Yonder Star – Private Sailing Charter

schedule Half day, full day & multi-day auto_awesome Sailing location_on Departs Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
schedule Half day, full day & multi-day
lock Private Charter
groups Up to 30 guests
check_circle Captain & Crew
kayaking Kayaks & Paddleboards
wifi Starlink WiFi

Set sail across the Waitemata Harbour aboard Yonder Star, an 87-foot luxury yacht chartered just for you!

Yonder Star is an 87-foot (26.5m), New Zealand-built luxury Ketch is based in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Launched in 1980, it has sailed the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean, and has spent the past 10 years cruising New Zealand waters for private and chartered trips.

Built with a steel hull, aluminium cabin top, and teak finishes, it features spacious outdoor areas, a seated cockpit, and Starlink high-speed internet. Powered by a marine diesel engine with two generators and ample refrigeration, it’s fully equipped for comfort and convenience.

** Half Day Charter:

Yonder Star departs from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, passing through a lifting drawbridge and into the stunning Waitemata Harbour.
The cruise heads west, sailing under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and then changes course to pass the CBD and the historic Devonport Naval Base.
The route continues past Mount Victoria, between North Head and Rangitoto, two of Auckland’s extinct volcanoes.
Rangitoto Island, formed 700 years ago during a volcanic event, is highlighted during the cruise.
The journey ends with a sail along Auckland’s North Shore, passing Cheltenham and Narrow Neck beaches, before returning to the Viaduct Marina.

** Full Day Charter:

Yonder Star departs from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, passing through a lifting drawbridge and heading into the Waitemata Harbour.
Once clear of the Viaduct, Yonder Star sets sail towards Motuihe Island, with a 90-minute journey offering views of Auckland’s CBD, Devonport Naval Base, Mount Victoria, North Head, and Rangitoto Island.
Anchor at Motuihe Island, go for a swim, take a bush walk, kayak, or try paddleboarding.
Lunch is served onboard.
After lunch, Yonder Star sails back to Viaduct Marina.

** Overnight Charter:

Up to 6 guests.
Fully customisable.

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Destination
Waitemata Harbour & Hauraki Gulf, departing Viaduct Harbour
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Available Languages
English
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Included
Private charter of Yonder Star and tender boat, Fuel consumption, Captain & Crew, Kayaks, Paddle Boards & fishing rods, Customising the itinerary as per the guest’s needs
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Duration
Half day, full day & multi-day
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Transport Mode
Sailing yacht
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Category
Private charter (yacht)

What can you expect

1

An 87-Foot Luxury Ketch

Yonder Star is an 87-foot, New Zealand-built luxury ketch based in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, with spacious outdoor areas, a seated cockpit and Starlink high-speed internet, fully equipped for comfort.

2

Half Day on the Waitemata

Sail from the Viaduct through the lifting drawbridge into the Waitemata Harbour, under the Harbour Bridge and past the CBD, Devonport Naval Base, North Head and Rangitoto Island.

3

Full Day to Motuihe Island

Set sail for Motuihe Island, anchor for a swim, bush walk, kayak or paddleboard, enjoy lunch on board, then cruise back to the Viaduct Marina.

4

Overnight and Multi-Day Charters

Extend your adventure with fully customisable overnight and multi-day charters for up to six guests, tailored to your itinerary.

Plan Timeline

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local guide. Feel free to personalise this offer.

Board at Viaduct Harbour

Meet your captain and crew at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

Set Sail

Pass through the lifting drawbridge into the Waitemata Harbour.

Cruise the Gulf

Sail past Auckland's landmarks and out toward the islands.

Swim, Kayak or Paddleboard

Anchor and enjoy the water on full day and longer charters.

Dining on Board

Lunch is served on board on full day charters.

Return to the Marina

Cruise back to the Viaduct Marina.

*Note: Our itinerary is flexible and may change on the day so we can give you the best possible experience.

Reviews from guests

5 reasons to book this tour

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Private Charter

The whole yacht, captain and crew are yours.

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Tailored Itinerary

We customise the route to your group's wishes.

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87-Foot Luxury Ketch

Spacious, comfortable and fully equipped.

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Starlink WiFi

Stay connected with high-speed internet on board.

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Water Toys Included

Kayaks, paddleboards and fishing rods on board.

Flexible Cancellation Policy

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Plans can change — we get it

Cancellations made more than 3 days before your tour date are eligible for a partial refund, with fees varying based on timing.

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New Zealand countryside

Frequently Asked Questions

How is pricing structured? keyboard_arrow_down
Half day and full day charters are priced by the number of passengers (1 to 30). Multi-day charters are flat exclusive-charter rates. All prices include GST. Get in touch and we will quote your group.
Where does the charter depart from? keyboard_arrow_down
Yonder Star departs from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, passing through a lifting drawbridge into the Waitemata Harbour.
What is included on board? keyboard_arrow_down
Your private charter includes the captain and crew, fuel, kayaks, paddleboards and fishing rods, and a tailored itinerary. Overnight catering and relocation fees may be additional.
How many guests can the yacht take? keyboard_arrow_down
Day charters host up to 30 guests, while overnight charters are for up to 6 guests. Tell us your group size and we will recommend the right option.
Is catering available on board? keyboard_arrow_down
Lunch is served on board for full day charters. For overnight charters, menus are emailed in advance so you can choose and pay directly. We are happy to tailor catering.

Auckland & Beyond tours are always

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Safe and comfortable

Your safety is our priority. We travel in a modern fleet of Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles with high safety ratings, and our guides are experienced in assisting travellers of all ages and mobility levels.

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Fully guided by local experts

Our guides don’t just drive you from A to B. They share rich stories about Aotearoa’s history, natural wonders, Māori culture, and wildlife — so you understand and feel the places you visit.

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Eco-conscious

Sustainability is a core value. We run eco-conscious tours, use modern low-emissions vehicles, and support local communities and conservation wherever possible.

Other things to do near Auckland

NZ$1300 per person
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