Safety
Whiskers meets all the safety requirements of NZ maritime Authority (MaritimeNZ) and has undergone extensive checks before you board

Bareboats and skippered yacht charters are essentially the same charter boats.  With a bareboat yacht charter, the yacht is provided fully equipped for use by a charter party. The boat becomes the complete responsibility of the charter party and a nominated captain with suitable experience. For your convemnience we include local skipper at no extra cost!

Captain's experience/qualifications:
All sailing commercial skippers in New Zealand have to have a number of qualifications, including Boatmaster Yachtmaster, Ocean Yachtmaster and CLM - Commercail Launchmaster

You Can Do It !!!
Whiskers will be ready to go when you arrive. Ice, fuel and water on board, your berth will even be made up - all you need do is slip your lines and start your vacation. 

Briefings
The 'City of Sail', as Auckland is fondly known, sits against the backdrop of the sparkling Waitemata harbor. Auckland is the base for sailing the magnificent Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel Peninsular.  The Hauraki Gulf provides excellent year round sailing conditions with comfortable temperatures and average wind strengths of 10-25 knots. There are 35 islands within short sailing distance, the Hauraki Gulf is a palate of gorgeous scenery.

7-10 DAY - TYPICAL ITINERARY

Day  1  Arrive in Auckland- stay at No 1 House
Day  2  To Islington Bay - walk to summit of Rangitoto Island
Day  3  Vist Waiheke Island, Oneroa beach, then to far end to anchor - 20nms
Day  4  Te Kouma Harbour on Coromandel peninsul- wonderful isolation
Day  5  Vist Coromandel then to Great Barrier Island (Tryphena) - 48nms
Day  6  Great Barrier Island (Port Fitzroy) - 13nms
Day  7  Sail or walk and enjoy Great barrier
Day  8  Kawau Island - 30nms
Day 9   Motuketekete Island and Gulf harbour
Day 10 Auckland  via Tiri Tiri Matangi- 25nms

THE ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Rangitoto Island - home to New Zealand's youngest volcano. The hike to the summit rewards you with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. This 800 year old volcanic island of 2310 hectares is included in the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, the ranger living at Islington bay. The island is a prominent landmark from every direction, rising to a three cone shaped summit

Waiheke Island - Next, you'll come to Waiheke Island, home to some of New Zealand's best wineries, where you can wine and dine in superb style among the olive groves. Besides beautiful white sandy beaches, the island boasts a range of local crafts, pottery, weaving, leatherwork and art.

Kawau Island - This island has had an interesting history down the years, as firstly it was a home to manganese and copper mining, then in the late 1800's the Governor, Sir George Grey made the island his retreat.  The home is now a Historic Home museum. The island is though, a very popular spot with many sheltered anchorage.  Kawau Island has many safe anchorages.

Great Barrier Island - Is 32km (16 miles) in length and with a permanent population of less than 2000 is the 'must see' for cruisers. Over two thirds of its area is public land and there is an extensive network of walkways and tracks, and much of Great Barrier is heavily forested.
The island has historical sites such as great kauri dams,  while the golden sandy beaches and native bush walking tracks make it an outdoor paradise. 

Whangaparoa  Peninsula - Although there are a number of bays, along the Whangaparoa stretch of coast, they hold limited appeal to the yachtsman. With the exception of Hobbs Bay on the southern side of the peninsular this is home to the Gulf Harbour Marina. THere there are a number of limited visitors' berths available, pre-booking is advised.

Tiritiri Matangi - A beautiful island that is now a bird sanctuary that welcomes visitors, and you are guaranteed to see many rare birds. This is a perfect lunch time stop on your way home

For the more experienced sailor, cruising between Auckland and the Bay Of Islands opens up 120 miles of fabulous sailing, as you explore the coastline.

READ A NOTE FROM OUR GUESTBOOK;
From Dorothy and Mike Young - Rotorua, New Zealand
Wow Whiskers you are a great boat! We are new to sailing and it was sincere bliss to be on the ocean, while to be lulled to sleep in the cosy cabin was an incredible way to complete the day. What a great experience, sailing on a catamaran, just absolutely breath taking and great memories. In the company of such friendliness of the Captain and crew was just awesome. Their skills and knowledge of the sea and sailing quickly confirmed to me of being in a safe space which helped me want to learn how to sail. We had two days sailing, and I loved the freedom of settling in for the night sheltered in a bay with the sights of great colours of the sun setting and the aroma of dinner cooking. A happiness was within me as I turned in for the night in my bunk. I just enjoyed the whole experience- steering, helping with the sails, anchoring, everything. Thank you Whiskers - We are definatey coming back!