Kingfisher Yacht Charters

You can find us at Russell Pier or just ask at the Russell or Paihia Tourist information centers.

We can help you organise your yacht charter and accommodation as well as provide local advice. Stephen also offers photographic services.

Sail the Bay of Islands

Sail the Bay of Islands with us, Kingfisher Yacht Charters, in Northland, New Zealand. We will take you on a cruise where you will explore the beautiful bays and sights it has to offer.

Feel the gentle breeze in your hair and the warm sun on your back and see your cares slip away as our beautiful yacht glides smoothly through the clear, clean waters of the Bay.

Our sailing charters specialise in small groups, families and exclusive charters to provide that special personal touch – we want you to feel it is your boat for the day. There are hundreds of beaches and bays to explore. We will give you an experience that you will savor for the rest of your life.

Relax in the knowledge that you are in safe hands

We are both very experienced sailors, Stephen – your skipper has been on the water all his life and has spent many years sailing his favourite cruising grounds in the Bay Of Islands, the jewel in the crown of the North Island. Stephen has sailed Kingfisher to the South Islands’ Marlborough Sounds and back via the West Coast of the North Island, and has also crewed on other yachts in trips to Tonga, Fiji and on our other charter yacht Kama Lua from Tasmania in the South of Australia to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island.

Sue also has a long history of sailing and has experience as a waterwise instructor, teaching many 10-11 year olds the rudimentary basics of sailing in small craft.

Stephen is also known for his photography and is happy to record your experience to remember your perfect day

So come sail with us in paradise and take advantage of our extensive knowledge of the beautiful Bay of Islands setting out from romantic Russell, one of New Zealand’s most historic settlements.

Charter a Yacht in the Bay of Islands

Sue and Stephen invite you to sail the Bay of Islands by chartering a yacht for the day.
You can

• Sail (or learn to) in a relaxed environment
• Swim & snorkel in crystal clear waters
• Take a walk or relax on white sandy island beaches
• See dolphins, seabirds & penguins
• Diving can be arranged

You have a choice of 2 Yachts to charter

Kingfisher – Length 11.6m (from 1- 8 guests)
Kama Lua – Length 15m (from 1 – 12 guests)

All charters leave Russell wharf daily at 10.00 returning by 4.00 and are skippered by our qualified skippers Groups and Families are welcome

All Charters include:

• Morning and afternoon tea/coffee with freshly baked muffins
• Delicious lunch and refreshments provided, using fresh local NZ produce

What to bring:

We will cater for almost all of your needs, however there are a few personal things you should bring.

• Swimwear
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Soft soled shoes
• Camera

Special requirements

If you have special requests or dietary requirements that need to be catered for please advise us when booking

Sailing in the Bay Of Islands

New Zealand is renowned for some of the best sailing conditions in the world hosting pristine scenery and clear clean waters. Sailors from New Zealand have been welcomed through out the world for their skills and experience.

Auckland and the Bay of Islands, where Kingfisher sails is where the majority of sailing is enjoyed. The Bay Of Islands also has the advantage of a mild warm climate, which means we can sail all year round – no wonder it is referred to as the winterless north.

On leaving Russell sail out through the many islands in the Bay of Islands stopping for lunch in a sheltered picturesque bay. With a small number of guests we can be flexible on destination and preferences such as fishing, swimming, long walks on the beach or feeling the breeze in your hair as you try your hand at sailing – find out why New Zealanders are so good at this sport

Our summer season is from December thru to April with our white sandy beaches not crowded and plenty of space to relax and swim.