The two best sailing venues of New Zealand are the Bay of Islands and the Hauraki Gulf. The main center of sailing in New Zealand is the Hauraki Gulf because of its sheer size and the exhilarating sailing challenges it offers. The Bay of Islands is much smaller but offers some of the most beautiful cruising grounds. The Bay of Islands is ideal for more novice sailors, as there is sheltered sailing and dozens of islands and safe bays to explore.
New Zealand's climate is generally mild and seasonal differences are not great. The north end of the Auckland Peninsula has the warmest climate. Rainfall is generally moderate to abundant. The heaviest rainfall, about 220 inches per year occurs around Milford Sound on the southwest coast of South Island.
The average temperature at Wellington varies between 20°C in January and 6°C in July. The average rainfall is 49 inches. In Auckland, the average January and July temperatures are 23°C and 8°C, respectively. The annual rainfall in Auckland is 73 inches.
The Abel Tasman area's main claim to fame is its wonderful national park comprising some 40 miles of sheltered and varied coastline. Golden sand beaches mix with outcrops of large boulders, home to fur seals. Some beaches stretch for miles
The Hauraki Gulf is located in the North Island of New Zealand. It lies between the Auckland Region, the Coromandel Peninsula, and the Hauraki Plains
Auckland has more boats per head of population than any city in the world. Westhaven's enormous marina is a great place to start your yacht charter. Its 1500 berths are right beside Auckland's Harbour Bridge and just 10 minutes from downtown. Gulf Harbour Marina is on Auckland's Whangaparoa Pensinsula.
All the main islands of the Hauraki Gulf are within 2 hours sailing and Great Barrier Island is a comfortable 5 hour sail. Those chartering a yacht can visit historic Kawau Island and Goat Island marine reserve.
To the north from Auckland to Whangarei and the great fishing and diving grounds of Tutukaka and the Poor Knights Islands. Continuing North you can explore the beautiful and uncrowded crusing grounds around Whangaruru Harbour, the old whaling station at Whangamumu and the Bay of Islands.
Further north still you can explore the spectacular scenery of the Cavalli Islands, Whangaroa Harbour, Doubtless Bay, Mangonui, Cape Kari Kari and Hohora the northernmost limit of Ad Hoc's cruising ground.
The Bay of Islands & Northland is perhaps the finest of all New Zealand's cruising grounds with endless sheltered bays, clear, clean water and a climate that is consistently warmer than anywhere else in the country. Opua is the main yacht charter centre
Marlborough
Weather for the Yacht Charter Area of Auckland
