New Zealand Itinerary
Hailing from Alaska, Venturing Worldwide
Join us in New Zealand •
Join us in New Zealand •
December 2026 - February 2027
After five months spent circumnavigating New Zealand during the 2026 summer season, we’re excited to return and revisit some of our favorite places across both the North and South Islands. Our days will be spent exploring the sheltered bays and historic anchorages of the North Island’s East Coast, a sailor’s paradise of turquoise coves, native bush, and a timeless maritime spirit. From there, we’ll head south to linger in the vibrant townships of Banks Peninsula and the cultural heart of Dunedin, before making our way once more to Stewart Island.New Zealand ItinerarY
We’re currently shaping our itinerary for a second season in New Zealand. What follows is a working outline of the route ahead—an evolving journey guided by weather, local knowledge, and curiosity. Voyage legs will range from 5–10 days, If a particular stretch calls to you, we’d love to connect and begin planning your time aboard.
DECember 2026
Exploring The North Island
We’ll begin in Whangārei, setting a course for the island-dotted waters of the Hauraki Gulf—one of New Zealand’s most beloved cruising grounds. High on our list is a return to Great Barrier Island—a place of quiet remoteness and quaint townships. Here, days stretch from sea to summit: hiking native bush ridge lines, soaking in natural hot springs, or anchoring beside simple coastal comforts like a wood-fired oven and outdoor bath. Weather permitting, we hope to circumnavigate the island.We’ll also revisit Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards and relaxed coastal culture, along with anchorages along the Coromandel Peninsula where golden beaches meet dense forest.If conditions allow, we may venture north to the Bay of Islands—a region rich in Māori heritage and maritime history, with stops in Russell and Waitangi. Along the way, remote outliers like the Poor Knights Islands offer world-class diving and dramatic coastal scenery.
Early January 2027
Transiting the North Island’s East Coast
As we head south, we’ll leave the shelter of the Hauraki Gulf and follow the long, exposed sweep of the East Coast. This is a more elemental stretch of coastline—open, quiet, and shaped by weather. We’ll trace the Coromandel edge, stopping where possible at the Mercury and Alderman Islands, which remote, rugged, and rarely visited.
From there, we continue to Tauranga, home to the iconic Mount Maunganui, before crossing the Bay of Plenty. Conditions permitting, we hope to pass Whakaari / White Island, an active marine volcano rising starkly from the sea.
No passage south is complete without time in Napier, the Art Deco capital of the world, where architecture, wine country, and coastline meet in striking contrast. From here, we’ll prepare for our return to the South Island, with a possible stop in Wellington.
LATE January 2027
Transiting the South Island’s East Coast
The South Island’s East Coast reveals a quieter, more textured side of New Zealand—rich in history, architecture, and understated beauty.
We’ll explore Banks Peninsula, a volcanic landscape of cratered harbors and rolling hills near Lyttelton and Christchurch. Inside one of these ancient craters lies Akaroa, a small French-influenced settlement with a layered coastal history.
Further south, we’ll stop in Oamaru, a Victorian seaside town known for its preserved architecture and unexpected steampunk identity. From there, we continue to Port Chalmers and Dunedin—a culturally rich southern city with strong heritage and a distinct maritime edge.
February 2027
Exploring Stewart Island
At the far southern edge of New Zealand lies Stewart Island / Rakiura – a land that is remote, wild, and deeply connected to the natural world. With over 85% of the island protected as national park, it remains one of the country’s most untouched regions.
We’ll explore around Oban and Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary where native birdlife thrives and the forest feels ancient and alive. Further south, we aim to reach Port Pegasus, a vast, isolated harbor framed by dramatic granite landscapes and formations like Bald Cone. Anchorages such as Port Adventure offer quiet beaches and true remoteness along the way. Weather permitting, we hope to circumnavigate the island—an ambitious passage through one of New Zealand’s most remote and remarkable regions.
GETTING TO NEW ZEALAND:
Most international flights arrive at Auckland Airport (AKL) on New Zealand’s North Island. Direct routes are available from major U.S. cities with Air New Zealand and other major airlines, and flight times range from about 12 to 17 hours depending on your departure point (a long haul, but a worthy one, bringing you to the far side of the world and the start of something unforgettable). From Auckland, domestic flights within New Zealand are frequent and relatively affordable. New Zealand's national bus system is InterCity, which is a convenient way to get around on land. Please keep in mind when making travel reservations that you will be crossing the international date line. Where we’re sailing next
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Australia
As February arrives, we’ll lift anchor from New Zealand and begin our westward crossing to Australia. Tasmania’s rugged wilderness is calling, and from there we’ll trace the east coast—visiting the Great Barrier Reef before rounding the Top End toward the remote shores of Western Australia.
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Chilean Patagonia
Next, we’re setting our sights on the fjords of Chilean Patagonia—a region of deep channels, tidal rivers, ancient glaciers, and soaring mountain walls draped in mist. This remote maze of waterways is one of the most iconic high-latitude cruising grounds on the planet: raw, untamed, and breathtaking in scale.
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Antarctica
And just over the horizon: Antarctica. we’re laying the groundwork for an expedition to the White Continent between December 2027 and January 2028. Icy, immense, and otherworldly, this voyage will mark a new level of adventure—one that few ever attempt. This southern stretch will serve as the gateway to our boldest journey yet.
Interested in Coming Aboard?
Whether you're dreaming of a future voyage, have questions about our upcoming expeditions, or just want to say ahoy, send us a digital message in a bottle below. We check our inbox often (even from remote anchorages) and will get back to you as soon as we’re in calm seas and within signal range.
