Yachting
New Zealand
Bay of Islands · Fiordland · Summer
Two coastlines that have nothing in common: warm sheltered island cruising in the north, and sheer glacial fiords in the south.
The Bay of Islands is the easy half — 140 islands, protected water, good fishing, dolphins most days and a string of small bays you can have to yourself midweek. It suits a relaxed week with plenty of time in the tender.
Fiordland is the opposite and the reason serious owners come this far. Doubtful and Milford Sounds are walls of rock a thousand metres high, dropping into black water, with waterfalls appearing after every rainfall and almost no other vessels. Between the two coasts there is wine country, helicopters and some of the best land-based days anywhere.
Best time to go
December – March
The southern summer. January and February are warmest in the Bay of Islands; Fiordland is wet in any month, which is exactly when the waterfalls are at their best.
The experience
Two coasts, opposite in every way.
Bay of Islands
Sheltered anchorages, dolphins and fishing, with easy days for anyone new to time aboard.
Doubtful Sound
Deep water beneath vertical rock, and waterfalls that appear within hours of the rain.
Fiordland wildlife
Fur seals, bottlenose pods and crested penguins in the southern channels.
Helicopter days
Leave from the anchorage for the glaciers or the mountains and be back for dinner.
Your time on the water
Baya Azur arranges the cruising plan around your pace, guests and priorities. We check suitable yacht and crew options, review the route and keep the practical details moving.
The yacht
Chosen around you,
not the other way round.
Once we understand your destination, dates, group and expectations, Baya Azur finds suitable crewed yacht options and checks how each one fits your plans.
The yacht and charter services are supplied under the independent provider's terms and responsibility. Baya Azur manages the request and follows up on the details.
Create your yachting experience
Tell us how you would like to experience New Zealand.
A few lines are enough. Nothing below is mandatory. We will come back to you personally.
Yacht charters are generally offered on a minimum one-week basis, depending on the yacht, destination and period.