New Zealand is an idyllic country with few travel-related hassles: buses arrive on time and ATMs are readily available; scammers, pickpockets and bedbugs are minimal – making it an excellent destination for solo travelers.
Tour the Waitomo Glowworm Caves aboard a small-group tour boat for an iconic natural attraction, and look out for marine wildlife such as sperm whales as you cruise towards Kaikoura’s coastline.
1. Make a detailed itinerary
New Zealand offers thousands of kilometres of coastline and lakes that serve as an aquatic playground for adventurers of all sorts. You can race a yacht, cruise scenic routes or join crew tours that suit every interest and ability level – sailing tours offer something suitable for everyone here!
While on your tour, you will gain invaluable leadership skills as you rotate through positions on the crew. Adjusting your communication style to meet others’ needs will sharpen judgment; plotting routes through challenging waters will teach you to deal with adversity effectively. By the time of completion of this course, you will emerge a more mature and capable sailor ready to set sail on their own voyages.
Explore Auckland from a new angle by taking a sightseeing cruise on Waitemata Harbour. Admire its city skyline and mountain vistas while traveling by ferry crossing to Picton. For a luxurious experience, choose an Elegance cruise for higher standards of comfort as well as exclusive excursions such as traditional village dinners. Alternatively, discover Lake Taupo by renting out a yacht, or discover Maori rock carvings which can only be seen from water!
2. Take your vessel to an inspection site
New Zealand is an exceptional sailing destination. From Auckland’s bustling harbour teeming with marine life and spectacular landscapes to Marlborough Sound’s deep teal waters on Pelorus Mail Boat cruises, New Zealand provides sailing experiences of every sort.
No matter if it be on an Intrepid Travel cruise around the Bay of Islands or taking in Milford Sound with Real Journeys tours, exploring New Zealand waters will leave lasting memories that you won’t soon forget – not to mention valuable leadership experience by managing group dynamics on board and plotting courses through challenging waters.
Experience New Zealand’s unique culture while taking in some of its rich heritage at places such as Waitangi Treaty Grounds – where New Zealand gained independence from colonial rule! Don’t wait; book your coastal sailing experience in New Zealand now with Real Journeys or Intrepid Travel and prepare to embark on your voyage of discovery!
3. Look ahead to weather and wind forecasts
Coastal sailing can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. It will teach you much about navigation, seamanship and living together as part of a crew – not to mention develop leadership abilities and tolerance for hardships!
No matter the vessel you sail on, it is vitally important to remain aware of weather and wind forecasts to ensure that your journey will be as safe as possible. A favorable wind can often save time by not having to fight against its shifts – but this should always be considered in conjunction with potential risks and benefits.
Selecting the optimal season, month, weekday and hour of departure is key for ensuring a safe coastal cruising adventure. PredictWind provides advanced weather routing tools which give you access to information needed to select an opportune departure date that ensures it will be an unforgettable experience rather than potentially hazardous one.
4. Prepare your vessel
Experience sailing in challenging waters will allow you to hone your judgment and cope with adversity more effectively. Additionally, group dynamics will be managed, decisions made during adverse weather and navigation of the Pacific Ocean will become second nature – you won’t want to miss this incredible sailing trip.
New Zealand is a must-see destination for anyone interested in sailing or nature, from its stunning Bay of Islands archipelago to the tranquil waters of Pelorus Sounds and their diverse marine life and stunning landscapes. Additionally, coastal New Zealand provides an ideal getaway from everyday life and provides much to do as a solo traveller destination.
Experience some of the world’s most breathtaking seascapes during an unforgettable voyage through iconic ports like Napier’s Art Deco capital, New Zealand’s South Island fjords and crossing the Tasman Sea all in a single trip! Even experience what life might be like as a sea postie aboard Pelorus Mail Boat cruises!
5. Check your bank account
Travel doesn’t need to stop when we age — in fact, it can become even more fulfilling! For an enjoyable travel experience that won’t tax your body or wallet too much, consider booking an escorted tour in New Zealand. Escorted tours provide structure and simplicity like cruise vacations while simultaneously giving you time to experience each unforgettable destination fully.
Start off your trip right and hop aboard a late morning ferry ride from Wellington to Picton for a truly relaxing start. Take in the sights and make some new friends during this idyllic journey!
Rather than driving yourself around New Zealand, if you prefer something more intimate than driving alone you could book a private tour through Stray Travel. They provide smaller buses which make meeting people much simpler; their dedicated team ensures all your needs are met; plus preexisting medical cover means you won’t be turned away due to health conditions; simply ensure you pack your medical insurance card and travel documents before booking!
