Sailing Cruises in New Zealand

Experience the beautiful Bay of Islands Maritime Park, with it's 144 islands, on a sailing holiday aboard our charter yacht Cotton Blossom.

Doug and Vonnie look on the Bay of Islands as their backyard, and have spent many years exploring and discover delightful hide-aways for you to enjoy.

Enjoy home grown vegetables and home made sauces pickles and jams to accompany your meals on board. Where possible all of our food is sourced locally.

5 - 7 Day Cruises

We begin our first night with a complimentary glass of champagne in Te Puna Inlet, where you can relax and make your yourself at home on the boat
All trips are dependant on the weather, but hopefully our next destination will Oki Bay, just an hour sail away, where we can introduce you to gathering mussels off the rocks (participation is always voluntary). Oki Bay has a secluded sandy beach, with a walk over the hill for the energetic.
Catch of the Day, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Doug will put down the net that night for an almost guaranteed fresh fish breakfast.
If the weather is settled, we then like to sail out to the Hole in the Rock and take our dingy through the hole - a good photo shoot for all.
For those who have seven days and prefer the remote, hard to find places, we can sail to Whangamumu, where Doug usually dives for crayfish, a delicacy not to be missed. Or if the weather dictates, we can sail to Roberton Island, with one of the most picturesque bays in the Bay of islands, with golden sand, lagoons, petanque on the beach and a hill walk to enjoy the 360 degree views.
Other bays we like to visit are Pipi Bay, a small, intimate anchorage with cicadas singing, Squadron Bay, a favourite in unpredictable weather and Manapouri Bay, a gentle walk from romantic and historic Russell, plus many more beautiful bays and islands, depending on your preferences.

10 Day Cruises

On ten day cruises we usually set off for delightful Whangaroa Harbour (4 to 5 hours sail), stopping on the way at the Cavalli Islands for a night or more. Whangaroa offers even more opportunity for Doug, and any other divers onboard, to catch crayfish and scallops, and the net catch is even better here than in the Bay.

All cruise destinations are dependent on weather conditions

What to Bring

New Zealand is subject to sudden changes in the weather, sometimes all in the same day, even in Summer - high season January to March. You need a light weather proof jacket and something warm if you wish to watch the stars at night. Bring your swim suit, snorkel and summer clothes, and most importantly, bring your gear in a light fold away bag, so we can stow it out of the way after you arrange your clothes in your hanging locker. We provide all bedding and towels and also offer our exclusive range of Cotton Blossom shirts, sleeveless tops, sarongs and hats, which you may be interested in purchasing.