

Shoulder season starts early March, depending on the company.

Stay north if you want warmer water and sub tropical islands, beaches and snorkeling. Go south to the Sounds for cooler water and fjords.

You can combine Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf/Auckland with a one way charter, enabling you to visit Great Barrier Island - that will be a highlight. Fairwinds describes a 14 day itinerary like this.

Definitely +1 on the Barrier. Fitzroy is a good anchorage.

If you did Bay of Islands to Barrier then you might as well spend the night at Poor Knights (weather permitting) and could also maybe spend the night at the Mokohinau's - have a look at those places.

AG

[Scotty Kiwi]

I've Chartered a 39ft Beneteau from Compass Charters in Waikawa, Marlborough Sounds. Very happy.

Yes November December can be cool (16 - 20 C) and windy there.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

Definitely +1 on the Barrier. Fitzroy is a good anchorage.



If you did Bay of Islands to Barrier then you might as well spend the night at Poor Knights (weather permitting) and could also maybe spend the night at the Mokohinau's - have a look at those places.



AG

Not sure that any charter company would allow anchoring at Poor Knights or even the Mokes - both places are quite exposed and anchoring is tricky. Both spectacular places. With your own boat, go for it.

At Pt Fitzroy anchoring locations depend on wind direction. Smokehouse Bay is our favourite there and it now has a pizza oven in addition to BBQ and fire pit and hand laundry machines and bath house and smoke cabinets. Good idea to bring your own wood as the beach areas get rather thin after the holidays. The Cove on Rakitu/Arid Island is great if it’s not out of the NW quarter.