Yonder Star – Private Sailing Charter

schedule Half day, full day & multi-day • auto_awesome Sailing • location_on Departs Viaduct Harbour, Auckland • groups Up to 30 passengers (day charters); overnight up to 6 guests

schedule Half day, full day & multi-day

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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

schedule

Duration

Half day, full day & multi-day

groups

Group Size

Up to 30 passengers (day charters); overnight up to 6 guests

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Transport Mode

Sailing yacht

What can you expect

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.

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.

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.

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

    EXCELLENT  
  1899 reviews
 
 
        Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   JOHN F 
 25 January 2026
 
 
   Hole in the Rock Long but very enjoyable day. Some light showers and wind made for bit bumpy ride on the ferry but there is an enclosed deck for fair weather travelers. Jon our driver was superb. Excellent service dropping all in our group back to our hotels in the evening. Good taste of Bay of the islands wanting a longer stay but great for a day trip!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Amanda C 
 25 January 2026
 
 
   You better hope you get Jon as your driver!! Jon was our driver today and he was great. Very informative on the drive in regards to Auckland and very friendly!!The boat trip was great, got to see multiple dolphins and see the islands. Such a great day!!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Climber45511056256 
 21 January 2026
 
 
   Great I had Adil as my tour guide. Great tour and smooth journey to and from!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Gladys T 
 20 January 2026
 
 
   Lovely trip Nice trip we enjoyed it very much it was worth the money . It took all day from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm . It was raining on the day but the guide provided the amberellas . The trip was well organised and timed The tour guide Nancy was lovely, funny so knowledgeable she added more fun to our trip
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   N1C0L3TT3 
 19 January 2026
 
 
   A scenic but long day from Auckland. Well worth it though! A long day but worth it to see the Northland and Bay of Islands landscape especially if you do not have your own transport. Raymond the driver/guide was educational and pleasant and the mini coach was pleasant with just 5 other passengers.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jshah21 
 19 January 2026
 
 
   Awesome! This tour was an absolute highlight of our New Zealand trip, and Andy made it truly exceptional. From start to finish, he was knowledgeable, engaging, and incredibly thoughtful about every detail of the day. His storytelling brought Hobbiton to life in such a fun and immersive way—even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it’s impossible not to be enchanted.Andy managed the schedule seamlessly, making sure we never felt rushed while still fitting everything in comfortably. At Waitomo, he provided great context and history beforehand, which made the glowworm cave experience even more magical and meaningful.What really stood out was Andy’s genuine care for the group—he was approachable, funny, and happy to answer questions, take photos, and make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. It felt personal, not scripted.Highly recommend this tour, and if you can request Andy as your guide, do it. You’ll walk away with amazing memories and an even deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s beauty.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   William N 
 18 January 2026
 
 
   Exceptional experience with Paul! We had an incredible time with Paul as our guide. From start to finish, he was incredibly attentive and made sure everyone in our group was comfortable. He went completely out of his way to show us extra sites we hadn't even expected to see, which really made the trip feel special. His passion for the area is obvious, and he truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience. Highly recommend!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dirk K 
 17 January 2026
 
 
   Great experience at Hobbiton! My partner and I enjoyed the Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour from Auckland.Our driver, John, was incredibly friendly, punctual, and attentive. He shared fascinating tidbits during the journey, making the ride engaging and fun. Upon arrival at Hobbiton, he guided us clearly and efficiently, never overbearing, just perfectly helpful.The tour of Hobbiton itself was wonderful. The experience was well-organized, informative, and just the right length to soak in the magic of Middle-earth. On the return trip, we encountered an unexpected delay due to an accident and the highway was closed. John kept us informed and ensured we had plenty of water and snacks to stay comfortable.Overall, it was a fantastic day out, and I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting New Zealand! A perfect blend of adventure, storytelling, and hospitality.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Letitia D 
 17 January 2026
 
 
   Epic day trip with a magnificent guide - Nancy . Stories in words and images, enough pit stops to refresh and toilet Our guide Nancy was amazing, caring, helpful and punctual but mostly knowledgeable! She engaged all of the participants and ensured everything is on time and smooth!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jim A 
 17 January 2026
 
 
   Great Auckland Intro Shirt but super intro to Auckland. Our guide was informed and really a joy to interact with. Really set up our trip well on our first day here
  
 
 
  
 
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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.

wifi

Starlink WiFi

Stay connected with high-speed internet on board.

kayaking

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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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.