THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard a private 41-foot catamaran from Waiheke Island and explore pest-free islands, snorkel clear bays, and watch dolphins and seabirds in the Hauraki Gulf. This exclusive charter blends hands-on sailing with guided shore walks and marine-park insights.
Step aboard a private 41-foot catamaran from Waiheke Island and explore pest-free islands, snorkel clear bays, and watch dolphins and seabirds in the Hauraki Gulf. This exclusive charter blends hands-on sailing with guided shore walks and marine-park insights.
The Pacific Star heels gently on a breath of wind as you push off from the clatter of the Matiatia ferry wharf. Salt stings your lips and the Hauraki Gulf opens ahead—the green shoulders of nearby islands sliding past in slow relief. Onboard, two crew—skipper Bruce and a host—move with practiced calm, trimming sheets and pointing out a pod of dolphins slicing the bow wave. This is not a ferry hop; it’s a small-boat day in the outer gulf where the sails, sea and a handful of islands decide the itinerary.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Terra & Tide · Waiheke Island, Auckland Region
The Pacific Star heels gently on a breath of wind as you push off from the clatter of the Matiatia ferry wharf. Salt stings your lips and the Hauraki Gulf opens ahead—the green shoulders of nearby islands sliding past in slow relief. Onboard, two crew—skipper Bruce and a host—move with practiced calm, trimming sheets and pointing out a pod of dolphins slicing the bow wave. This is not a ferry hop; it’s a small-boat day in the outer gulf where the sails, sea and a handful of islands decide the itinerary.
The charter runs from Waiheke Island aboard a 41-foot catamaran, privately chartered for up to 12 people. Depending on wind and weather you may head east toward the pest-free Motuora or Tiritiri Matangi for a guided shore walk, or west into calmer bays for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. The area’s geology is recent—volcanic foundations and uplifted seabed—so shorelines vary from rocky headlands to shallow, shell-strewn beaches that shelter kelp forests beneath glassy surface water.
Human history is layered here as well: Māori navigators used these channels for seasonal harvests, and European settlement reshaped coastlines with farms and vineyards on Waiheke. Today the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a protected mix of recreation and restoration—predator-free reserves support rare bird reintroductions, while volunteer groups help restore native vegetation on small islands.
Wildlife is a live element of the trip: keep an eye out for white-flippered shearwaters skirting waves, Australasian gannets diving like arrows, and the occasional dusky dolphin or migrating whale in season. Guides explain the marine park’s conservation work and the cultural significance of each island they point to.
Practical details matter. Charters typically run 1–8 hours—plan for a half-day to reach an outer island and return comfortably. Snorkels and SUPs are included; life jackets and a briefing are provided. If you want to take the helm, the skipper will teach basic sail handling. Expect open-deck exposure: sun, spray and shifting winds. Motion-sickness medication and a light waterproof layer make a big difference. Lunch, snacks, tea and coffee are provided, and the meeting point is Waiheke’s ferry terminal (look for the Terra & Tide sign if you arrive on the 9am ferry).
For photographers, bring a windproof cover for your gear and aim for late afternoon light when the islands throw long, warm shadows. For a quieter island experience choose weekdays or early departures. Above all, let the sea set the pace—this is a charter that rewards patience, curiosity and a readiness to climb aboard when the next swell rolls in.
easy.
1–8 hours.
Minimal fitness required; able to board a small catamaran and walk short island trails (uneven surfaces).
The private charter books per booking (one ticket) and accommodates up to 12 people on the 41-foot catamaran.
Meet at Waiheke Island’s Matiatia ferry terminal; the guide will meet guests as they disembark, especially if arriving on the scheduled 9am ferry.
Yes—life jackets are provided and activities are adapted; children and non-swimmers can enjoy scenic sections from the boat.
Yes—snorkelling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included in the charter price.
The operator may cancel for poor conditions with a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before departure; safety and comfort guide route choices on the day.
Absolutely—skipper Bruce will teach willing guests basic helm and sail-trimming skills when conditions permit.
Māori used these islands seasonally for fishing and shellfish gathering; European settlement later introduced vineyards and small farms on Waiheke.
Several islands in the gulf are predator-free sanctuaries managed by DOC and community groups—visitors should follow biosecurity rules to keep them so.
Terra & Tide operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The Pacific Star heels gently on a breath of wind as you push off from the clatter of the Matiatia ferry wharf. Salt stings your lips and the Hauraki Gulf opens ahead—the green shoulders of nearby islands sliding past in slow relief. Onboard, two crew—skipper Bruce and a host—move with practiced calm, trimming sheets and pointing out a pod of dolphins slicing the bow wave. This is not a ferry hop; it’s a small-boat day in the outer gulf where the sails, sea and a handful of islands decide the itinerary.
The Pacific Star heels gently on a breath of wind as you push off from the clatter of the Matiatia ferry wharf. Salt stings your lips and the Hauraki Gulf opens ahead—the green shoulders of nearby islands sliding past in slow relief. Onboard, two crew—skipper Bruce and a host—move with practiced calm, trimming sheets and pointing out a pod of dolphins slicing the bow wave. This is not a ferry hop; it’s a small-boat day in the outer gulf where the sails, sea and a handful of islands decide the itinerary.
The charter runs from Waiheke Island aboard a 41-foot catamaran, privately chartered for up to 12 people. Depending on wind and weather you may head east toward the pest-free Motuora or Tiritiri Matangi for a guided shore walk, or west into calmer bays for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. The area’s geology is recent—volcanic foundations and uplifted seabed—so shorelines vary from rocky headlands to shallow, shell-strewn beaches that shelter kelp forests beneath glassy surface water.
Human history is layered here as well: Māori navigators used these channels for seasonal harvests, and European settlement reshaped coastlines with farms and vineyards on Waiheke. Today the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a protected mix of recreation and restoration—predator-free reserves support rare bird reintroductions, while volunteer groups help restore native vegetation on small islands.
Wildlife is a live element of the trip: keep an eye out for white-flippered shearwaters skirting waves, Australasian gannets diving like arrows, and the occasional dusky dolphin or migrating whale in season. Guides explain the marine park’s conservation work and the cultural significance of each island they point to.
Practical details matter. Charters typically run 1–8 hours—plan for a half-day to reach an outer island and return comfortably. Snorkels and SUPs are included; life jackets and a briefing are provided. If you want to take the helm, the skipper will teach basic sail handling. Expect open-deck exposure: sun, spray and shifting winds. Motion-sickness medication and a light waterproof layer make a big difference. Lunch, snacks, tea and coffee are provided, and the meeting point is Waiheke’s ferry terminal (look for the Terra & Tide sign if you arrive on the 9am ferry).
For photographers, bring a windproof cover for your gear and aim for late afternoon light when the islands throw long, warm shadows. For a quieter island experience choose weekdays or early departures. Above all, let the sea set the pace—this is a charter that rewards patience, curiosity and a readiness to climb aboard when the next swell rolls in.