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NZ Marine Industry Association

NZ Marine Industry Association

Committed to developing the Marine Industry in New Zealand

2022’s largest superyacht event in the southern hemisphere, shows yachts have made a return

January 22, 2023 by Caroline

A superyacht welcome function, held last month marking the start of the cruising season in New Zealand, showed the strength of the return of superyachts to the southern hemisphere cruising grounds. 

Superyachts are back, and the New Zealand industry has welcomed them with open arms.

At the country’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function, which marks the start of the superyacht season in New Zealand, crew from more than 30 superyachts gathered to celebrate the return to New Zealand’s iconic cruising grounds.

Hundreds of crew, both newly arrived in New Zealand and from yachts that had undergone refit in the country through winter, demonstrated the return of superyachts in force to New Zealand for its cruising season.

Hosted by Superyacht New Zealand and NZ Marine, crew were joined by key industry representatives and 54 sponsor companies from the domestic market, which specialises in the provision of high-quality refit and services. The event was also an opportunity to foreshadow one of the key events on the superyacht calendar in New Zealand, as Sail GP prepares to race in March 2023, with Sail GP’s chief commercial officer, Karl Budge on hand to get the crowd excited about the superyacht and VIP race viewing to come.

New Zealand’s superyacht-friendly legislation and easy clearance policies have seen yachts rapidly return to the country, with a two-year temporary import entry (TIE) gaining yachts tax concessions. With the opportunity to access GST-free goods, services, and refit, the nation has also greatly increased its marine infrastructure, ensuring vessels have world-class facilities.

The past three years have seen New Zealand’s inner city marinas, haul out and refit facilities increase exponentially and it’s now possible to berth an exceptional number of large superyachts in the heart of major cities.

Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine, the organisation which administers Superyacht New Zealand, greeted guests and thanked crew for visiting New Zealand.

He invited crew to pick up a copy of the Destination & Cruising New Zealand book, which is also available for download. Detailing the best of New Zealand cruising, it acts as a companion for crew both planning their New Zealand journey and those already in the country.

The guide has just been re-released with updated information. Download the Guide here , and see Superyacht New Zealand for more information.

ENDS superyachtnewzealand.co.nz www.nzmarine.com

For more information or interview requests, please contact Isla McKechnie of Albatross PR,  [email protected]

The event was made possible through the sponsorship of the following companies.

37 South ‍ Altex Coatings ‍ ATTEST Ltd ‍ Auckland Boat Show ‍ Auckland Engineering Supplies ‍ Azimut Yachts ‍ Babcock New  Zealand ‍ Bay Of Islands Marina Port Opua ‍ Boat Cover Company ‍ Brin Wilson Boat Builders ‍ Catalano Shipping ‍ DM Marine  Electronics ‍ Doyle Sails ‍ ENL Electronic Navigation ‍ Glengarry Wines ‍ GoFuel ‍ Hall Spars ‍ Hesketh Henry ‍ Holton Marine ‍ IMED ‍ Integrated Marine Group (IMG) ‍ Lighthouse Marine Equipment ‍ Liquid Automation ‍ Lloyd Stevenson  Boatbuilders ‍ Marsden Cove Marina ‍ North Sails ‍ Oceania Marine ‍ Orams Marine ‍ Penske New Zealand ‍ Port Nikau ‍ Power Equipment ‍ Propspeed ‍

Reid Yacht Services ‍ Rig Pro ‍ Silo & Viaduct  Marinas ‍ Smuggler Marine ‍ Southern Spars ‍ Sovereign Services ‍ Super Yacht  Coatings ‍ Tenob Wholesale Marine ‍ Terra Cat ‍ The Produce Co ‍ Tidal Yachting ‍ Titan Marine ‍ TNL Pindar ‍ Urban Sea ‍ Viking Recruitment ‍ VMG Clothing ‍ West Auckland Upholstery and Covers ‍ Wilco Marine Services ‍ Yachting Developments

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A Season in New Zealand

A Cruising Guide for Superyachts

Posted on November 6, 2019 February 26, 2020 by Seal Superyachts

New Zealand is an ideal destination for many Superyacht owners sailing in the Pacific. Not only is it a safe country in safe waters, south of the cyclone belt, but it has an English-speaking population. It’s a place where sailors can relax, slow down and catch up on boat projects and essential maintenance – after all, the majority of them will have sailed right along the coast of the Americas in a single 6,000-mile season.

Most owners choose to bring their yachts to Opua in the Bay of Islands, though some head directly for Marsden Cove (Whangarei) – the primary destination for maintenance. Larger vessels tend to clear in at Auckland as Opua can only dock yachts up to a maximum of 30 metres in length.

new-zealand-opua

The Bay of Islands

The shallow waters of the the Bay of Islands make a very pleasant change for sailors who have spent months crossing the deep blue water passages of the Pacific. As the name implies, the bay contains a good choice of islands, some of them uninhabited. There’s a variety of anchorages available for every wind direction, as well as pristine beaches, hiking trails and a few hurricane holes. Each day dawns with emerald views and exotic birdcalls, like the wavering, gong-like call of the tui. Among the more popular islands is Urupukapuka, which is loved for the varied hiking opportunities its undulating terrain provides. Morturua also offers some very dramatic scenery and forested slopes.

As ideal a destination as this may sound, the Bay of Islands has its limits. It’s a relatively small place and, while there are dozens of excellent anchorages, the best spots are clustered around a handful of islands and mainland bays, none more than 15 miles from another. You can easily explore the best of the pay within a fortnight, even at a leisurely pace.

Bay-of-Islands-lighthouse

Beyond the Bay of Islands

The Cavalli Islands and Whangaroa are just a day’s sailing north of the Bay of Islands, and are equally enticing. Even the voyage there, with the feel of the open ocean under your keel, can be exhilarating without being too challenging. It’s still just a short coastal hop, with only line-of-sight navigation needed. Alternatively, you can head south to Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. It’s a very popular destination that almost every sailor heads to eventually, though the journey can be a little wild. It requires shifting mentality from one of “paradise at anchor” to “full sailing mode” as the coastline is raw and exposed to the full brunt of the Southern Ocean. At its best, getting to the Hauraki Gulf is two or three days of enjoyable sailing. At its worst, it’s something of an endurance test.

Along the way between the Bay of Islands and the Hauraki Gulf is Whangamumu – an essential stop that’s just around the corner from Cape Brett. The large, circular bay opens to the east and is uninhabited. It contains only the ruins of an old whaling station, from which a number of hiking trails emerge. Other anchorages on the voyage south include Tutukaka and the outer reaches of Whangarei. There are several islands along the coast here, which are nice to look at as you sail by. Sadly, being nature reserves and having few safe anchorages among them, that’s all you can do with them.

The-Cavalli-Islands

The Hauraki Gulf

Conveniently close to Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf comfortably holds the title of New Zealand’s finest cruising ground. Within a short sail, you can go from city life to woodland reserves like Tiritiri Matangi Island. And, thanks to steady ocean breezes over relatively calm seas, that short sail is an excellent one.

Hopping the [generally] short distances between islands will reveal unique and varied environments on each. You can hike up to the volcanic peak of Rangitoto in the morning, then catch the 15-knot southeasterly wind to enjoy the nightlife of Waiheke Island’s swanky neighbourhoods. Of course, being such a fantastic destination, there will always be plenty of other sailors around. Fortunately, most anchorages are spacious, so you won’t be fighting for space.

If you’d rather escape the ‘sea of sails’, the peaceful Te Kouma Bay is within a day’s sailing from Auckland, on the Coromandel Peninsula. Alternatively, Great Barrier Island acts as a lid to the Hauraki Gulf and offers great hiking among native kauri trees. Be sure to visit the aptly named Smokehouse Bay, where a do-it-yourself wood-fired hot tub awaits.

Dolphin-Watching-in-the-Hauraki-Gulf

South To Tauranga

At the northeastern-most point of Hauraki Gulf is Cape Colville, which effectively forms the edge of the map for most sailors. However, rather than monsters of the edge of the world, adventurous sailors are rewarded with destinations like Great Mercury Island. It’s just a day’s sailing to the southeast and is stunningly beautiful, with long, sandy beaches and outstanding scenery. As you head further south, you break up your trip with stops at Mercury Bay, Mayor Island and Slipper Island, weather permitting. It’s worth the voyage to reach Tauranga and its sister city, Mount Maunganui.

There are several reasons why this area should be on your itinerary. You can go ashore to see one of the best-known attractions of New Zealand’s North Island: Rotorua, which is famous for its culture and thermal activity. There’s also the stunning but extremely different scenery offered by Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park. As an added bonus, the area has some of the lowest marina and yard fees on the North Island too.

If you really want to test your seamanship, you can sail down to the South Island and Fiordland. While very beautiful, the national park is at the extreme southern end of the country and extreme weather can make it effectively off-limits to most sailors, who prefer the calmer conditions of the North Island’s coastline and the convenient overland travel options to take them that far south. Of course, that only makes the experience more rewarding for those able to undertake it.

Great-Mercury

Along the east coast of the South Island, Akaroa is a little timewarp. The tiny towns around the natural harbour have developed just enough to provide pretty good sailing facilities, but still retain their 19th-century atmosphere and much of the architecture, too. The Akaroa Harbour is part of the Banks Peninsula, which was formed by volcanic activity. Even after 5 million years of inactivity, the area still has a fresh, rugged landscape.

It’s the rich, shallow waters in and around the harbour that bring sailors to this striking part of New Zealand, just southeast of Christchurch. Within a short distance of the main wharf, you can see a New Zealand fur seal colony, rare Hector’s dolphins and cliffs that teem with seabirds. If you like fishing, you can expect to hook blue moki, banded wrasse and a range of sharks, among plenty of others.

With such striking natural attractions, it’s worth noting that you’ll rarely be the only one on the water. Being within a short drive of Christchurch makes Akaroa is a popular day-trip destination. As such, there are many charter vessels in the area, as well as powerboats, pedalos and paddleboard companies.

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Marlborough Sounds

The vast, remote Marlborough Sounds are made up of 4,000 sq km of rugged coastline, bays, drowned sea-valleys, native forests and beaches. The result is a natural paradise and a delightful cruising destination on the northern tip of the South Island.

The quaint port town of Picton is worth a visit in its own right, being a gateway to some very picturesque hiking routes. There are also some first-class wineries within a short drive. However, it’s the wildlife in the sounds that are the star attraction. Here, you’ll find the entire breeding population of the rough-faced shag (or New Zealand king cormorant), as well as fur seal colonies, dolphins and penguins.

While most of the waters within the sounds are perfectly calm, the Cook Strait is famous for its strong currents and rough waters, which can be treacherous. It’s worth being wary and maybe even seeking the assistance of a local expert, lest you add your cruiser to the long list of attractions for scuba divers here.

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New Zealand’s capital, on the southern end of the North Island, might not be your first thought when it comes to picking a beautiful sailing destination. However, not only does it offer a vibrant city with excellent facilities on land, but there’s plenty to see around Wellington Harbour, too.

A perfect natural shelter, the harbour is a regular haunt of little blue penguins, dolphins and even orcas. Right in the middle is Matiu/Somes Island, which is both a historical and scientific reserve, home to New Zealand’s first harbour light, a Second World War anti-aircraft gun emplacement, seabird colonies and a number of nice hiking routes.

When it comes to sailing conditions, Wellington enjoys very consistent winds, making virtually every day in the summer an ideal day to raise the sheets and earning it the nickname “Windy Wellington”. Of course, many Wellingtonians get the same idea, which can make the harbour a little crowded, particularly on weekends.

yacht season nz

Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is home to a rich array of history and nature. There’s the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony at the southern end of the bay, close to the city. Right at the northern end is the Mahia Peninsula, where you might be lucky enough to see a space rocket launch. In between, the region is a great wine-growing area.

The bay is a great spot for fishing. Among the potential catches are lemonfish, kahawai, trevally and moki. Even Napier itself gets regular visits from some interesting wildlife, including fur seals, whales, orcas and little blue penguins.

The Napier Sailing Club is a very good value marina and one of the few safe havens along an otherwise rather challenging coastline, so be sure to stop for a day or two to enjoy the city’s art deco architecture and interesting attractions.

yacht season nz

The long natural harbour of Dunedin, on the southeast coast of New Zealand’s South Island, contains both a good choice of sailing clubs and marinas, but also an impressive array of wildlife. The Otago Peninsula runs parallel to the main coastline, creating the harbour, and is home to penguins, fur seals, sea lions, albatrosses and other remarkable creatures, all protected by extensive conservation areas.

Out to sea, you might catch sight of some amazing animals, including blue, humpback and Minke whales. Sail for Taiaroa Head for the best chance of spotting these majestic giants. Other species spotted in the area include orcas, sperm and pilot whales and various types of dolphin.

The Otago Peninsula has a number of smaller coves facing out to sea, many of which are both strikingly beautiful and provide shelter for even more wildlife. There’s even an impressive amount of history to discover, including old fortifications, lime kilns and lighthouses. Be sure to check out the many hiking trails within easy reach of Dunedin city to fully enjoy this natural wonder.

yacht season nz

Great Mercury Islands

The Mercury Islands consist of seven beautiful islands about 8 km off the northeast of the North Island. The largest of them – Great Mercury – is privately owned and hosts two luxurious residences that can be hired for about NZ$20,000 per day! Fortunately, you can access the island for free or enjoy enjoy its beauty from the surrounding sea without charge – and they certainly are beautiful! Expect white sands, rolling green hills and sapphire blue waters. Check out Peachgrove Bay – said to be one of the most beautiful bays in New Zealand!

If you like wildlife, you should certainly check out the smaller Mercuries. They host over 3,000 breeding pairs of Pycroft’s petrels and a number of other remarkable bird species. You can also expect to see sharks, penguins and more. Being pest-free, the wildlife on land is particularly remarkable.

yacht season nz

We can’t possibly claim that New Zealand has everything you could possibly want from a destination, but it comes about as close as any single destination can. Apart from its own myriad attractions, it’s a restful stop for weary sailors, allowing them to recharge before heading out to “the Islands” – the Kiwi term given to the tropical nations to the north, including Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

In fact, some Superyacht captains enjoy the diversity and comfort of New Zealand that they will simply migrate between here and the tropics as the season changes, bouncing between the two continuously and returning to their favourite spots over and over again. It’s that sort of a place.

Destinations: Australasia , New Zealand

Footnote : Contact Seal Superyachts New Zealand for detailed information about cruising around New Zealand, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit. Principle agent Ben Osborne is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of New Zealand and the surrounding area. Ben Osborne Phone: +64 21 040 9976 Email: [email protected]

SuperyachtNews

By SuperyachtNews 20 Dec 2022

New Zealand superyacht season commences

The newly formed superyacht new zealand organisation hosted crew from more than 30 yachts to announce the start of the southern hemisphere season….

Image for article New Zealand superyacht season commences

A superyacht welcome function held on December 13, marked the start of the cruising season in New Zealand and showed the strength of the return of superyachts to the southern hemisphere cruising grounds. Superyachts are back, and the New Zealand industry has welcomed them with open arms.

At the country’s annual Superyacht Welcome Function, which marks the start of the superyacht season in New Zealand, crew from more than 30 superyachts gathered to celebrate the return to New Zealand’s iconic cruising grounds.

Hundreds of crew, both newly arrived in New Zealand and from yachts which had undergone a refit in the country through winter, demonstrated the return of superyachts in force to New Zealand for its cruising season.

Hosted by Superyacht New Zealand and NZ Marine, crew were joined by key industry representatives and 54 sponsor companies from the domestic market, which specialises in providing high-quality refit and services. The event was also an opportunity to foreshadow one of the critical events on the superyacht calendar in New Zealand, as Sail GP prepares to race in March 2023, with Sail GP’s chief commercial officer, Karl Budge on hand to get the crowd excited about the superyacht and VIP race viewing to come.

New Zealand’s superyacht-friendly legislation and easy clearance policies have seen yachts rapidly return to the country, with a two-year temporary import entry (TIE) gaining yachts tax concessions. With the opportunity to access GST-free goods, services, and refit, the nation has also greatly increased its marine infrastructure, ensuring vessels have world-class facilities.

The past three years have seen New Zealand’s superyacht marinas, haul out and refit facilities increase exponentially. It’s now possible to berth or refit large superyachts in key regions throughout New Zealand.

Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine, the organisation which administers Superyacht New Zealand, greeted guests and thanked crew for visiting New Zealand.

He invited crew to pick up a copy of the Destination & Cruising New Zealand book, which is also available for download. Detailing the best of New Zealand cruising, it acts as a companion for crew planning their New Zealand journey and those already in the country.

The guide has just been re-released with updated information. Contact Superyacht New Zealand for more details and to download the guide. 

Image credit: Superyacht New Zealand/Jeff Brown

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Pacific Passage Planning

  • By Alvah Simon
  • Updated: July 29, 2019

Sailboats at twilight

The definitions and delineations of a sea versus an ocean are complex, contested and best left to the learned geographers to debate. From a sailor’s point of view, excluding landlocked bodies of water, the rest of the brine is a contiguous path to glorious global adventure. Having said that, we do have our favorites. While the dreadful grind of the ice pack in the Far North and the towering graybeards of the Southern Ocean have their devotees, most sailing fantasies turn toward the seductive strum of the ukulele, the swaying palms and the white-sand beaches of the exotic South Pacific .

Ferdinand Magellan may have been a bit optimistic when he named a body of water that encompasses nearly one-third of Earth Mar Pacifico (peaceful ocean), for, like all oceans, it depends. The very size of the Pacific presents unique challenges, but so too do its strong currents, powerful storms, hazardous coral outcrops and remote low-lying islands.

Voyage Planning for Sailing the South Pacific

A successful Pacific passage will rely on meticulous planning , based on current information tempered with flexibility, because, by nature, cruising has it vagaries. But before one gets into the minutia of details, they should first step back and consider the bigger picture of sailing across the Pacific.

Is the vessel truly stem-to-stern, keel-to-masthead ready? Remember, a day’s work at the dock is worth a week’s under way. Is the dream and determination shared equally, or will the plan unravel with the first gale? Does a westward passage commit one to a circumnavigation, or are there strategic exit points? Does the voyage rely on a financial structure subject to change? Are you most comfortable as part of a rally, with a “buddy boat” or as a lone wolf?

Next is the paper chase. Gone are the whimsical days of letting the winds blow you where they may. The modern cruiser must be prepared in advance to face a host of legal requirements. First, ensure that every crewmember’s passport is as current as possible. Many countries will not issue visas to passports within six months of expiry. Next, list every country that you may wish to stop in and those in peripheral waters. Check the visa requirements carefully because the devil is in the details, especially if you have a multinational crew. Many countries require no visas if your stay is relatively short, or issue visas upon arrival. But some, such as Australia, will hit you with a hefty fine for showing up without one. Albeit increasingly expensive, cruising permits are normally obtainable upon arrival, but check the cruising websites and forums for current and accurate information. Make very high-resolution photocopies of your passports and ship’s papers. Bureaucrats love the pomp and splendor of shiny paper, and your precious original boat documents can stay safely on the vessel. If departing directly from U.S. waters, be aware that U.S. Customs does not normally issue a zarpe, or outbound clearance papers, yet these are required for entry into nearly any other nation. Download CBP Form 1300 and insist on a government stamp, any stamp. Be sure to have clear doctors’ prescriptions for every drug in the ship’s medical kit. What might be an over-the-counter medication in one country can be highly prohibited in another. Increasingly, foreign marinas demand third-party liability insurance. If you hope to further insure for damage and loss, check carefully the caveats relating to seasons and areas. If you plan to rent cars for touring, it is best to obtain an international driver’s license before departure.

Familiarize yourself with the basic elements that will shape your course and schedule — the direction and timing of the prevailing winds, significant currents, cyclone seasons, the positioning of the intertropical convergence zone and the South Pacific convergence zone. Ascertain if the year of passage has been deemed an El Niño or La Niña year because these phenomena can affect the above.

West Coast sailors may depart from as far north as the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near Seattle, or dally south to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, while awaiting the passage season. For European and East Coast sailors, the Pacific launching point is obviously the Panama Canal. The details of a canal transit are complex enough to warrant an article of their own, but relevant here is do not assume a quick passage, because during peak periods there can be several weeks of delay. Also, build in time to enjoy both the San Blas Islands, on the Atlantic side, and the Las Perlas Islands, on the Pacific side.

Roger Henry

Pacific Sailing Routes

Although the official window for departures from Panama extends from February all the way to June, the trade winds tend to stabilize and strengthen as the year progresses. However, an early exit has many advantages. Leaving it until June allows only six months to transit up to 9,000 nautical miles before being forced to exit the cyclone belt at the western edge of the Pacific. This truncates the time to linger in favorite anchorages or tend to inevitable breakdowns and delays. Leaving as early as late January might technically put one out into the Pacific during the official cyclone season, but the statistical chances of a storm developing this far to the east are slim.

There are countless permutations of a westward passage, but the path dubbed the “Milk Run” is the most popular. Regardless of one’s plan for the western Pacific, this route passes by or through the Galápagos Islands , the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands (Tahiti).

The initial stage presents a challenge because the winds can be light and the currents contrary in the Gulf of Panama. It’s advisable to head slightly east of south when heading out of the Gulf; the western promontory is aptly named Punta Mala (Bad Point) due to its penchant for confused currents and squally weather.

Once well clear of the Gulf of Panama, fashion a southwestward course with a pronounced southern belly toward the Galápagos group. I once sailed a direct course for the Marquesas Islands that passed over the northern edge of the Galápagos. I paid for this foolishness by spinning in lazy circles for five excruciatingly long days. Given the early time of the year, I would have been better served by passing several degrees south of the island group. Because the intertropical convergence zone (better known as the doldrums) is widest in the eastern Pacific, it is best crossed at the least oblique angle reasonable.

On another Pacific passage, I chose to head south for Bahia de Caraquez in Ecuador. Not only was the cruise down the Ecuadorian coast fascinating, the passage to the Galápagos from Salinas provided steadier winds than had we departed directly from the canal.

The cost and conditions of a stay in the Galápagos are forever changing. As an admittedly stubborn form of protest, I sailed right by them on two different occasions. On the third, my wife, Diana, put her sea boots down and demanded we stop. Even with a limited stay and restricted access, we were treated to one of Earth’s most unique and fascinating natural habitats.

Pacific wind patterns

The 3,000-mile passage from the Galápagos to the Marquesas will probably be the longest of your sailing career. If you can focus on the journey instead of the destination, it might also be the most memorable. Many modern sailors tend to fill the Pacific void with a frenetic schedule of radio nets, emails and obsessive navigational updates. Others soak up the rare opportunity to commune deeply with nature, and experience a rare solitude and reaffirming self-reliance, which I believe to be the core virtues of bluewater sailing.

Counterintuitive to the landlubber but axiomatic to any old salt is that the rhumb line is often not the quickest route to a desired destination. Favorable winds mean speed, and the extra distance in search of them is usually well rewarded. When transiting from the Galápagos to the Marquesas, by first heading south-southwest down to 3 to 4 degrees south latitude, one should reach the upper limits of the southeast trade winds, albeit possibly sporadic at this point. But as you proceed west-southwest toward 6 degrees south latitude and 100 degrees west longitude, they should increase in both strength and consistency. As you straighten course toward your chosen port of entry in the Marquesas, you should begin experiencing your best noon-to-noon runs because you will still have a southerly component in the trades. This puts you on a broad reach, a point of sail most boats excel in. The farther west one heads, the more easterly the trades become until you are eventually running dead downwind. This tends to be a touch slower, with exacerbated rolling. Be sure to carry light-wind sails for the early portions of this journey, and equipment and sails suitable for downwind situations. That fortunate discrepancy you will notice between your speed on the log (i.e., through the water) versus the GPS speed (over the bottom) is compliments of the South Equatorial Current, which fortifies with the steadier trades.

Routes across the pacific

There is only one shoal area along the route, which is well-charted (8 degrees 5 minutes N and 139 degrees 35 minutes W), and the islands are high and easily sighted from afar. Entrances to the main ports are open and well-marked, thus safely approached, a blessing for a fatigued crew. What the Marquesas Islands might lack in terms of white-sand beaches and aqua lagoons is more than made up for with a geography so dramatic as to be somewhat foreboding — towering rock spires, dense jungle and precipitous waterfalls. These islands have been protected from rampant development by a crushing remoteness and therefore arguably remain the cultural heart of Polynesia.

Passages between the islands are mostly clear and well-charted, but potentially windy. The anchorages tend to be open roadsteads, so anti-roll tactics and equipment come in handy. Yachts can clear in at Hiva Oa, Ua Pou or Nuku Hiva. Those first stopping in Fatu Hiva have met with mixed results, ranging from spot fines to official clearance. Yachts are no longer required to rush to Tahiti to extend their initial 30-day visa. Thus, with 90 days in pocket, you can divide your time between the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Societies more evenly than in years past.

Savusavu

Encompassing an area larger than Western Europe, the Tuamotus are the longest chain of atolls in the world. Historically, they were known as the “dangerous archipelago,” and rightfully so due to a baffling maze of poorly charted reefs, low-lying islands and diabolically unpredictable currents. Even with the best of modern navigational equipment and weather forecasting, they demand the mariner’s absolute vigilance regarding watchkeeping, entry and exit from atoll passes, and anchoring techniques.

Those in a hurry to reach Tahiti tend to pass through the wider channels at the northern end of the chain, perhaps visiting Ahe, Manihi and the main center of Rangiroa. Others, with more time, make landfall far to the south and make their way up the chain via Makemo and the beautiful Fakarava Lagoon, enjoying a better angle off the wind on the short sail to Tahiti.

Navigating the Pacific

The Society Islands are divided into two groups: the Windwards, including Tahiti and Moorea, and the Leewards, with Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and, perhaps the most beautiful of them all, Bora Bora. They are all lush, high and ringed by azure seas. If early in the season, all are worth visiting. If time is short, be sure to at least attend the amazing group-dance competitions held in the buzzing capital of Papeete, celebrating Bastille Day on July 14.

North or South?

In Tahiti, the Milk Run divides into myriad possibilities. There is the northern route, for those planning to cross through the Torres Strait or into the Northern Hemisphere for the coming cyclone season, and the southern route, for those dropping south of the danger into New Zealand.

Approaching the Marquesas

Although the majority of the South Pacific islands would remain unexplored, Tahiti is the earliest cutout for those needing to return to North America because its easterly location allows for a viable starboard tack through the southeast and northeast trades to Hawaii. The long but logical route from there is wheeling over the top of the North Pacific summer high and back south into U.S. West Coast waters.

While the land mass of the Cook Islands is a mere 100 square miles, its economic exclusion zone covers nearly 700,000 square miles of Pacific Ocean. One can only hope to draw a thin line through this scattered nation. For those on the southern route, the four- to five-day passage to Aitutaki or Rarotonga offers a predictable beam-to-broad reach right on the rhumb line.

En route to Niue lies one of two opportunities to experience the eeriness of anchoring in the middle of a featureless ocean (the other being the Minerva Reefs between Tonga and New Zealand). Beveridge Reef is a sunken atoll with not a skerrick of land awash at low tide, yet it offers anchorable depths within.

Niue is a raised coral atoll and geographically rare in the South Pacific. As anchoring depths are prohibitive, deep moorings are available. Keep in mind that it is an open roadstead vulnerable to dangerous swells. If the wind even hints at going west, as it occasionally does, get out immediately.

To break up the 1,200-nautical-mile haul to American Samoa from the Society Islands, the northern fleet usually takes a break in the remote and uninhabited atoll of Suwarrow, also known as Suvorov. The pass is challenging, as is the anchoring. But those who dare will be treated to one of the wildest places left on this planet.

From this point west, both the northern and southern fleet enter into the South Pacific convergence zone, a dangling arm of the intertropical convergence zone that extends from the Solomon Islands in an east-southeast direction. The South Pacific convergence zone drifts with some seasonal predictability (more to the north from December to May and the south from June to November), but is also influenced by larger weather anomalies. It tends to shift to the northeast in El Niño years and southwest in the La Niña phase. Generally, it is an area of enhanced convection resulting in a frustrating mix of cloud cover, line squalls and calms.

The list of interesting stops from here west includes Tonga, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Nevertheless, those planning to sail directly through Torres Strait into the Indian Ocean cannot afford to dally. They should be through the Torres by late August or early September in order to cross the entire Indian Ocean into South Africa before the cyclone season begins sometime in late November. A popular alternative is to pass south to a good cyclone hole on the Australian coast, such as Cairns or Port Douglas, and backtrack up to the Torres Strait at the beginning of the next safe season.

Keep in mind that an east-to-west circumnavigation does not demand a route through the Torres. I once circumnavigated by passing north of Papua New Guinea, avoiding the Southern Hemisphere cyclone season, taking in Palau, the Philippines, and Borneo before dropping back into the Southern Hemisphere for the Indian Ocean passage to southern Africa. Any destination north of 10 degrees south latitude will keep you out of harm’s way, albeit without the steady assist of those lovely trade winds.

Polynesian cultures

Those on the southern route can linger through Tonga or Fiji until well into November and still safely make New Zealand shores before any tropical depressions threaten. Most cruisers heading for New Zealand do not venture as far west as Vanuatu or New Caledonia on the assumption that they can easily fetch them on their way north the following season.

Unanimous acclaim for the beauty of the northern Tongan groups of Niua, Vava‘u and Ha‘apai makes some time here mandatory, which harks back to my original advice to head out of Panama as early as safely possible. The southern contingent usually drifts south toward Nuku‘alofa, the capital, until it likes the long-range forecast for the passage to New Zealand. Many plan to hole up in Minerva Reef, getting a head start on the 1,100 miles to New Zealand, and depart there with the absolute latest weather predictions.

The reputation of this leg has more bark than bite, but it cannot be denied that tropical weather events drifting down from the Coral Sea and cold fronts coming up from the Southern Ocean have dramatic potential. One can expect winds from nearly every direction, starting with southeast trades on departure and potentially deep lows with strong southwesterlies shifting to northwesterlies when approaching New Zealand. Thus, the usual advice is to fall off the southeast trades and make some westing in anticipation of that southwest-to-northwest change. Not to be a contrarian, but I have made this passage more than a half-dozen times and believe it is better to hold to the east as far as wind and waves allow because if that southwest change does not occur, you might find yourself on the wrong side of North Cape, New Zealand, with contrary winds and confused currents. Although Norfolk Island is not a fully protected anchorage, many vessels that find themselves west of the rhumb line with foul forecasts to the south will shelter here until conditions improve.

It’s possible, albeit tedious, to return to North America from New Zealand. Vessels head out to the east from as far south as Tauranga hoping to catch the northerly limits of the westerlies until they fetch the longitude of the Austral Islands, then turn north for Tahiti. From there, they follow the route as previously described. From the outset of their voyage, some have planned to sell their yacht in New Zealand or Australia rather than carry on with a circumnavigation or a very lengthy sail back to the United States, especially if they are East Coast residents. Import duties, brokerage costs and currency exchange rates must be factored into this strategy. Is it heresy to suggest that another option is to ship the vessel back home? The initial estimates might seem staggering, but once compared to the escalating marina and maintenance costs, and the many windward months and miles home, the horror subsides.

Whatever your plan from here, through a combination of wind and will, you have done it. You, your crew and your splendid craft have spanned the mightiest body of water on Earth. You have immersed yourself in millions of square miles of salty solitude and self-reliance. You have absorbed the exotic cultures of Central Americans, Polynesians, Micronesians and Melanesians. And now, as only a seasoned mariner can, you truly understand why they call it the Big Blue.

Contributing editor, Alvah Simon, and his wife, Diana, are presently sailing New Zealand waters on their cutter Roger Henry, with occasional voyages to the South Pacific islands.

South Pacific At A Glance

  • Dry Season: May-October
  • Wet Season: November-April
  • Cyclone Season: November-April. Active
  • Cyclone Area: south of 10° S; west of 140° W
  • Distance: Panama to Australia — 8,000 nautical miles
  • Cultural Areas: Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia/New Zealand

References:

  • World Cruising Routes by Jimmy Cornell
  • noonsite.com (Virtually everything you will need to know on a current basis will be found on this comprehensive website.)
  • Atlas of Pilot Charts — South Pacific, DMA/NOAA
  • The Pacific Crossing Guide by Kitty Van Hagen
  • Charlie’s Charts of Polynesia by Charles and Margo Wood
  • Landfalls of Paradise by Earl Hinz and Jim Howard
  • South Pacific Cruising by David Thatcher
  • South Pacific Anchorag es by Warwick Clay
  • Rocket Guide to Vanuatu & New Caledonia
  • Solomon Island Cruising Guide by Dirk Sieling
  • New Zealand Coastal Cruising Handbook by Royal Akarana Yacht Club
  • Lonely Planet South Pacific Travel Guide

Selected SSB/Ham WX Nets:

  • Southbound Evening Net: 6516 kHz at 0100 UTC
  • Panama Pacific Net: 8143 kHz at 1400 UTC
  • Pacific Maritime Mobile: 21.412 MHz at
  • 2100-2400 UTC
  • Pacific Magellan: 8173 kHz at 1730 UTC
  • Pacific Seafarers: 14300 kHz at 0300 UTC
  • Namba/Sheila Net: 8101 kHz at UTC plus 11 hours
  • Gulf Harbor Radio: 8116 kHz at 0715 local New Zealand time
  • (There is a host of smaller and temporary VHF and SSB nets throughout the Pacific.)
  • More: Destinations , How To , offshore , Pacific , passage making
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A bright yellow kayak floats along the water in gloomy Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises

Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.  

The trip begins on the shore of Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop onto a vessel to cross over to West Arm. Here, you’ll board our RealNZ coach to cross the scenic Wilmot Pass, before arriving at Doubtful Sound, and your home for the night.  

What's included? 

  • Choose to escape for one or two nights aboard one of our traditional-styled vessels.  
  • Explore the nooks and coves of Doubtful Sound all the way out to the Tasman Sea.  
  • Choose the onboard accommodation that suits you. Our two differing vessels offer slightly different accommodation offerings. S ee what’s on offer on each vessel .  
  • Our onboard chef will feed you well. Freshly baked afternoon tea, local platters, a gourmet buffet dinner and a selection of hot and continental breakfasts will be served.  
  • Understand what you’re experiencing with our onboard nature specialist. They’ll tell you about the land, local flora and the resident fauna who may come out to say hello.  
  • Be the captain of your own boat! Choose to explore a sheltered shoreline by kayak or hop into our small boat with a nature guide.  
  • Leave the driving to us, and explore our coach connections, available from Queenstown and Te Anau.  

Choose between our signature one night stay, or stay longer on the two-night cruise.

You will not go hungry! Enjoy a delicious dinner and cooked breakfast prepared by your on-board chef.

Choose to explore the Fiord by kayak or tender craft (weather dependant).

Learn about the history and natural beauty of Patea Doubtful Sound from your local specialist guide.

Transport Options

  • Milford Sound
  • Te Anau Downs

A man getting on the Real NZ coach in front of the Remarkables mountain range

Sit back and relax on a return coach journey from Queenstown.

A real nz coach waiting at Te Anau visitor centre to pick up guests

Staying in Te Anau? Let us drive you to Manapouri.

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Get your photo featured: #RealNZ

More Information

Doubtful Sound is pristine, unforgettable and out of this world. So get ready to create some lifelong memories as we take you on the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience.  

Your itinerary starts with a 45min-1hr cruise across Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop off at the west arm. A coach then takes you across the Wilmot Pass, where you’ll travel on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove, you’ll be met by our crew and vessel.  

Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, our vessels, The Fiordland Navigator and The Wanderer , blend old-world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, dining saloons with fully licensed bars, and observation lounges.  

As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you don’t miss a thing, whether you’re encountering a pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins.   

After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat, or simply relax onboard. For those looking to refresh, there’s even a chance to go swimming. All activities are weather-dependent.   

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner prepared by our onboard chef, served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, try some local wines from our bar, and if the skies are clear, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.  

Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast or a nourishing continental selection and get ready to explore the other arms of the fiord. Before long, you’ll return to Deep Cove, and take the trip back to Manapouri where you’ll tell the story of your experience in the remote wilderness of New Zealand.  

Things you should know: 

  • Duration is one or two nights.  
  • Two-night overnight cruises are available in April, May, October & November.
  • Private cabins - twin, double or single occupancy with ensuite bathrooms (single passengers must pay sole occupancy rate)  
  • Twin sleeping compartments with communal bathrooms. 
  • Enjoy a hearty dinner including a buffet of salads and hot dishes, as well as a selection of desserts and cheeses (dietary requirements can be catered for and should be noted at the time of booking).  
  • On the two-night trip, lunch is included on the second day.  
  • There is a licensed bar on board  
  • Includes kayaking and tender craft (small boat) activities  
  • You’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast on-board  

Extra information 

  • Duvets, sheets and towels provided  
  • Complimentary teas and coffee are available throughout.  
  • Suitable for all ages, except for infants intending to stay in a quad-share cabin  
  • Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.  
  • Snacks and drinks are available for purchase with both eftpos or cash  
  • Waiau St Café, below the Manapouri Visitors Centre, opens from 9am - 1.00pm. The menu offers a range of homemade food and Allpress Coffee to enjoy before the experience or to take with you  

Departure Times  

The trip leaves Pearl Harbour, Manapouri at 12.30pm and returns 12pm the following day.   

You are required to check in at the RealNZ Visitor Centre 30 mins before your departure time.  

Getting there  

All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hrs from Queenstown and 30 mins from Te Anau. Our Manapouri Visitor Centre is located at 64 Waiau Street.  

Free parking is available in Manapouri.  

What to bring  

Only one carry-on bag is recommended for passenger convenience and safety.  Don't forget the following:  

  • Non-slip walking shoes/boots  
  • Waterproof jacket*  
  • Warm sweater/fleece jacket  
  • Change of clothes*  
  • Sunscreen/sunglasses  
  • Insect repellent*  
  • Swimwear (optional)  
  • Lunch and snacks for the first day  
  • Personal medication, including for asthma and allergies  

*Essential items if you are doing activities. Activities take place even if it is raining.  

A close shot of the Fiordland Navigator docked in Doubtful Sound, alongside a man kayaking

Fiordland Navigator

About the Fiordland Navigator

The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.

  • Private cabins with ensuites (twin or double bed configuration)
  • Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge
  • Delicious buffet dinner served up by our onboard chef
  • Carries kayaks and tender craft onboard

Milford Wanderer in front of waterfall

The Wanderer

About the Wanderer

Our vessel, the Milford Wanderer, is a modern motorised vessel that has been purpose-built for navigating southern New Zealand.

  • Warm, comfortable accommodation (two passengers per sleeping compartment)  
  • Duvets, sheets and towels provided
  • Modern shared bathroom facilities with hot showers 
  • Delicious plated meals prepared by onboard chef  
What an amazing experience onboard the Navigator for a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Thanks so much!!The best boat trip I’ve ever taken! Thanks also for giving us glorious sunshine and the atmospheric clouds the next day 😉 The views, the staff, the food and the comfort were all outstanding. We got the luxury of exploring the sound by kayak, and experiencing an amazing sunset over the Tasman. Shout out to Brock for his amazing insight and commentary. Lauracmilner83, Via TripAdvisor
This was a fantastic highlight of our south island tour. After a very enjoyable boat ride across the lake, we boarded one of 2 coaches taking us over the pass to the mooring of the Fjordland Navigator. A great crew on board, enthusiastic and very informative about the background and flora/forna of the sound. We saw dolphins and shearwaters at close quarters. The food was excellent, our cabin was comfortable and the whole experience was unforgettable. The highlight was probably the sound of silence, where the engines and generator were stopped, so you could hear nothing but the birds and the breeze! Awesome. martinlL633EU, Via TripAdvisor
What a wonderful trip, I'm SO glad we decided to take an extra day to do the overnight. The whole area was stunningly beautiful (I actually liked it better than Milford). The transition from boat to bus to ship was seamless, and everyone involved was friendly and knowledgeable. The ship was great, our room (a double) was cozy and the bed was really comfortable. The food was excellent and they had a bar for drinks. It was one of our favorite experiences in a month-long trip and we would definitely recommend it!
Wonderful experience aboard the overnight vessel. The extra time is really the best way to take in how amazing and vast Doubtful Sound is. Great good, super nice accommodation & communal areas and a wonderful & informative nature guide in Brock! Thanks RealNZ for an amazing experience.

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.

How long does it take to travel to Manapouri?

From Queenstown to Manapouri by car or coach takes around 2 hrs 45 mins and from Te Anau around 30 minutes.  For more information refer to our Driving Times webpage.

Is there car parking at Manapouri?

Yes, we have plenty of free parking at Manapouri. Daytime car parking is provided adjacent to the Visitor Centre. Overnight car parking is a available on View St, a short 2 minute walk from our Manapouri Visitor Centre.

Are linen and towels provided on the Milford and Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises?

Yes, bedding and towels are provided to all guests.  

What is the difference between a double room and a twin room?

A double room is a private room for two people, with one bed to share. A twin room is a private room for two people, with two single beds.

Overnight Cruises and Quadshare - We are a group of three people and would like to book a shared quad-share room. Will this mean we would be sharing with another person?

Yes, you could potentially be sharing with another guest. Alternatively you could choose to pay for the entire quad cabin, or two double cabins, to ensure privacy.  If you wish to pay for an entire quad cabin, please contact us directly.

Note: quad-share cabins are mixed gender.

What is the difference between Milford and Doubtful Sounds?

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Our places. Our experiences. Milford and Doubtful Sounds, NZ.

The main difference between Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound is their locations in Fiordland. Milford Sound, in the northern region, is captivating with its dramatic beauty. Doubtful Sound, on the other hand, is further south, in the heart of Fiordland, and is vaster and wilder, approximately ten times larger than Milford Sound.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Fiordland’s weather is what gives the region its unique character. Rainfall is what makes Fiordland a land of lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and fiords. Visitors should always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during their stay. It is recommended to bring sensible clothing for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your stay.

The temperatures you can expect in the different seasons are as follows: 

  • Summer  (December-February) 19-23 Celsius / 66 - 73 Fahrenheit 
  • Autumn  (March-May) 8-18 Celsius / 46  - 64 Fahrenheit
  • Winter  (June-August) 5-9 Celsius /  41  - 48 Fahrenheit
  • Spring  (September-November) 10-19 Celsius  / 50   - 66 Fahrenheit

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Many say you have not seen Fiordland unless you have seen it in the rain.  When it rains in Fiordland the landscape is dramatic - rock faces stream with waterfalls, mist hangs around the tops of the mountains and rivers and streams rage.  From a dry comfortable vantage point on the bus or boat, this landscape is spectacular for sightseeing.

How much luggage can I take on my overnight cruise?

We recommend each passenger brings no more than a carry-on sized bag due to space restrictions in the cabins. For a list of what to bring please see the 'more info' section or your booking confirmation.

While we cannot guarantee you will see wildlife, sightings of fur seals are reasonably common in both Doubtful and Milford Sounds.  A pod of bottlenose dolphins resides in Doubtful Sound so you have a good chance of seeing these fascinating mammals, and in Milford Sound dolphins are occasional visitors.  In both sounds the rare Fiordland crested penguin can at times be observed.

Throughout Fiordland the fiords are officially mapped as sounds.  Strictly speaking, they should be called fiords.

A fiord is a glaciated valley - typically narrow and steep-sided - that has been flooded by the sea after the glacier’s retreat.  A sound, on the other hand, is a river valley flooded by the sea following a rise in sea levels or depression of the land, or a combination of both.

Is the Manapouri Underground Power Station accessible?

The Manapouri Underground Power Station visit is CLOSED indefinitely due to maintenance by operators Meridian Energy. We are not permitted to access the Power Station for tours during this time. The Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise tour will still operate without the visit underground to the Powerstation.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD).  This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Our staff are trained to deal with incidents and in case of an emergency you should listen to their instructions. We have a portable defibrillator on each of our overnight cruise vessels (Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer and Fiordland Navigator). In addition to this we also have portable defibrillators at the following locations: •    Milford Sound Visitor Terminal •    RealNZ Visitor Centre, Manapouri •    Cavern House (Te Anau Glowworm Caves) •    Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak •    TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship •    Stewart Island Ferry (Bluff - Oban - Bluff)

Can my dietary requirements be accommodated? 

Yes, dietary requirements can be catered for. Please provide detailed information regarding your dietary requirements when making a booking. 

Will I be sharing a quad room? 

There is a possibility that you might share a quad room with other customers, and it’s important to note these rooms are equipped with a curtain partition instead of a door. Please be aware of this configuration when booking and please contact us if you need further clarification. 

Is the boat accessible for individuals with impaired mobility? 

When we are informed in advance about guests with hindered mobility, we make every effort to mitigate the impact by assigning rooms in proximity to the main areas. However, it’s important to note that our vessels are not optimally equipped for potential needs. While we extend a warm welcome to individuals with impaired mobility, all our vessel’s doorways feature a sea sill, there are no ramps within the boat, and a flight of stairs separates rooms from the main saloon. 

What is the best room type for families or children on an overnight cruise?

Our t win sleeping compartments provide the best privacy for travelling with your family and children. A twin room is a private room for two people with two single beds.

What happens if my travel is disrupted by COVID-19?

If your travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19, our standard cancellation policy applies. This includes flexible cancellation options designed to accommodate unexpected changes. To ensure you are fully covered for any unforeseen circumstances, we strongly encourage you to obtain travel insurance. Travel insurance can help cover any costs incurred from having to cancel or reschedule your trip due to COVID-19, giving you peace of mind.

For more details on our cancellation policy and the specific terms and conditions, please refer to our Terms and conditions page or contact our customer service team.

The Fiordland Navigator docks in an arm of Doubtful Sound for the night

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Milford Sound Overnight Cruises

An up close shot of glowworms hanging from the cave, shining bright blue in the darkness

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

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New Zealand

Possessing an intense beauty mirrored in tranquil mountains and raging rivers, New Zealand is one of the most breathtakingly scenic yachting destinations in the southern hemisphere. Mesmerizing glaciers, bubbling mud pools and soft golden beaches are all there to be discovered alongside one of the world’s premier wine and food scenes.

The cruising grounds of New Zealand are split into the North and South Islands; varying in landscape and atmosphere but united in a pure sense of natural wonderment. The south is the most scenic and mountainous of the two, with a breathtaking range of jagged Alps running the length of the island. The north is somewhat of a quieter and more relaxed holiday destination with a strong yachting history.

Auckland The picturesque city of Auckland is famous for its exceptional international sailing connections, hosting a collection of first class regattas and superb marinas. The ‘City of Sails’ is the enchanting base for sailing the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel Peninsula, two equally captivating cruising grounds in their own right.

Hauraki Gulf and The Coromandel The Hauraki Gulf is an island-sprinkled, smooth-water paradise boasting gorgeous landscapes swathed in scarlet flowers, glowing beaches, sprawling vineyards and seaside villages that are a delight to explore. The Coromandel is dotted with sublime beaches and hidden bays that make for perfect anchorage points.

The Bay of Islands Further north, The Bay of Islands is traditionally New Zealand’s yachting centre, boasting an extraordinary protected bay and hundreds of secluded islands offering the perfect secluded escape. Characterised by unbelievably green hills rolling down onto silky soft sands, the cool waters are simply bursting with incredible marine life, where marlin, dolphins and seals can be seen right from the deck.

Marlborough Sounds For a more peaceful and secluded twist, head to one of New Zealand’s most internationally renowned areas in Marlborough Sounds. An absolute yachting heaven, the exquisite waters of Marlborough are equally matched by their onshore delights, boasting sheltered bays, glistening beaches, hidden caves and exhilarating bushwalks. World-renowned for its exquisite wines, the region is the perfect place to sample some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc.

Fiordland Words can not do justice to the natural wonder that awaits in the Fiordland on New Zealand’s remote south-west coast. Nothing short of spectacular, ethereal landscapes rise up majestically from the strikingly calm waters; a flowing combination of snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, tumbling waterfalls and fascinating wildlife.

Queenstown Onshore, there are endless outdoor pursuits on offer, from cycling and canoeing to walking and four-wheel driving. Inland on the South Island is the famous adventure capital of Queenstown, offering a dizzying range of unique and off-beat activities to satisfy even the most hardened thrill-seeker.

New Zealand Fruit & Vegetable Seasonality Charts

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Mar

APR

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

ARTICHOKE - GLOBE

ARTICHOKE - JERUSALEM

ASPARAGUS

BEANS - ROUND

BEANS - BROAD

BEETROOT

BEETROOT - BABY

BEETROOT - GOLDEN

BOK CHOY - CHINESE SHANGHAI

BROCCOLI

BROCCOLINI - SLENDER STEMS

BRUSSEL SPROUTS

CABBAGE

CABBAGE - RED

CABBAGE - SAVOY

CAPSICUM - RED

CAPSICUM - GREEN

CAPSICUM - MINI (PKT)

CAPSICUM - YELLOW

CARROT - ORANGE TABLE

CARROT - ORANGE JUMBO

CARROT - ORANGE BABY

CARROT - PURPLE BABY

CARROT - WHITE BABY

CARROT - YELLOW BABY

CAULIFLOWER

CAULINI - CAULIFLOWER STEMS

CHILLI - GREEN

CHILLI - RED

CHESTNUT

CHOKO

COURGETTE - LOCAL

COURGETTE - IMPORTED

CUCUMBER - LEBANESE

CUCUMBER - MINI (SNACKING)

CUCUMBER - TELEGRAPH

EGGPLANT

EGGPLANT - ASIAN LONG

FENNEL - BULB BABY

FENNEL - BULB LARGE

GARLIC - NZ

GARLIC - BLACK

GARLIC - IMPORTED

GINGER - IMPORTED

KALE - BABY BLEND

KALE - CAVOLO NERO

KALE - CURLY

KHOLRABI

KUMARA - RED

KUMARA - GOLD

KUMARA - ORANGE (BEAUREGARD)

LEEK

LEEK - BABY

LETTUCE - BABY COS

LETTUCE - BUTTERHEAD

LETTUCE - CRUNCHITA

LETTUCE - GREEN OAK

LETTUCE - ICEBERG

LETTUCE - LOLLO BIONDI

LETTUCE - LOLLO ROSSO

LETTUCE - SALAD MIX

LETTUCE - RED OAK

MESCLUN

MUSHROOM - FIELD (PORTOBELLO)

MUSHROOM - BUTTON MARKET MIX

MUSHROOM - BUTTON WHITE

MUSHROOM - SWISS BROWN

MUSHROOM - OYSTER

MUSHROOM - SHIITAKE

MUSHROOM - ENOKI

ONION - BROWN

ONION - BROWN PICKLING

ONION - RED

ONION - RED PICKLING

PALERMO PEPPERS - RED

PALERMO PEPPERS - YELLOW

PARSNIP

PEAS - FRESH GARDEN

POTATO - AGRIA

POTATO - AGRIA GOURMET

POTATO - GOLDEN GOURMET

POTATO - JERSEY BENNE

POTATO - NADINES (WHITE WASHED)

POTATO - PERLA

POTATO - RED

POTATO - RED GOURMET

POTATO - WHITE GOURMET

PUMPKIN - CROWN

PUMPKIN - BUTTERNUT

PUMPKIN - BUTTERCUP

RADISH

SILVERBEET

SHALLOT

SNOW PEA

SPINACH

SPINACH - BABY

SPRING ONION

SQUASH - SPAGHETTI

SUGAR SNAPS

SWEDE

SWEETCORN

SWEETCORN - BABY

TARO

TOMATO - 60/70

TOMATO - RED CHERRY

TOMATO - VINE LARGE

TOMATO - VINE SMALL

TOMATO - ROMA

TURNIP - BABY WHITE

TURNIP - WHITE

WITLOOF - RED

WITLOOF - WHITE

YAM

Specialty Vegetables

Mar

APR

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

ASPARAGUS - PURPLE

ASPARAGUS - WHITE

BEETROOT - CHIOGGIA

BROCCOLI - ROMANESCO

CARROTS - PURPLE TABLE

CARROTS - WHITE TABLE

CARROTS - YELLOW TABLE

CAULIFLOWER - PURPLE

CHARD - RAINBOW/ RED/ SWISS

CHOY SUM

COURGETTE FLOWERS

HORSERADISH ROOT

KAILAAN

KUMARA - PURPLE DAWN LARGE

KUMARA - PURPLE DAWN BABY

OKRA

POTATO - MAORI (URENIKA, MOEMOE, KOWINIWINI)

Mar

APR

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

APPLE - AMBROSIA

APPLE - BRAEBURN

APPLE - ENVY

APPLE - GRANNY SMITH

APPLE - JAZZ

APPLE - ROYAL GALA

APPLE - SWEET TANGO

AVOCADO

BANANA

CAPE GOOSEBERRY

CHERIMOYA

COCONUT - WHOLE (DRINKING)

DATES - MEDJOOL

FEIJOA

FIG

GRAPEFRUIT - IMPORTED

GRAPEFRUIT - NZ

GRAPEFRUIT - pink

GRAPES - RED

GRAPES - BLACK

GRAPES - GREEN

KIWIFRUIT - GREEN

KIWIFRUIT - BABY (ARGUTA)

KIWIFRUIT - GOLD

LEMON - MEYER

LEMON - YEN BEN SEEDLESS

LIME

MANDARIN

MANGO

MELON - HONEYDEW

MELON - ROCKMELON

MELON - WATERMELON

ORANGE - VALENCIA

ORANGE - NAVEL

ORANGE - IMPORTED

ORANGE - BLOOD

PASSIONFRUIT

PAPAYA (PAW PAW)

PAPAYA (PAW PAW) - GREEN

PEAR - BROWN

PEAR - GREEN

PEAR - NASHI

PEAR - PIQABOO

PERSIMMON

PINEAPPLE - GOLD

POMEGRANATE

RHUBARB

TAMARILLO - RED

TAMARILLO - GOLDEN

TANGELO

Mar

APR

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

BLACKBERRIES

BLUEBERRIES

BOYSENBERRIES

GOOSEBERRIES

RASPBERRIES

STRAWBERRIES

STRAWBERRIES - LONG STEM

Stone Fruits

Mar

APR

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

APRICOT

CHERRIES

NECTARINE

PEACH - GOLDEN QUEEN

PEACH - WHITE

PEACH - YELLOW

PEACHERINE

PLUM - DORIS

PLUM - OMEGA (GEORGE WILSON)

PLUM - YELLOW

Specialty Fruits

Mar

APR

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

DRAGON FRUIT (PITAYA)

RASPBERRIES - GOLD

TOMATO - BLACK CHERRY

TOMATO - CHOCTAIL

TOMATO - MIXED COLOURED CHERRY

TOMATO - HEIRLOOM MIXED

TOMATO - LITTLE HORROR

TOMATO - RED CHERRY

TOMATO - SPANISH GREEN

TOMATO - SPANISH RED

QUINCE

YUZU

Specialty Flowers

Mar

APR

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

EDIBLE FLOWERS - CALENDULA

EDIBLE FLOWERS - CORNFLOWER

EDIBLE FLOWERS - DIANTHUS

EDIBLE FLOWERS - FAIRY ROSE

EDIBLE FLOWERS - GARLIC/ ONION

EDIBLE FLOWERS - MARIGOLD

EDIBLE FLOWERS - NASTURTIUM (Flowers only)

EDIBLE FLOWERS - NASTURTIUM (Leaves only)

EDIBLE FLOWERS - PANSY

EDIBLE FLOWERS - ROSE PETALS

EDIBLE FLOWERS - VIOLA

Optimum growing time and bloom for flowers is from October to early January. Flowers are generally supplied as a mixed punnet, based on availability of flowers at a given time of the year. From time to time, our growers may provide flowers based on single varieties. Please talk to your Key Account Manager or call 0800 PRODUCE for more information on these specialty items.

Mar

APR

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

ANGELICA

BASIL

CHERVIL

CHIVES

CORIANDER

CURRY LEAVES

DILL

FENNEL FRONDS

FRENCH TARRAGON

LEMONGRASS

MINT TIPS

OREGANO

PARSLEY - CURLY

PARSLEY - ITALIAN

ROQUETTE (BABY ROCKET)

ROSEMARY

SAGE

THYME

VIETNAMESE MINT

WATERCRESS

KAFFIR LIME LEAVES

BAY LEAVES

SPROUTED BEANS & SEEDS

NOTE: We plan for the products listed here to be supplied during a particular season. However, this can be impacted by circumstances beyond our control such as sudden change of weather or environmental impacts. Therefore, we’re unable to always guarantee supply. Please speak to your Key Account Manager or 0800 PRODUCE for further information.

yacht season nz

PRIVACY POLICY

Privacy Policy

Seasonality Calendar

CYA Logo

The History of the CYANZ

The detail of the history is almost overwhelming, and unlike so many other maritime cities with a historic static display, many of our heritage vessels are still in sailing and cruising condition, there for the public to see racing on the harbour and at the Heritage Landing display.

Who would have thought back in the early 1990s that the Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand (CYANZ) would be the organization it is today? Back then, the “old clunkers” were changing hands for very little money. The friends of these wannabe custodians looked at them as if they had lost their marbles and were busily counselling them to enjoy recreational sailing on some other vessel, any vessel other than a tired old yacht.

Classic Yacht and Launch party in Auckland

Fortunately, back then, the passion for these old boats was overwhelming. The new blood of Hamish Ross, who had bought Little Jim in 1994, Greg Scopas, the new custodian of Ngataringa, and John Gorter, the custodian of the little “C”Class Thelma since 1987, was mixed with that of Chad Thompson, who had enjoyed a life time of sailing on Prize. The group were spurred on by Ron Copeland, the then Commodore of the Ponsonby Cruising Club and custodian of Nomad, a beautifully restored 26’ mullet boat.

The classics had dropped off the racing scene after the change in rules governing the size of spinnakers in the mid 1970s, and the older custodians of the pre-WWII keelers were getting to the stage in life where racing was all a bit too hard. There were also these modern light displacement keelers making the racing a little one sided.

With John Gorter having bought Thelma in 1987 and wanting to convert her back to Gaff and Hamish Ross wanting some serious racing; Ngataringa and Prize represented some reasonable competition as did the other old keelers, if only a program of racing could be put together that the classics could participate in without being knocked around by the modern yachts. Old heavy displacement yachts with long keels and, in some cases, no winches, do not race around the harbour in the same way as the newer fin keeled competitors.

A good day racing Thelma

The first meeting of these like-minded skippers was in the workshop of the NZ National Maritime Museum where they, along with a number of Greg Scopas’ friends, had gathered to review the work in progress on the restoration of Ngataringa in January 1995. The remainder of that season saw more of the classics get together in ever-increasing numbers. Word was spreading amongst the custodians of old yachts and after a late season meeting in the saloon of Prize, a meeting was called for the 8th May 1995 at the Ponsonby Cruising Club (PCC). Twenty-three custodians of old yachts gathered that night and within a very short time there were 50 expressions of interest in participating in an association.

By October 1995 an event program had been established for the 1995/1996 season and the numbers of members was growing weekly. Initially most of the active yachts were the racing keelers, although an increasing number of cruising yachts were showing interest in participating. It was also great to see the number of early custodians and their crews taking up subscriptions in the association in order to keep up with the news of their old rivals and the progress of the ever-increasing number of restorations.

At the time of the founding of the association our heritage vessels were protected by the 1975 Antiquities Act and were thus protected from being taken permanently offshore. The revised “Protected Object Act now gives our classics full protection from permanent export.

The international success of our early 1900 designs and the quality and durability of the world-famous Kauri timber, coupled with the unique style of construction was world leading at the time and is today still internationally recognized for that. New Zealand’s lead in the world in hull design and technological development in the marine world is not new.

Ariki’s restoration in the late 1970s and Tawera’s restoration in the late 1980’s were very singular events. It wasn’t until Greg put Ngataringa through a restoration in 1994, then Little Jim (1995), Thelma (1995) and Prize (1996) that things really took off.

Ariki Classic Yacht

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Racing in the following seasons saw all of the above out on the water along with Moana, Rawene, Tamatea, Iorangi, Rawhiti, Teal, Victory, Lexia, Yum Yum, Spray II, Scout, Undine, Matia, Aorere, Irene, Reverie, Katrina, Ranger, Hinemoa, Waione, Francis, Aronui, Ta Aroa, Tucana, Dolphin, Jonquil, Gleam, St George and Alia. The list goes on.

By 1996, the profile of the CYANZ was way out of proportion with the number of yachts it represented, the committee had been looking to create financial security and independence for the association. Sponsorship was essential for the growth of the association and a very natural fit was identified between Logan Clothing and the association. With the assistance of Mark Bartlett, Logan Clothing (marketed by Specialty Brands Ltd) became the association’s sponsor for the next 5 years.

The association flourished through the generosity of Logan Clothing and the PCC who provided a home and were the official host of the CYANZ. Membership grew with the regular publication of a magazine brought together by Sandra Gorter, monthly social gatherings at the PCC and an event program built around the traditional feature races of each of the major yacht clubs around the Auckland harbour.

The fifth anniversary of the Association was focused around the first defence of the America’s Cup in February 2000. The Logan Classic (12 – 14 February 2000) was a huge success, with more than 70 competitors, including a number of the overseas classics yachts that had sailed here to join in racing in the regatta and to view the America’s Cup.

Classic yacht racing Auckland

The 1999/2000 Season was also the start of Joyce Talbot’s enduring support of the affairs of the association. She joined in as the regatta secretary for the Logan Classic Yacht Regatta and has been the secretary of the Association ever since. With her ever increasing activity the membership has grown to over 350 members in this our 25th Anniversary year.

After the America’s Cup, the association were left with the reality of running a busy events program, with increasing demands and costs, as previous sponsorship support was no longer available. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), the traditional home of the old keeler’s up until the mid-1970s, offered financial support for the journal and the association agreed to move to the RNZYS. It was a natural return to the classic’s traditional home in 2002.

The generous support of the Squadron saw to the publication of the New Zealand Classic Yacht Journal in the Squadron’s bi-monthly Breeze magazine, as well as its independent distribution to members of the association. Under Harold Kidd’s expert editorial control, the journal has developed into one of the most well-read sections in the Breeze magazine.

The New Zealand Classic Yacht Journal

After the success of the International Classic Yacht Regatta in 2000, there was a lot of support for an ongoing event of a similar size. The Royal New Zealand Squadron, as the association’s new host, enabled the planning of a regatta based at RNZYS’s Kawau Island facility to commence. This regatta was the first of what has now become a major annual event of the association.

The 2004 regatta was held at Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Without the support of the weather gods, the regatta was blown away not once but twice when a second cyclone passed over Auckland during the second attempt to stage the regatta. Since 2005 the regatta has been based from downtown Auckland’s Viaduct harbour, and more recently from Westhaven at the RNZYS special events marina. The success of this venue which has been easily accessed by the public, was the success skippers and crews had been wanting and the scene is now set for this annual regatta to be staged from this location for the foreseeable future.

Until 2003, most of the original founders had overseen the affairs of the association. Times were changing and so too were the interests and needs of members. It was well recognized that it was necessary to expand the events program to entice the launch custodians who were following the racing yachts to many of the Hauraki Gulf destinations. This enthusiastic group were keen to be more involved if only we could accommodate their particular needs and interests. The 2003 Regatta at Kawau was the first time the launches were involved by providing important support for the smaller yachts racing the long passage races to and from Kawau Island. It was also the first time they enjoyed their own log rally.

Enjoying a cuppa with friends on a classic launch

To grow the association the founding members agreed that the committee needed new people, to move from being a group of racing keel boat custodians, to a more all-inclusive association offering custodians, crew and all classic “boat” enthusiasts a more appealing event program and giving it the wherewithal to pursue its other goals. New blood in the form of Russell Brooke, as chairman; supported by an almost entirely new committee set about taking the association to a new level.

Through the efforts of passionate founders and members of the CYANZ, the classics that were under threat of being trashed are being saved on an ever-increasing basis.

The most recent restoration of Ida is a wonderful example of the continued interest in the classics. She was brought from Sydney, Australia and has joined the classic yacht fleet for the current winter series.

Ida Classic Yacht

The passing of the 25th Anniversary of the inaugural meeting of the 8th May 1995 almost went unnoticed under the COVID-19 lockdown. The CYANZ are preparing a series of celebration events for the coming season to mark this tremendous milestone in the recognition of our heritage fleet.

We look forward to sharing our story and to introducing you to the boats that have captivated our members and many people from across the world.

We are grateful to be supported by the following businesses and organisations. Please support them in return when you can.

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Nelson Yacht Club

Learn To Sail

Learn to sail, or progress your skills with Nelson Yacht Club’s Sailing School this summer!

Our awesome team will introduce you to the sport of sailing in a fun and supportive learning environment. Courses and training are based on guidelines set out by Yachting New Zealand.

We organise regular Tasters, Learn to Sail courses, and progressive training, for both adults and children. There are also supervised sailing sessions, and informal racing, where you can put your newfound skills into practice.

We offer groups for different ability levels at all ages:

  • Students will be introduced to the marine environment safely and learn how to stay safe on, in and around the water.
  • They’ll have heaps of fun learning the essential skills for sailing a small boat, plus capsizing, swimming, loads of games, races, and adventures.
  • Generally two sailors paired-up in an Optimist or a Topaz Uno.
  • It is rare for sailors to achieve their YNZ Level 1 after a single week or term.
  • This group is for those who have done some sailing in a small boat, but who have not yet completed the YNZ Level 1 Certificate.
  • The group focuses on fun and building confidence as well as working towards the Level 1.
  • Progressing to sailing solo in Optimists (Junior) or sailing effectively as helm or crew in Topaz Unos.
  • Designed for those who have already done quite a bit of sailing in an Optimist or Topaz Uno, have achieved their Level 1.
  • Optimist sailors must be comfortable sailing solo.
  • Working on skills that are part of the YNZ “Sailing….Fast” or Level 2 syllabus.
  • It can take a bit longer to achieve the Level 2 certificate, so sailors might be in this group for a few weeks / terms before reaching the required level.
  • Adult sailors will use the RS Fevas, and try sailing with gennakers.
  • Sailing in either a club boat or their own boat, these sailors can handle themselves around a course in moderate conditions.
  • Development of seamanship skills
  • Youth sailors may use the RS Fevas and explore sailing with gennakers.
  • Learning to race!

*NB. These guidelines are not set in stone, and there will be occasions where we may amalgamate groups to ensure viability, or where younger experienced sailors may be able to join a Topaz/Feva group .

yacht season nz

Learn to sail for tamariki 8-11yrs

Taught in plastic self-draining Optimist-like training dinghies.

  • Beginners – typically two to a boat
  • Improvers – starting to sail solo
  • Intermediates – solo sailing

Advanced sailors progress to own-boat fibreglass Optimists and Green Fleet racing, or outgrow the boats and move into Topaz Unos / RS Fevas.

Learn to sail for rangatahi 11-16yrs

Taught in plastic self-draining Topaz Uno dinghies. Typically two to a boat.

Beginners / Improvers / Intermediates

Advanced sailors join Green Fleet racing, then into Open Fleet racing:

  • Single-handed progression > Starlings, ILCA 6
  • Double-handed progression > RS Feva, 29er Skiff,

Alternatives progressions: 420 Team Racing, Windsurfing, Wingfoiling

yacht season nz

Learn to sail for adults

Taught in plastic self-draining Topaz Uno dinghies. One person per boat, in a group of up to 6 students.

Intermediate groups use the RS Fevas, and Omega, with two people per boat.

We offer weekend courses, terms of weekly evening classes, private tuition, supervised hire, informal twilight racing, and progression into club racing.

As part of our women and girls strategy we run a “Wāhine on Water” Monday, and a couple of women specific events during the season.

yacht season nz

Learn to sail yachts

Sail Nelson

Sail Nelson specialises in teaching Sail Cruising skills to sailors of all levels of experience; from Competent Crew through to Yachtmaster™ Offshore. We teach the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) sailing scheme. Worldwide, this arguably comprises the most well recognized and highly-respected sail training scheme there is.

Starting and finishing in Nelson marina, our courses take place on the idyllic waters of the Abel Tasman and the outer Marlborough Sounds, typically starting on a Monday morning and finishing on Friday afternoon; 5 days live-aboard.

All our courses are practical, hands on, covering everything to help you to sail, manoeuvre and navigate a keelboat safely. We teach at the level appropriate for your existing experience and skill level, upskilling you as much as possible and issuing your certificate accordingly. 

TBCC Wednesday Night Racing

Tasman Bay Cruising Club runs keelboat / yacht racing on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer season. The competing boats are all privately owned, but skippers are often looking for crew – especially people with some small boat / dinghy sailing experience. If you’re looking to gain experience on a bigger boat, this can be a great way to do it.

yacht season nz

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About Sea Breeze III

The story of us.

Charter boat

Boutique Superyachts represents New Zealand’s leading luxury classic superyacht charter. Sea Breeze III is like no other & her two year refit has been in keeping with her heritage, history, uniqueness of style, and very special features. Built-in 1976, originally christened Ulysses and owned by Graeme Hart, this beautiful classic 105 foot superyacht showcases the very best in craftsmanship & style.

On Sea Breeze we offer a looser kind of luxury boat charter, with the top-notch service and world-class service minus the pretension. Your boatel home away from home. From day events to overnight charters dive into some thing out of the extraordinary.

Charter & Venue Options

Boat Party

Christmas Parties

From that special celebration to Christmas Parties - Sea Breeze will create an memorable & unique...

Superyacht jacuzzi

Be at one with the sea on our wellbeing retreat that is magical & beyond the ordinary.

Boat wedding

Sea Breeze III is perfect for an intimate, beautiful and unique superyacht wedding. Our fantastic team provides...

Classic boat on the sea

Harbour Cruise

A private boat cruise whilst listening to cool vibes for that special time with friends, family or work colleagues...

Mastersuite bedroom on a superyacht

Sea Breeze III private yacht charter will be more than just a boating holiday it will be “A trip of a lifetime”...

Boat corporate events

Corporate Events

Sea Breeze III corporate yacht charter offers a fantastic platform to impress potential clients...

Boutique Superyachts

Berth J03 - Eastern Viaduct Te Wero Island Auckland CBD, 1010  

Get in touch

When you submit the form, we will send you our price sheet, so you can price your event or overnight charter.

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yacht season nz

yacht season nz

What happened to Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5? Here's what we know

W hat happened to Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5? That’s the question on fans’ minds after it was revealed Below Deck Med Season 9 will air following Below Deck Season 11.

Ever since Below Deck Sailing Yacht premiered on Bravo, it has followed the OG show.

Below Deck Med would then hit Bravo airwaves once the sailing show had wrapped it’s run.

That’s the way it’s been for the past four years, except for last year when Below Deck Down Under Season 2 aired after Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

So why all of a sudden is there a switch in the schedule, especially since Below Deck Med Season 8 just ended in January?

Let’s take a look at what we know.

What happened to Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5?

The reason for the change-up likely has to do with the sexual misconduct allegations that came out against Gary King after Season 5 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht was filmed.

Leaked photos revealed that Daisy Kelliher and Gary were back for another stint aboard Parsifal III with Captain Glenn. The two of them returning was music to fans’ ears as they helped make Below Deck Sailing Yacht a huge success with Colin MacRae.

However, a couple of weeks later, news broke that a member of the production team came out via Rolling Stone to accuse Gary of unwanted sexual advances and harassment. Gary was soon removed from the BravoCon 2023 list, making clear Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 could be in trouble.

Unlike when Peter Hunziker was fired by Bravo for a racist post and then edited out of the season, Gary has not been fired from the show. Plus, editing Gary out really wouldn’t be an option because he plays such a pivotal role and makes a good story even if fans don’t like him.

All of this means that what would have been Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 could be scrapped. Should that be the case, a new season of the sailing show won’t air for a long time.

Then again, maybe the powers that be are still trying to figure out how to save the season with Gary, and they just need more time.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht fans share thoughts on schedule change

A Reddit thread devoted to the Below Deck Med and Below Deck Sailing Yacht swap had fans buzzing.

“I would absolutely be okay with a delay if it means not having to watch Gary. I’m not sure I’ll even watch if he’s on it, especially since Colin isn’t. And Glenn the enabler has went from being best captain to #3 now…,” wrote one user.

Another admitted to liking the sailing show with Daisy but could do without Gary and would be fine if Season 5 never aired.

“AS IT SHOULD BE. Bravo needs to learn- you hire racists, you hire sexual abusers, you’re going to lose money. The end.” was another remark.

A different user doesn’t think the season will air and noticed Daisy switched her Instagram bio, so that may be a clue that Season 5 will never see the light of day. There was also speculation that Below Deck spin-offs will soon be combined for money reasons.

“That is a possibility or they’re still editing the heck out of it to reduce his role as much as possible but that has got to be a monumental task. I doubt they’d scrub an entire season but maybe more things have come out behind the scenes we’re unaware of and they have to do what they have to do especially with all the negative publicity they’re getting with Andy Cohen lately.” declared another user.

Along with Below Deck Sailing Yacht being pushed back, Below Deck Down Under fate seems to be up in the air. As Monsters and Critics previously reported, Captain Jason Chambers asked for fans’ help with Season 3.

Be sure to keep checking back for more news on th e Below Deck franchise.

Below Deck Med Season 9 premieres on Monday, June 3 at 9/8c on Bravo. Below Deck Sailing Yacht is currently on hiatus on Bravo.

What happened to Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5? That’s the question on fans’ minds after it was revealed Below Deck Med Season 9 will air following Below Deck Season 11. Ever since Below Deck Sailing Yacht premiered on Bravo, it has followed the OG show. Below Deck Med would then hit Bravo airwaves once

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Aon boat insurance

Click here for Back Issues 

Aon New Zealand – boat insurance

Aon exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people in Aotearoa New Zealand, and around the world.

Our long-term commitment to Yachting New Zealand, combined with the expertise of our market leading marine division, ensures that we provide Yachting New Zealand clubs and members with comprehensive and reliable insurance cover – both on and off the water.

Dinghy, tender and racing boat

Insurance for your boat, trailer and equipment throughout New Zealand, while travelling on land or on water. Includes racing cover and is available to all members of affiliated Yachting New Zealand clubs. 

•    Agreed value: not based on market value, instead, you set the sum insured. •    Racing cover: usually only offered as an extension for additional premium, our offering includes racing cover for damage to your own boat or a third party. •    Extended third party liability up to $10 million

Get a quote here .

Overseas regatta and transit insurance

Insurance for your racing boat, equipment and third party liability cover while you're competing in an overseas regatta – insurance covers you while racing and in transit. A third party only insurance cover option is also available to align with the notice of race. 

Complete the online application form here .

Travel insurance

Personal travel insurance for both amateur and professional sailors which extends to include injury cover whilst training or racing. Aon provide the following options:

For amateur sailors competing in events, in non-mechanically propelled watercraft less than ten (10) metres in length, and where total regatta prize money is below NZ$1,000, travel insurance can be purchased on Aon’s website here .

If you purchase this policy, there are a few things worth noting:      •    This policy offers liability limits of NZ$2m (Essential Plan) or NZ$5m (Comprehensive and Prestige Plan) with no specific exclusion for on water third party liability cover. This may not be sufficient to meet the regatta notice of race third party liability requirement. •    This policy does not extend to provide insurance for sailors under the age of 18 years old. •    This policy does not cover for injury to family, close relatives or travel companions. •    If the insured gives control of their vessel to another person and that person causes a loss, the skipper could be held liable, and the vessel owner vicariously liable. Under this scenario, the policy may not respond as it’s not a liability directly incurred by the Insured. •    The policy only responds to wreck removal/salvage costs of a third-party vessel, not the insured vessel. •    Training isn’t classed as racing under this policy so loss arising from training may not be covered.

For amateur sailors whose requirements fall outside the travel policy criteria as outlined above, and for professional sailors, Aon have an alternative, tailored travel policy available which also extends to cover injury whilst racing or training. To discuss this policy, please contact Aon’s Marine team as below.

Yacht and launch insurance 

Aon can provide insurance for larger yachts and launches. For more information, please contact the Aon Marine team or visit Aon Boat Insurance.

Find out how Aon can support you with insurance for your boat, racing and travel. 

Say hello to the Aon team today.

Email [email protected]

Contact Chloe Donnelly  (09) 362 9048 or 027 257 9361 | [email protected]

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20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

I don't think below deck sailing yacht is returning (or at least not for a while), below deck sailing yacht: daisy kelliher details recent serious accident her sister bonnie was in & toll it's taken.

  • Mads Herrera continues to seek adventure after her Below Deck Sailing Yacht debut season.
  • Mads stood out on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 4 with her adventurous personality.
  • Mads, a yachtie, loves to work by the water and document her travels on Instagram.

Mads Herrera has continued seeking adventure after Below Deck Sailing Yacht . The Below Deck spin-off premiered in 2020, offering a fresh extension to the show’s classic format . Below Deck Sailing Yacht follows the crew and its captain, Glenn Shephard. With four seasons under its belt, the series has introduced many franchise yachties throughout its tenure. Mads debuted on the show during Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4 where she worked as a stew underneath Daisy Kelliher, the chief Stew . Daisy was a beloved crew member, but Mads was the breakout star of the season.

Mads had an adventurous personality that helped her stand out among the Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4 cast. As a freshman Below Deck yachtie, she made her mark on the series and had fun while doing so. She was involved in an infamous boatmance with Gary King that occupied most of the drama throughout the charter season. Nonetheless, Mads kept things casual with the Bosun , which allowed her to enjoy her time during the charter season. Since appearing on Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, Mads has continued living her life to the fullest.

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

Mads Still Seems To Work In Yachting

Mads loves to work by the water.

Since her stint on the Below Deck franchise, Mads is seemingly still working in the yachting industry . During Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, she joined the crew as a stew with minimal experience. Mads grew up close to the water and had worked in parallel industries to yachting before she became a stew herself. Her Instagram hints that she’s continued working in roles that keep her by the ocean. Mads posted a video on a yacht in Croatia while tagging @theyachtweek in the caption while enjoying time with her friends.

Mads Loves To Travel

Mads’ instagram documents memories from her adventures.

The Below Deck Sailing Yacht stew enjoys traveling.

Since her season wrapped, the South Florida native has traveled around the world.

On her Instagram, Mads shares content from her adventures in various locations. In one post, the yachtie smiled for the camera in a stewardess outfit while yachting along the coastline of France .

Mads's Journey On Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Mads found herself in a boatmance.

Mads’ brought new energy to the cast of Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4. She had two years of experience working in yachting before previously working on boat deliveries and day charters. She had to put her skills to the test as Daisy’s third stew on the yachting series. Mads learned a lot throughout the season, though her time on the show was overshadowed by her boatmance with Gary. She started casually hooking up with the Bosun and didn’t have any expectations for their relationship. Things got complicated when Gary and Daisy revealed they previously hooked up.

“I sensed that they slept together, but if I knew to the extent of the drama and stuff that was involved in whatever throuple relationship they have, I don’t want to be involved in that.”

Before Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4, the Bosun and Chief Stew admitted they had been intimate. Daisy decided to tell engineer Colin MacRae, whom she developed feelings for. Mads eventually found out about their past and wasn’t upset about the news. While she stayed out of most drama, Daisy, Colin, and Gary had a complicated love triangle for the rest of Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4. After the season, she told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live that she wishes she would’ve known, so she could’ve explored her connection with deckhand Alex Propson.

Will Mads Ever Return To Below Deck Sailing Yacht?

Mads should return for Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5. The stew hasn’t clarified if she’d be open to returning to the franchise, but she’d likely accept the offer. The Below Deck audience had a positive reception to Mads in her debut season. She brought fresh energy to the show and enjoyed having a good time. Despite not having extended yachting experience, Mads grew in her role as a stew throughout the charter season. She was involved in drama throughout the season in her boatmance with Gary, though she didn’t overthink their situation.

Nowadays, Mads is enjoying her life post- Below Deck . She continued traveling and staying close to the water. While it’s unclear if she’ll return for Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, the franchise would be silly not to ask her back for another season.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht seasons 1-4 are available to stream on Peacock.

Sources: Mads Herrera /Instagram, Mads Herrera /Instagram, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

*Availability in US

Not available

Below Deck Sailing Yacht is a spin-off of the Below Deck reality television series. Premiering on Bravo, the show follows the life of a Yacht crew as they attempt to navigate a busy Charter season in which many customers make use of a 177-foot sailing yacht. Over the first three seasons, the yacht has been to Greece, Croatia, and Spain.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht (2020)

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Frugal Traveler

Affordable Island-Hopping in Croatia? What Could Go Wrong?

A 30-percent-off Black Friday sale on a cruise aboard a yacht meant off-season sailing and being prepared for the unexpected.

A view from a hill of a red-roofed town surrounding a harbor. In the foreground, the ruins of an ancient fortification wall follow the downward slope of a steep hill. And in the distance, beyond the harbor with its numerous small boats, is a string of small green islands.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

As Croatians tell the story , the Greek hero Odysseus was shipwrecked and held captive on the Croatian island of Mljet. Visiting in May, I and six other sailors embraced the myth when the motor on our 54-foot yacht failed.

“Remember, Odysseus spent seven years on Mljet,” said Ivan Ljubovic, our captain. “We can do two nights.”

In the scheme of things, the clogged fuel filter that impeded our progress on a seven-night, island-hopping cruise from Split to Dubrovnik on a yacht — which the passengers helped sail — was minor. Though an engine, even on a sailboat, is vital for docking and sticking to schedules on becalmed days, most of my shipmates agreed that getting waylaid in a village with Roman ruins on a turquoise bay was an acceptable fate.

I had been resigned to what were, in my mind, worse inconveniences when I had signed up for the trip last November. Then, the tour operator G Adventures had put several trips on sale over the Black Friday weekend. Its best deals were in the off-season, which meant potentially chilly weather and closed restaurants and attractions. But leaving in late April for seven nights of island hopping at roughly $1,300 — after a 30 percent discount — was too tempting to pass up.

My cousin Kim agreed and we made plans to pack rain gear and meet in Split to test the budget waters.

‘Everything between is an adventure’

Little about the itinerary was published pre-departure and none of it was firm.

“Split and Dubrovnik are fixed,” said the captain, who would pilot the ship solo and double as our guide, on our first day. “Everything between is an adventure.”

It started with the Sauturnes, a handsome Kufner yacht with four snug guest cabins, four economical bathrooms where the retractable faucet doubled as a shower spigot, and a spacious galley. Our “crew,” a mix of Australians and Americans ranging from 18 to 75 — all of whom had also jumped on the promotional pricing — spent most of the time atop the boat, where foam mattresses invited sunbathing and a cockpit awning provided shade.

The weather, which turned out to be sunny and comfortably cool, was not our greatest concern. The G Adventures website had mentioned well-known islands, including beachy Brac and Vis , which played a convincing Greek idyll in the movie “Mamma Mia 2.” But since many places would be closed in the shoulder season, we would proceed, according to the captain, based on the dictates of the weather and conditions on shore.

Meals were not included, which meant finding open restaurants was critical. For shipboard breakfasts and lunches, we each chipped in 50 euros (about $54) for communal groceries, which we shopped for at local markets. At night, we would dine at restaurants; G Adventures advised budgeting $250 to $325 for the week, which was accurate, though we often splurged on Croatian wine (a carafe of house red averaged $15).

Small ports

After the frenzy of grocery shopping and moving into the bunk-bedded cabin Kim and I shared, we experienced the Zen of sailing as the ship set off on a sunny morning for 43-mile-long Hvar , the longest and purportedly sunniest island in Croatia.

Neighboring islands drifted past as the wind patterned the sea in shifting ripples and ruffles. A flock of shearwaters soared by at eye level.

Within a few hours, the ridgelines of steep Hvar appeared, revealing terraced lavender fields and olive orchards. Motoring down a long, narrow inlet, we arrived in Stari Grad , a village of stone homes with terra cotta roof tiles, as travelers had since 384 B.C., when Greek sailors from the island of Paros settled here.

Our mooring provided a front-row view of fishing boats and cafes animating the waterfront. Stari Grad’s attractions, including the Greek ruins of Faros and a 17th-century Venetian cathedral, had yet to open for the season, but we relished exploring the old quarter’s narrow lanes and deserted plazas.

From the waterfront, an aerobic 20-minute hike up a steep hill crowned by a giant white cross offered views over Stari Grad and the plains beyond, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of fourth-century agricultural fields, with stone walls circumscribing grapevines and olive orchards.

That evening, we visited them to reach Konoba Kokot , a farm restaurant that specializes in “peka,” a kind of barbecue in which meat cooks under an iron lid piled with hot coals. The family that runs it opened in the preseason, welcoming us with bracing shots of rakija, a local herbal liquor. At a long table under an arbor, we gorged on homemade goat cheese, wild boar pate and, from the hearth, roast lamb, veal and octopus with limitless jugs of red and white wine for 35 euros a person.

Starry nights

Small ships are unmatched at getting into small ports, but a yacht trip is also a little like camping, starting most mornings with D.I.Y. instant coffee. Marinas offered free bathhouses with showers.

Cool temperatures apparently deterred the celebrity-filled mega yachts, which are known to anchor in the town of Hvar on the south shore of Hvar island. Our captain declared it the “Mykonos of Croatia” as we motored by the port bustling with visitors carrying shopping bags and cones of gelato.

With clear weather in the forecast, we moored in an undeveloped cove east of town. The mooring belonged to the owners of Moli Onte restaurant, who ferried us to land on a motorized dingy, allowing us enough time before dinner to visit the fortress above Hvar and have an Ozujsko beer on St. Stephens Square, the largest in the region of Dalmatia.

Back on board, with no artificial light to wash out the night sky, we hit the upper deck for stargazing. As my shipmates peeled off to bed, I grabbed a blanket and beanie and bedded down under the stars for the evolving show, periodically waking to catch the drama of the moon rising, reflected in the still water.

Little Dubrovnik

Fingers of gray rock reached down to meet sloping vineyards along Hvar’s south coast as we departed for its neighbor, Korcula. On our longest day of sailing, five hours, I welcomed the chance to play first mate, manning the lines on the jib sail.

To break up the trip, Captain Ljubovic navigated to a quiet cove off the Peljesac Peninsula where the Caribbean-blue waters, cloudless sky and sandy bottom convinced us to jump in despite numbing sea temperatures.

Fifteenth-century walls ring the historic center of Korcula, earning it the nickname “Little Dubrovnik.” Past the stone gates carved with a winged lion representing the empire of Venice, which controlled much of the Adriatic after the 13th century, narrow alleys led to ornate churches and mansions. There was no better history trip than getting lost in the web of pedestrian lanes. Or so we told ourselves as we passed the purported home of Marco Polo, still closed preseason.

Along the seafront walls, restaurants served pizza and seafood under lights strung in the pines and we caught sunset from a former turret, now converted into Massimo Cocktail Bar , which requires patrons to climb a ladder to the rooftop, a caution against second rounds.

The most romantic port of the trip was also the rowdiest, at least in the marina, which was hosting a Polish sailing regatta. When I headed for the showers at 6 a.m. the next morning, I found a group still cheerfully dancing atop a yacht littered in empty booze bottles and crushed potato chips.

Marooned on Mljet

We left Korcula on strong 20-knot “jugo” or south winds and Captain Ljubovic unleashed the sails, saying “You paid for a sailing vacation, not a motorboat.”

As we tacked back and forth toward Mljet , the boat heeled at a queasy angle and we took face shots of ocean spray.

On Mljet, where the western end of the island is home to Mljet National Park , we rented bikes (10 euros) to ride a lung-busting route over the park’s mountain spine. On the other side, we cycled around a pair of inland lakes and took a boat trip to a 12th-century monastery built on an island in one of them (park admission, 15 euros).

Docked in the still sleepy town of Polace, we heard tales of high season, when up to 100 yachts anchor in the bay and members of the band U2 were once seen biking in the park. After a brief shower, the town glimmered at sunset and the restaurant Stella Maris welcomed us with grilled sea bass (25 euros) and prawns (20 euros).

“I’m so glad I chose this time, because I don’t do crowds,” said my shipmate Nova Hey, 46, of Sydney, who was traveling with her 18-year-old daughter.

In the morning, I had the trail to the peak of Montokuc to myself. The roughly three-mile round-trip hike reached one of the highest points on the island, a rocky knob with stunning panoramas shared by a family of feral goats.

Not long thereafter, the Sauternes’ engine refused to turn over, stranding us in a national park on a remote island with no mechanics.

Teeming Dubrovnik

The next morning, Captain Ljubovic jimmied a fix but it didn’t last long and the engine died again, this time just opposite a cave on Mljet that we joked had to be the refuge of Odysseus.

After a morning of light sailing, a mechanic from the mainland arrived by speedboat and within an hour we were motoring toward the Franjo Tudman Bridge that spans the inlet to the Dubrovnik marina where hot showers awaited.

“Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia,” said Captain Ljubovic as we spent the last of our pooled money, 70 euros, hiring a taxi van to get us to and from the walled heart of the ancient city about 15 minutes away.

With two large cruise ships in port, Dubrovnik was teeming with visitors and the price to climb the stone walls that encircle the city was a sticker-shocking 35 euros. (In the ensuing two days Kim and I would spend post-cruise in the city, we bought the more comprehensive Dubrovnik Pass for 35 euros that included admission to the walls as well as several museums and public bus transportation.)

On our final evening, we measured the lack of crowds versus closed museums; perfect hiking weather versus swim-inviting water; ample dock space versus more restaurant choices — and felt we’d come out ahead sailing in the bargain season.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Stroll along the river, explore a contemporary art scene and admire panoramic views in this scenic Central European capital .

Cities With Great Beaches:  Already been to Miami, Honolulu and Sydney? These five other coastal destinations  are vibrant on land and on the water.

Southern France:  The Canal du Midi traverses the Occitanie region and gives cyclists of all skill levels  access to parts of France that are rich in lore .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  Visiting the vast and remote Gila Wilderness, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is both inspiring and demanding .

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Kevin Costner in "Yellowstone"

After over a year hiatus,  Yellowstone   Season 5 Part 2 has begun production in Montana. The Western drama series approaches its close with the final episodes set to land in November later this year.

RELATED: Kevin Costner “Disappointed” In Handling Of ‘Yellowstone’ Exit Rumors: “Nobody On Their Side Ever Stepped Up To Defend What I Did For Them”

With several prequel series and a contemporary spinoff in the works, the original installment was originally set to conclude at the end of 2023, but the WGA and SAG strikes delayed production on the final episodes.

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Kevin Costner Makes It Official: He’s Not Returning To ‘Yellowstone’

Yellowstone

‘Yellowstone’ Begins Production On Part 2 Of Fifth & Final Season

Read on for what we know about  Yellowstone  Season 5 Part II:

Has  Yellowstone Season 5 Part II begun production?

The Paramount Network announced   in May  that the second half of the final installment began production in Montana.

When will  Yellowstone Season 5 Part II come out?

The final episodes are slated to unfold on the Paramount Network starting November 10, 2024 at 8 p.m. Internationally,  Yellowstone  will premiere on Paramount+ in Canada on November 10th, the U.K. on November 11th and in Latin America, Brazil and France later in November. 

How many episodes will be in  Yellowstone  Season 5 Part II?

Six episodes are projected to wrap up the original installment, but creator Taylor Sheridan told  The Hollywood Reporter  that he felt Paramount could give him 10 episodes if need be.

RELATED: Kevin Costner Reveals The Epic Journey Of His Western ‘Horizon’ And Has His Say On ‘Yellowstone’ Rancor

Will Kevin Costner return for  Yellowstone  Season 5 Part II?

He revealed via social media after the Paramount Network announced the official return date that he won’t be returning for the final episodes of the western series.

“I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on  Horizon  and doing all the things that’s required, and thinking about  Yellowstone , that beloved series that I love, that I know you love, I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue Season 5B or into the future,” he said. “It was something that really changed me. I loved it. And I know you loved it. And I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning and I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop and I’ll see you at the movies.”

An update for you guys. I’ll see you at the movies. pic.twitter.com/DpuC5cOP6F — Kevin Costner & MW (@modernwest) June 21, 2024

Costner did  shed some light  on what happened behind the scenes with negotiating a new contract for his role and changes to the show’s arc.

In  a recent interview with People , the actor expressed disappointment over how none of his former co-stars came to his defense when the original narrative surrounding his absence was solely blamed on his inflexible filming schedule for  Horizon: An American Saga . Luke Grimes told The Independent that he understood the decision .

RELATED: Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon: An American Saga’: Everything We Know So Far

“I haven’t felt good about it the last year, what with the way they’ve talked about it. It wasn’t truthful. So now I’m talking a little bit about what the real truth of it was. I made a contract for seasons five, six and seven,” he told Deadline. “In February, after a two- or three-month negotiation, they made another contract. They wanted to redo that one, and instead of seasons six and seven, it was 5A and 5B, and maybe we’ll do six. They weren’t able to make those.  Horizon  was set in the middle, but  Yellowstone  was first position. I fit [ Horizon ] into the gaps. They just kept moving their gaps.”

How many Yellowstone prequels are there?

The show has two prequels available to watch —  1883  and 1923.

1923 , which stars Harrison Ford as John Dutton and Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton as they navigate the early 20th century west in the era of Prohibition, pandemics and drought. The prequel was  renewed for a second season , but the strikes in the summer of 2023  delayed production .  

RELATED: Kevin Costner Shares Unboxing Video of Golden Globe Award He Won For ‘Yellowstone’ Amid Show Exit Reports

Sheridan hinted at two seasons to tell the complete story, and that likely means  eight more episodes .

The series also stars Brandon Sklenar, Darren Mann, Michelle Randolph, James Badge Dale, Marley Shelton, Brian Geraghty, Aminah Nieves, Jerome Flynn and Julia Schlaepfer.

'1923'

1883  stars Sam Elliott as Shea Brennan, Tim McGraw as James Dutton, Faith Hill as Margaret Dutton, Isabel May as Elsa Dutton who narrates, LaMonica Garrett as Thomas, Marc Rissmann as Josef, Audie Rick as John Dutton Sr. and more. 

“The story I heard is  Bob Bakish  watched it and said, ‘Wait a minute, she dies! They all die? What do we do in season two?’” Sheridan  told Deadline . “I said, there is no season two. They’re like, there better be a fu*king season two because we already picked it up. I’m sitting here going, ‘Guys everyone is dead.”

RELATED: ‘1923’ Breakout Star Aminah Nieves Says Her Role Gives Her The Opportunity To “Share Honest And Real Stories” Of Indigenous People

One more prequel with the working title  1944  could expand the world  as well.

Will there be more  Yellowstone spinoffs?

Sequel spinoff  2024  will carry on the contemporary timeline of the franchise. In February 2023, Deadline exclusively reported the news that Matthew McConaughey was in talks to star in the latest installment of the Dutton saga.

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  1. Regatta calendar

    Auckland. Thu 24 Oct - Sun 27 Oct. Aviemore Classic Regatta. Timaru Yacht and Powerboat Club. Canterbury. Fri 25 Oct - Sat 26 Oct. PIC Coastal Classic 2024. New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club Inc. Auckland.

  2. Yachting New Zealand

    Subscribe to New Zealand's most comprehensive sailing news source to receive the fortnightly Briefings e-newsletter, media releases and coaching updates. Helping New Zealander's access, enjoy and succeed on the water for life.

  3. New Zealand Sail Grand Prix: Christchurch

    New Zealand secured the ultimate win on home waters in Christchurch to seize the Championship lead from Australia with only four events remaining of Season 4. The Kiwis trounced France and Canada in dramatic style on Lyttelton Harbour, securing a picture-perfect start and executing a flawless race to take the win on home waters.

  4. 2022's largest superyacht event in the southern hemisphere, shows

    Hundreds of crew, both newly arrived in New Zealand and from yachts that had undergone refit in the country through winter, demonstrated the return of superyachts in force to New Zealand for its cruising season. Hosted by Superyacht New Zealand and NZ Marine, crew were joined by key industry representatives and 54 sponsor companies from the ...

  5. SailGP

    New York. 22 - 23 Jun 2024. Watch Live Get Tickets. Event 13. San Francisco. 13 - 14 Jul 2024. Event Info Get Tickets. SailGP's ambition is to be the world's most sustainable and purpose-driven global sports and entertainment platform. We are racing for a better future and believe sport has the power to change the world.

  6. SailGP comes to New Zealand in 2023 for four seasons

    The New Zealand round of SailGP was launched today in Auckland, following a worldwide announcement overnight. ... but expected to be in January 2023 - which will be at the tail end of Season 3. ... and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron - the location used for the 1990 World Match Racing Championships - which like Lyttleton, has a width just ...

  7. Superyacht New Zealand

    Boat Show. Auckland, New Zealand. 12-15 Feb, 2024. NZ Millennium Cup. Bay of Islands, New Zealand . News . News. ... NZ Marine's inaugural Tahiti-New Zealand Networking event last month took the New Zealand superyacht industry to the heart of the South Pacific cruising season.

  8. New Zealand Charter Yacht Cruise

    New Zealand Charter Vacation Activities. Cape Reinga - dramatic coastline where the waters of Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. Cruise through the Bay of Islands - 140 subtropical islands next to New Zealand's North Island. Undeveloped beaches, fishing and Maori cultural artifacts. Great Barrier Island - abound with hiking trails and natural ...

  9. A Season in New Zealand

    A Season in New Zealand. A Cruising Guide for Superyachts. Posted on November 6, 2019 February 26, ... Most owners choose to bring their yachts to Opua in the Bay of Islands, though some head directly for Marsden Cove (Whangarei) - the primary destination for maintenance. Larger vessels tend to clear in at Auckland as Opua can only dock ...

  10. New Zealand superyacht season commences

    A superyacht welcome function held on December 13, marked the start of the cruising season in New Zealand and showed the strength of the return of superyachts to the southern hemisphere cruising grounds. Superyachts are back, and the New Zealand industry has welcomed them with open arms. At the country's annual Superyacht Welcome Function ...

  11. INFO

    A Variety of files and information for members of the club for the 2023 -2024 season. Check out the up coming events and Regattas hosted by the New Plymouth Yacht club. You will also find notice of race and regatta submission forms here on our events page.

  12. Sailing Across the Pacific, Routes & Tips

    Namba/Sheila Net: 8101 kHz at UTC plus 11 hours. Gulf Harbor Radio: 8116 kHz at 0715 local New Zealand time. (There is a host of smaller and temporary VHF and SSB nets throughout the Pacific.) More: Route planning, expected weather patterns, tips and resources for planning a sail across the Pacific Ocean.

  13. Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

    Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises. Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa's native flora and ...

  14. New Zealand Luxury Yachting Guide

    New Zealand. Possessing an intense beauty mirrored in tranquil mountains and raging rivers, New Zealand is one of the most breathtakingly scenic yachting destinations in the southern hemisphere. Mesmerizing glaciers, bubbling mud pools and soft golden beaches are all there to be discovered alongside one of the world's premier wine and food ...

  15. New Zealand secures Grand Final qualification by beating Canada and

    The refreshed Season 4 leaderboard sees New Zealand top with 93 points - guaranteeing its place in next month's three-boat, season-defining Grand Final in San Francisco. Elsewhere, Australia - which finished 4th in New York with a mixed 3-6-9-1 results - has reclaimed 2nd in the Season 4 leaderboard with 78 points - two ahead of Spain in ...

  16. Seasonality Calendar

    Optimum growing time and bloom for flowers is from October to early January. Flowers are generally supplied as a mixed punnet, based on availability of flowers at a given time of the year. From time to time, our growers may provide flowers based on single varieties. Please talk to your Key Account Manager or call 0800 PRODUCE for more ...

  17. The History of the CYANZ

    The remainder of that season saw more of the classics get together in ever-increasing numbers. Word was spreading amongst the custodians of old yachts and after a late season meeting in the saloon of Prize, a meeting was called for the 8th May 1995 at the Ponsonby Cruising Club (PCC). ... The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), the ...

  18. Learn To Sail

    If you're looking to gain experience on a bigger boat, this can be a great way to do it. Learn to sail a yacht with Sail NelsonTasman Bay Cruising Club. Contact Us. 322 Wakefield Quay, Nelson, 7010. [email protected]. Office: 03 548 7501. Club Manager: Tim +6422 548 7501. Chief Instructor: Kat +6422 439 0100.

  19. Results

    2023-2024 Season Results . Past Season Archives: ... 2016-17 | 2015-16 | 2014-15. Richmond Yacht Club, Inc 173 Westhaven Drive Westhaven Seawall PO Box 46 324 Herne Bay, Auckland 1147. Contact Details. Office Phone: +64 9 376 4332 Mobile: +64 021 276 4332 [email protected] . Clubhouse Office: Tues-Fri 10am-2pm.

  20. Boat Charter Auckland

    Boutique Superyachts represents New Zealand's leading luxury classic superyacht charter. Sea Breeze III is like no other & her two year refit has been in keeping with her heritage, history, uniqueness of style, and very special features. Built-in 1976, originally christened Ulysses and owned by Graeme Hart, this beautiful classic 105 foot ...

  21. Below Deck: Sailing Yacht Season 4 Ep 1

    For full functionality of the ThreeNow site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Back on board Parsifal III in Sardinia, Italy, with his heads of departments returning for another season, Capt. Glenn is poised for his smoothest sail yet until he isn't.

  22. What happened to Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5? Here's what ...

    Gary was soon removed from the BravoCon 2023 list, making clear Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 could be in trouble. Peter Hunziker was fired by Bravo. All of this means that what would have ...

  23. Insurance

    For more information, please contact the Aon Marine team or visit Aon Boat Insurance. Find out how Aon can support you with insurance for your boat, racing and travel. Say hello to the Aon team today. Email [email protected]. Contact Chloe Donnelly. (09) 362 9048 or 027 257 9361 | [email protected]. Contact Darren Pattle.

  24. I Don't Think Below Deck Sailing Yacht Is Returning (Or At Least Not

    Below Deck Sailing Yacht has been one of the most highly anticipated returning shows on Bravo, but I don't think the series is coming back - at least not anytime too soon.After Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 4 served some incredible drama, viewers have been impatiently waiting for the series to return. Throughout the Below Deck franchise, spin-offs can be hit or miss, so when Below Deck ...

  25. What Happened To Mads Herrera After Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 4?

    Mads stood out on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 4 with her adventurous personality. Mads, a yachtie, loves to work by the water and document her travels on Instagram. Mads Herrera has continued seeking adventure after Below Deck Sailing Yacht. The Below Deck spin-off premiered in 2020, offering a fresh extension to the show's classic format.

  26. Herald morning quiz: June 25

    Latest from New Zealand. Premium. Daron Parton's cartoons: June 1 - 30. 24 Jun 03:00 PM. ... Search under way for missing fishing boat off Gisborne coast, NZDF joining operation tonight.

  27. Herald afternoon quiz: June 24

    These questions were prepared with the help of the artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT. Test your brains with the Herald's afternoon quiz. Share your score with friends, family ...

  28. 'Dragon boat rain season' comes to an end in Guangdong

    The rain season, which usually begins before the traditional Dragon Boat Festival and lasts for a month, ended with an average precipitation of 465.6 millimeters across the province this year, or ...

  29. An Island-to-Island Yacht Cruise in Croatia

    A 30-percent-off Black Friday sale on a cruise aboard a yacht meant off-season sailing and being prepared for the unexpected. By Elaine Glusac Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist ...

  30. 'Yellowstone' Season 5 Part II: Everything We Know So Far

    When will Yellowstone Season 5 Part II come out? The final episodes are slated to unfold on the Paramount Network starting November 10, 2024 at 8 p.m. Internationally, Yellowstone will premiere on ...