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South Island Sailing & Yacht Charter Experiences

Sailing & Yacht Charter ExperiencesNew Zealand Explorer is proud to offer you a secure online booking environment for a select number of Sailing & Yacht Charter Experiences around South Island. Below you will find a brief description of each featured experience within the Sailing & Yacht Charter - Water Category.

Click on the individual experiences to view further information such as departure information, prices, participant requirements and further general details for your selected Sailing & Yacht Charter Experience. From here you will be able to buy a gift voucher or make a secure reservation for your selected Sailing & Yacht Charter Experience.

All of the experiences listed below can be booked for a specific date or provided as a gift voucher. Our gift vouchers are valid for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase and make ideal gifts for special occassions such as christmas, birthdays, weddings, engagements, graduations, retirement, fathers day, mothers day, as well as great corporate rewards.

Experience gift vouchers can be emailed or posted directly to the lucky recipient. Alternatively, they can be sent to you, so you can present the voucher yourself.

South Island Sailing & Yacht Charter Experiences

Kaikoura Albatross EncounterExperience the vast variety of native wildlife in scenic Kaikoura. Arriving by coach you may enjoy an early lunch or explore the township before boarding your Albatross Encounter vessel. Marvel at the majesty of one of the world's largest flight birds, as they scour the skies above you. Be sure to bring a camera to take some memorable pictures of your day's adventure.


Overnight Akaroa ExperienceExperience everything on offer in the quaint waterside town of Akaroa on this overnight touring package. Sample the sights, sounds and flavours of the township on a guided day tour before returning to your overnight accommodation. Spend an evening dining on the waterfront before enjoying a closer look at the village's intricacies on your second day.


Full Day Akaroa ExperienceExperience the charm and serenity of Akaroa on this Full Day inclusive experience. View panoramic views at the Hill Top and visit the cheese factory at Barry's Bay, before a sumptuous meal at Bully Hayes. With the choice of a harbour cruise or a game of golf for your afternoon activity, this versatile package gives participants a unique experience in the relaxed setting of Akaroa.


Milford Sound ExperienceTake an unforgettable journey through the magical Milford Sound and experience the true beauty of the South Island. Discover the history of this world famous region, travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, and see glacier carved valleys and dramatic cascading waterfalls.


Christchurch Gondola and Lyttelton Harbour CruiseCruise the scenic Lyttelton Harbour, catch a glimpse of the Hectors Dolphin, the smallest and rarest in the world and enjoy a commentary about the history of the region. Then ride the Gondola and experience all Christchurch has to offer from 500 metres above sea level.


4 Day National Parks and Glaciers South Island TourFrom Christchurch travel on a four day, three night tour featuring spectacular lake, fiord, alpine glacier and coastal scenery. A cruise on Milford Sound and a journey aboard the TranzAlpine Express are absolute ‘must do’ New Zealand experiences, both are included in this tour.


Private Chartered Boat Cruise in Lyttleton or AkaroaYou have the opportunity to enjoy the highlights of a Lyttelton or Akaroa cruise in the comfort of a spacious catamaran. This experience shows the true beauty of unique locations hidden outside of Christchurch.


Private Akaroa or Lyttleton Wedding CharterCreate an enchanting and memorable wedding on board a catamaran. This is your opportunity to have the wedding you've always imagined, with the setting sun over the harbour as the most perfect backdrop. This will become and unforgettable memory for you and your guests.


Private Dinner Cruise around Lyttleton or AkaroaThis Private Dinner Cruise around Lyttleton or Akaroa is one of the most popular charters for groups of between 30 - 60 people. It is a great way to create something different for an end of year event, or a special occasion and is an amazing way to see the majestic landscape of Lyttleton or Akaroa.


Quail Island AdventureSpend a fascinating half-day exploring Quail Island. Named after the now extinct native Quail (koreke) by Captain William Mein Smith, the island was originally used as a quarantine station and as a small leprosy colony by the early European settlers.


Diamond Harbour Ferry RideLegend has it that Diamond Harbour was so named because one of the early settlers observed the sun reflecting on the water and thought it looked like a thousand shining diamonds. Whatever the reason, Diamond Harbour remains one of the sunniest and unspoilt destinations on Banks Peninsula and is great for a day trip.


Christchurch Wildlife CruiseExperience the fascinating marine life of picturesque Lyttelton Harbour on a memorable two-hour wildlife cruise aboard a new catamaran. Only 15 minutes from the centre of Christchurch is Lyttelton Harbour. Unwind in the sea air as you experience the extensive local marine life including the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphin - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin.


Milford Sound Encounter Cruise with Milford Discovery CentreThis is an intimate experience with numbers capped at 75, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. Our smaller boat explores small nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. Then visit New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory which is a unique, interactive learning experience.


Milford Sound Discover More CruiseIf you’re looking for a New Zealand experience that's more authentic, more insightful, more informative and more personal, this is it. This cruise gives you time to slow down and really explore the beauty of Milford Sound, getting up close to this stunning, remote part of the country.


Milford Sound Encounter CruiseGet up close to nature on the most luxurious small boat in Milford Sound. This is an intimate experience with numbers capped at 75, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. The smaller boat explores small nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail for 2hr 15min.


Milford Sound Day Tour from Te AnauJoin the Milford Tour at Te Anau and travel through the Fiordland National Park, a region rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Pass through the Eglinton Valley to see ancient alpine beech forest, stunning waterfalls and the famous Mirror Lakes, where the coach pauses for photo opportunities.


Milford Sound Scenic CruiseCome aboard for a Milford Sound cruise of a lifetime, enjoyed from the large viewing decks of one of our three modern, spacious and purpose-built catamarans. It's the most modern and comfortable cruising experience in Milford Sound - move freely around the boat and enjoy large viewing decks and stability on the water that only a twin-hull vessel can provide.


Stewart Island Underwater Explorer TourStewart Island is famous for its pristine waters and rich marine life. Get up close and personal with the island's inhabitants on this Underwater Explorer Tour. Aboard a semi-submersible vessel you will have clear views of a variety of different fish species and marine undergrowth.


Paterson Inlet Cruise & Ulva Island TourDiscover Stewart Island from the water on this fabulous cruise and wildlife sanctuary tour. Travelling at a leisurely pace on a comfortable cruise vessel, you will experience the beautiful coastal scenery around Paterson Inlet. The tour will stop at the wildlife sanctuary on Ulva Island where you can see a variety of native wildlife in their natural habitat. This tour is a great way for new travellers to get a taste of some of New Zealand's most picturesque scenery.


Queenstown Evening Cruise with Dinner at Walter PeakFinish a perfect day in Queenstown with this unique dine and cruise experience. See the beautiful Queenstown scenery from the river's edge as you are taken on a leisurely evening cruise. Depart your cruise vessel at Walter Peak for your choice of 2 meals at the charming Colonel's Homestead.


Walter Peak High Country Farm History & Wine Tasting TourSpend a relaxing day learning about the cultural history of New Zealand's iconic Colonel's Homestead. Tour the beautifully presented gardens as an experienced and friendly tour guide will give you information regarding the early pioneering farming families. Top off the day with a wine and cheese tasting to really re-iterate the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.


Walter Peak High Country Farm TourTake some time to relax at Walter Peak High Country Farm. With plenty on offer to do, this tour is a great way to familiarise with the area. Stop to feed the animals, stroll through the charming lakeside and enjoy a traditional morning or afternoon tea. You can even see a sheep shearing, making this an ideal tour for families.


Lake Wakatipu & Walter Peak High Country Farm CruiseEnjoy a taste of history on this scenic boat ride down Lake Wakatipu. Take in the natural beauty while sailing along pristene New Zealand waters. Take a look at the historic TSS Earnslaw's onboard attractions including a collection of historic photographs. Cruise in style and comfort as you may choose whether to get off the boat or continue on to a tour of Walter Peak High Country Farm.


Te Anau Glowworm Cave TourWitness the magical brilliance of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on this complete day excursion. After a scenic cruise of Lake Te Anau you will enter the twisting network of limestone cavers to witness a display like no other. Marvel as the tiny glowworms like up the cave system, this is an experience not to be missed!


Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise Spend a night in scenic Doubtful Sound onboard a comfortable cruise vessel. During the day you can immerse yourself in the bearthtaking beauty of Doubtful Sound, perhaps glimpsing some of the native wildlife. Travel the full length of the fiord and enjoy a delicious dinner, before retiring to your onboard lodgings.


Manapouri Underground Power Station TourMarvel first hand at the Manapouri Underground Power Station. Harnessing the power of rushing water, this full functional power station converts the energy into electricity. With a cruise of the Manapouri River included, this package is a great way to witness the harmony between nature and science.


Doubtful Sound Small Boat CruiseExperience a more close-up and personal journey of Doubtful Sound on this Small Boat Cruise. With opportunities to get nearer to tour highlights without the restriction of a larger sized vessel, you will thoroughly enjoy the natural beauty of one of New Zealand's most acclaimed regions.


Doubtful Sound Wilderness CruiseDoubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets - all deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. The beauty and isolation of Doubtful Sound are so compelling that it’s difficult to believe you were in civilisation just a few hours earlier.


Milford Wanderer Overnight CruiseExperience everything that the acclaimed Milford Sound has to offer on this overnight cruise adventure. Sail the full length of Milford Sound with a nature guide on hand to provide fascinating information. Take in the sights and sounds of the area before enjoy a 3 course meal for dinner.


Milford Sound Scenic CruiseExperience the natural beauty of New Zealand's South Island on this charming scenic cruise of the world renowned Milford Sound. Enjoy breathtaking views of sheer rock face and plunging waterfalls as you relax in comfort aboard a cruise vessel.


Milford Sound Nature CruiseMilford Sound is one of New Zealand's most renowned natural wonders. See mountains protruding straight out of the sea, luxuriant rainforests and waterfalls tumbling hundreds of metres to the sea below. This unforgettable experience is a perfect way to experience New Zealand's South Island.


Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau to QueenstownJoin the Milford Sound Tour at Te Anau and see a side of New Zealand you have never seen before. New Zealand is rich with beautiful landscape and scenery and Milford Sound is no exception.


2 Day / Night Tour to Queenstown and MilfordVisit Mount Cook (NZ's highest mountain), Queenstown (NZ's premier tourist resort) and the world famous Milford Sound in the Fiordland World Heritage Park. Enjoy a spectacular cruise of Milford Sound including a picnic lunch.


5 Day Tour to Dunedin, Queenstown and MilfordA railway journey, two national parks, NZ's premier holiday resort, a cruise of Milford Sound and a visit to our highest mountain. Optional visit to the Royal Albatross and Yellow Eyed Penguin colonies in Dunedin.


8 Day South Island Wildlife and Glaciers TourA comprehensive eight day South Island tour. Features include: national parks including the Fiordland World Heritage Park, Queenstown - NZ's premier resort, tour of the yellow-eyed penguins and royal albatross colonies, cruise of Milford Sound, glacier shuttle transfer, West Coast rainforests and the world renowned TranzAlpine scenic railway.


WILDLIFE SAILING CRUISE, Sailing & Yacht Charter, WaterSail with dolphins and experience a wildlife sailing adventure on board New Zealand’s oldest working, gaff rigged ketch! During the cruise, you can choose to assist the crew by helping to sail the vessel or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and stunning wildlife!


WILDLIFE TOUR, Bushwalking, Nature & Wildlife, OutdoorTour the wildlife of Dunedin and see the whole area in a new light! Cruise down Otago Harbour to Taiaroa Head where you'll see seals, albatross, and a lot more. This award-winning tour then cruises back to town and departs by bus to Penguin Place. Take in 90 mins there and see the Otago landscape!


YACHT SAILING EXPERIENCE ON NZL 14, Sailing & Yacht Charter, WaterSailing NZL 14 is one of the most exciting water-based experiences available in NZ. NZL 14 is not only part of New Zealand’s America’s Cup history; she also opens up a new dimension to experiencing the only sailing activity on Lake Wakatipu and experiencing the surrounding beauty!


New Zealand Explorer wishes you a memorable experience.


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