Small Group Sailing Charters in the Bay of Islands
Relaxed, uncrowded, and personal — explore the Bay of Islands the way it should be.
Escape the busy tour boats and step aboard a comfortable catamaran for a laid-back day on the water. With small group numbers and a friendly local crew, every trip feels easy, scenic, and genuinely enjoyable.
Full Day Charter
Embark on our signature 6 hour sailing charter. Experience the Bay of Islands fully with an island stop for all of our water activities, island exploration, lunch and more onboard our sailing catamaran.
Afternoon Cruise
Join us for a memorable 2-hour afternoon sailing cruise through the Bay of Islands harbour. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, refreshing breezes, and a relaxing atmosphere on the water.
SHARED SAILING CHARTERS
Discover Small Group Sailing in the Bay of Islands
Join our shared sailing charters departing from Paihia in the Bay of Islands, Northland. Designed for small groups, our shared charters offer a relaxed and social way to explore secluded islands, sheltered bays, and native wildlife habitats. Whether you are visiting Paihia, Russell, or the wider Bay of Islands region, this experience provides one of the best ways to discover New Zealand’s spectacular coastline.
A Social and Scenic Day on the Water
Our shared sailing cruises offer the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Spend your day:
- Taking in panoramic ocean views
- Sailing through stunning island scenery
- Meeting fellow travellers
- Enjoying island stops and coastal walks
Our spacious catamaran provides plenty of room to relax, whether you prefer lounging on deck, enjoying the view from the saloon, or socialising with other guests. Unlike larger tour boats, our shared charters operate with small groups, allowing more space, flexibility, and access to quieter island locations.
Island Stops and Activities
Depending on the charter, you may visit a beautiful island where you can explore native bush, enjoy the beach, or simply relax in a peaceful setting. Our crew selects the best locations based on conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Small Group Sailing Charter Overview:
Duration: 2 to 6 hours
Departure Location: Paihia Wharf
Group Size: Maximum of 19 guests
Activities: Sailing, island walks, swimming, paddleboarding
Best For: Couples, families, and small groups
Location: Bay of Islands, Northland
Compare Our Shared Charters
Choose the group sailing charter experience that suits your schedule, group size, and level of adventure.
| Feature | Afternoon Cruise | Day Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours | 6 hours |
| Group Size | Max 19 | Max 19 |
| Departure Location | Paihia Wharf | Paihia Wharf |
| Island Stop | No | ✔️ Yes |
| Water Activities | No | ✔️ Included |
| Price from | $99 per person | $215 per person |
what we offer
experiences available on our Sailing Charters
SAILING
Feel the wind fill the sails as we glide across the ocean. Cruise past rugged headlands, secluded coves, and untouched island bays that can only be reached by boat — all while relaxing aboard our spacious catamaran.
ISLAND EXPLORATION
Step ashore on one of the Bay of Islands’ beautiful island sanctuaries. Explore native bush and coastal trails, discover panoramic viewpoints, spot native birdlife, and experience the natural beauty that makes this region so special.
PADDLE BOARDING
Glide across calm waters on a stand-up paddle board and explore peaceful island bays at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Bay of Islands while soaking up the scenery from the water.
SNORKELING & SWIMMING
Dive into clear waters or enjoy a refreshing swim in sheltered bays selected for their calm conditions. Discover vibrant marine life and enjoy safe, enjoyable time in the water.
MEET THE BOAT
Sailing Catamaran: Hibiscus Star
Hibiscus Star is a spacious 40ft (12m) catamaran that is both grand and comfortable. Hibiscus Star features a lovely indoor saloon with 180 degree ocean views, so you can relax out of the weather while still enjoying the view. Step outside to the helm area, where you can get a close up view of our Captain at work. Up the front, the forward deck has two tramps so you can watch the water beneath you as we glide across the water, or choose one of our beanbags to lounge on.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, planning a family day out or seeking a peaceful escape our catamaran and dedicated crew will provide the perfect day for maximum comfort so you can focus on enjoying the scenery, marine life and calm coastal atmosphere that define the Bay of Islands.
RELAXED AND SOCIAL
Why Choose a Shared Group Sailing Charter in the Bay of Islands?
Shared sailing charters offer a relaxed and social way to explore the Bay of Islands without the cost of a private charter. They are ideal for travellers who want to enjoy scenic sailing, island exploration, and wildlife encounters while sharing the experience with others. With small group sizes and experienced local crew, shared charters provide comfort, safety, and authentic local knowledge.
With our Bay of Islands sailing cruises, you’ll enjoy;
- Small Group Experience: Limited to just 19 guests for a personal, intimate journey.
- Expert Local Crew: Knowledgeable and friendly, with in-depth regional insights.
- Comfort & Stability: Our modern, spacious catamaran offers a smooth, relaxing ride.
- Access to Hidden Bays & Beaches: Discover secluded spots away from the crowds.
- Flexible Options: Short 2 hour afternoon cruise or full 6 hour day charter
- Unmatched Natural Beauty: Experience the stunning scenery of the Bay of Islands in style and comfort.
This is sailing the way it should be—simple, scenic, and stress-free.
FAQs – Shared Group Sailing Charter
What is a shared group sailing charter?
A small group sailing charter allows individual travellers or small groups to join others on the same boat for a social and affordable sailing experience.
Where do shared group charters depart from?
Our shared group sailing charters depart from Paihia Wharf in the Bay of Islands.
How long are shared group sailing charters?
Our shared group charters range from 2-hour afternoon cruises to full 6-hour day charters.
Is lunch included on shared group charters?
Lunch is included on our full-day shared charter, while light refreshments are provided on shorter cruises.
Do I need sailing experience?
No sailing experience is required. Our crew handles all sailing on our small group charters but we love to answer any questions you have about sailing along the way.
Who are your shared charters perfect for?
Our shared small group charters are well suited to;
- Travellers wanting a small-group sailing experience
- Couples seeking a relaxing day on the water
- Families wanting a safe island adventure
- Cruise ship visitors exploring Paihia
- Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts