Bay of Islands Sailing Charters – Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about our Bay of Islands private and shared sailing charters. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help.
Bayscapes Sailing Charters FAQs
Not all boat tours are the same. At Bayscapes, we focus on genuine sailing, small groups and a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the Bay of Islands.
We’re a locally owned and operated sailing business, and our owner-operators are personally involved in creating the experience.
Why Sail with Bayscapes?
Before You Book
Our shared sailing charters depart from Paihia Wharf, making it easy to join us from Paihia and the surrounding Bay of Islands.
Private charters may have additional pickup options depending on the experience and itinerary. Check the individual charter page for specific departure information.
What’s included depends on the charter you choose. Each experience has its own inclusions, activities and duration, so we recommend checking the individual charter page before booking.
Yes, we have a comfortable indoor saloon with seating which is completely out of the weather. Or our cockpit area has shaded outdoor seating.
We pick up straight off Paihia Wharf so if you do not wish to get wet our boat will keep you nice and dry. However we do recommend bringing togs and a towel on our day tours so that you can enjoy the full experience of the Bay of Islands by swimming or snorkeling in its beautiful waters.
Yes, we love to sail! If there is enough wind, we raise the sails so our guests can enjoy a genuine sailing experience rather than simply motoring between destinations. We aim to sail on all of our charters. Depending on the conditions in the Bay of Islands, we generally expect to have enough wind to sail during your trip.
General
We recommend bringing:
- Jacket/Jumper; the breeze gets stronger when you are sailing so bring a jumper even if the weather looks good. In any case we do have an indoor saloon for your comfort.
- Sunglasses and Sunhat
- Any drinks or snacks you wish. Fridge available onboard
For Day Trips with an island stop:
- Swimwear and a towel
- Walking shoes; Shoes are to be taken off upon boarding but do bring sneakers/shoes if you are planning on doing our island walk.
Our boat can accommodate up to 19 guests, creating a more personal experience than larger sightseeing cruises.
No, we don’t allow fishing on any of our charters so please leave your rods at home.
No we do not. We operate with a BYO (Bring Your Own) alcohol policy which means you are welcome to bring your own responsibly. There is a cooler available to keep things cold once you are on board.
We do however have soft drinks available for purchase.
Shared Day Charter
Our shared day charter combines sailing through the Bay of Islands with time to enjoy the water and explore an island.
On the Island Stop you can enjoy activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, snorkelling and an island walk.
Lunch is also included.
Yes we can cater for vegan, vegetarian, gluten and dairy free lunch options. We offer these at no extra charge but you must make a note when booking or email us for any dietary requirements as all of our food is prepared off-site.
Absolutely! Families are welcome, and children enjoy swimming, wildlife spotting and exploring the islands. We also have an indoor saloon for children and babies to shelter out of the weather.
Children should always be supervised by a parent or guardian. We can provide life jackets for children and infants if required, just let us know on board. Please note a lunch is not supplied for infant ticket bookings.
We choose from six of the main islands in the Bay of Islands, depending on the conditions on the day.
These include; Okahu, Waewaetorea, Urupukapuka, Moturua, Motukiekie and Roberton (Motuarohia) Island. Each island is unique, with beautiful beaches and stunning walks.
No, the Hole in the Rock is further out than we go. About double the distance in fact! It is not possible to do this on a sailing boat day tour. Instead we focus on relaxing sailing and enjoying a generous amount of time at one of our wildlife sanctury islands for all of our activities.
Yes, we take online bookings up until 1 hour prior to departure. For any bookings after this time please contact us as we may still have space for you.
Please note for last minute bookings we may not have a lunch prepared for you so we may ask you to bring your own lunch. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Our shared day charters have a maximum of just 19 guests and often sell out during the busy season.
Private Charters
Private charters give your group exclusive use of Hibiscus Star and the flexibility to enjoy the Bay of Islands at your own pace.
Depending on the charter you choose, you may be able to swim, snorkel, paddle board, explore an island or simply relax and sail.
Our standard departure point is Paihia Wharf, with pick-up also available from Russell Wharf by prior arrangement.
For some charters, we can also pick up from Waitangi Wharf. However, this is subject to cruise ship schedules and wharf availability.
If you would prefer to depart from Russell or Waitangi, simply let us know when booking and we’ll be happy to arrange it where possible.
Our cooking facilities are limited. If you are bringing your own food we recommend bringing food that is pre-prepared. We have an area to prepare food. We also have a chopping board, cutlery, plates and glasses you can use.
We offer a range of catering options at an additional cost for private charters, from casual lunches to gourmet spreads. You are welcome to bring your own pre-prepared food or choose from one of our catering packages. Contact us to see our catering menu.
For a hassle-free day we recommend using our catering options. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks if desired.
Yes! We have multi-zone bluetooth speakers for you to crank your tunes!
Wildlife & Nature
The Bay of Islands is home to dolphins and a wide variety of marine life, and you may encounter them while sailing.
However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. We operate with respect for marine life and follow appropriate wildlife-viewing practices.
Depending on the season and conditions, you may see:
- Little blue penguins (kororā)
- Stingrays and eagle rays
- Gannets and white-fronted terns
- Tūī, kererū and other native birds
- Orca, pilot whales or New Zealand fur seals (occasionally)
The Bay of Islands is particularly special for its combination of islands, native wildlife and marine environment.
Some experiences include an island stop or walk on a pest-free wildlife sanctuary island. Check the individual charter description to see what is included in your chosen experience.
Cruise Ship Passengers
Yes, provided your ship’s arrival and departure times allow enough time to join the charter and return to the ship safely. We recommend checking the charter departure time carefully and allowing plenty of time for transport and boarding.
As a general guide, we recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours between your cruise ship’s scheduled arrival and departure times and our shared charter times. As we operate independently from the cruise lines, our shared charters depart at scheduled times and we cannot wait for you.
If you’re visiting on a cruise ship and are unsure whether our charter will fit your schedule, please contact us before booking. We’ll be happy to check your cruise itinerary and do our best to help you choose the right sailing experience.
Our Shared Charters depart from Paihia Wharf. Cruise ship passengers arriving at the Bay of Islands should allow enough time to travel from their ship’s landing point to the meeting location.
If you’re visiting on a cruise ship and aren’t sure whether a charter fits your schedule, contact us before booking.
Weather & Safety
If conditions are unsuitable for sailing, we may alter the itinerary, postpone the trip, or cancel the charter. We’ll contact you as early as possible if changes are necessary.
Our top priority is your comfort and safety and we will always make the best decision possible with the forecasts we have.
We consider many factors when it comes to weather. Some weather conditions that may cause us to cancel your booking include; heavy rain, high swell state or strong winds. While we do our best to let you know of any changes ahead of time. If you are concerned about the weather conditions for your day please monitor your email for any weather updates we send or get in to contact with us.
Yes. Safety is our priority on every charter.
Our skipper monitors the weather and sea conditions and makes decisions about the route and activities based on the conditions on the day.
No, you do not need to be able to swim. If you are not confident around water please let our crew know on the day. We have lifejackets onboard if needed.
Booking Queries
You can view our available sailing experiences and book online through our booking system.
Your charter may be pending because we have not met our minimum passenger number or because your payment has not been received in full.
Our Shared Charters have a minimum passenger number. If this number is not met your booking will show as pending. As soon as the number is met you will receive a confirmation email.
Please contact us for any cancellations or amendments.
We’re always happy to help. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, get in touch and we’ll help you choose the sailing experience that’s right for your group.
Explore Our Bay Of Islands Sailing Charters
Hibiscus Star is at the heart of our sailing experiences. Choose a private charter for your own group or join one of our shared sailing experiences to explore the Bay of Islands from the water.
Private Charters
Have Hibiscus Star exclusively for your group.
Create your own sailing experience with a private crewed charter. Choose a relaxed sail, combine sailing with an island stop, or work with our crew to create an itinerary around your group and the conditions on the day.
Shared Charters
Meet other travellers and experience the Bay of Islands together.
Join a small-group sailing experience aboard Hibiscus Star. Sail between the islands, enjoy time in the water and experience an island walk while taking in the scenery along the way.