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Sail Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour aboard the luxurious Yonder Star, an 87-foot ketch offering half-day to overnight charters. Swim, kayak, and soak in volcanic views on this private charter with Auckland & Beyond Tours.
Sail Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour aboard the luxurious Yonder Star, an 87-foot ketch offering half-day to overnight charters. Swim, kayak, and soak in volcanic views on this private charter with Auckland & Beyond Tours.
Book with Auckland & Beyond Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Auckland & Beyond Tours · Auckland, Auckland
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, the Yonder Star Sailing Yacht offers a sailing experience that stands apart in New Zealand’s outdoor adventure scene. Owned and operated by Auckland & Beyond Tours, this 87-foot steel-hulled ketch combines classic elegance with modern comfort for half-day, full-day, and overnight charters out of Viaduct Harbour.
The journey begins as the yacht slips beneath the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and cruises past the city’s gleaming skyline and historic Devonport Naval Base. From here, passengers are treated to close views of volcanic landmarks like North Head and Rangitoto Island—Auckland’s youngest volcano, born in a fiery eruption some 700 years ago. These geological features shape the harbor’s unique character and are a reminder of the region’s volcanic past.
Full-day trips venture further to Motuihe Island, where guests disembark for swimming, kayaking, or bushwalking along native coastal forest trails. The chance to dip in the harbor’s pristine waters or paddleboard in sheltered coves adds an active element to this nautical adventure. Meanwhile, the vessel’s teak-finished decks and spacious cockpit invite relaxation, enhanced by onboard amenities including Starlink internet and ample refrigeration.
Overnight charters elevate the experience with tailored itineraries, ideal for private celebrations or intimate escapes. With a professional captain and crew ensuring smooth sailing, guests can immerse themselves fully in the harbor’s peaceful mornings and starlit evenings.
Auckland & Beyond Tours has crafted a luxury sailing option that showcases Waitemata Harbour’s natural and cultural richness while delivering comfort and versatility. For those seeking to engage with the water beyond the typical city tours, the Yonder Star is a rare opportunity to connect deep with this vibrant region from the waterline.
Whether it’s an invigorating half-day sail or an extended coastal retreat, this yacht charter ranks as one of Auckland’s finest ways to experience its maritime landscape firsthand.
easy.
3 hours to overnight.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required except optional swimming or kayaking.
Charters include private use of the yacht, captain and crew services, fuel, use of kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing rods.
Half-day and full-day charters include lunch on board; overnight trips require guests to arrange food and beverages separately.
Yes, charters—especially overnight options—can be tailored to your preferences and interests.
No sailing experience is necessary; the professional crew handles all navigation and safety.
Bring sun protection, suitable footwear, layered clothing, and swimwear if you plan to swim or kayak.
Up to six guests for overnight charters; smaller groups are accommodated for day trips.
Waitemata Harbour has been a vital waterway for Māori communities and early European settlers, with Rangitoto Island historically used for resource gathering.
Auckland & Beyond Tours advocates for sustainable charter practices to preserve marine habitats and native flora around the harbor islands.
Auckland & Beyond Tours offers private tours and one‑way transfers connecting Auckland with New Zealand’s top destinations. The company operates a wide range of private transfer routes and day tours, including trips to Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua and Te Puia geothermal valley, the Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock, Waiheke Island, the Coromandel beaches and caves, Taupo and Tongariro, Napier and Hawke’s Bay, and one‑way transfers to Wellington and other regional centres. Services include private one‑way transfers, bespoke day tours, guided visits to movie sets and cultural sites, and combined itineraries that pair highlights such as Hobbiton with Waitomo or Te Puia. Selected transfers, such as the Rotorua to Auckland service, include complimentary snacks and bottled water. Tours described in public schedules feature guided cave visits with glowworm river rides, Hobbiton movie set tours with Green Dragon Inn access, Zealong tea tastings, and wildlife visits to kiwi sanctuaries. Auckland & Beyond Tours coordinates door‑to‑door pick ups and private transport for individual travellers, couples, and small groups, focusing on tailored, private travel rather than scheduled mass transport. The operator lists more than fifty distinct private tours and transfer options connecting Auckland with regional attractions across the North Island. Tour and transfer itineraries are clearly described in public listings, specifying destinations, stops, and included experiences so travellers can select the service that matches itinerary needs. Booking information, pricing details, and availability are published for each tour and transfer on the business's public listings, with seasonal scheduling updates regularly.
Book with Auckland & Beyond Tours