There is a good reason that Auckland’s nickname is the City of Sails. Located on the eastern shore of the North Island, this harbor city is close to excellent rivers, lakes, and bays. Whether a sailor or kayaker, there are great waters to be found here, so be sure to check your options on boat rentals and charters in Auckland for your visit.

Auckland Harbour Sightseeing by Boat

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Boat tours of the Waitemata Harbour, also known as the Auckland Harbour, are very popular with visiting tourists as well as locals. On a boat tour in Auckland, you'll enjoy sightseeing of the top attractions and iconic spots of Auckland, including the Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island, Bean Rock, and the Sky Tower, all on the waterfront. Boat tours in Auckland are a great activity to do with kids, as they can sit and relax while seeing more of the city, and it's always more fun to be on the water instead of walking. Check out Half Moon Bay in Auckland on a boat rental.

Auckland is a great destination for boat parties - enjoy a dinner cruise or dance the night away on a party yacht in Auckland. Jet boat tours are another fun way to experience Auckland - you're sure to enjoy a thrill as you fly across the water at high-speeds on a jet boat.

Sailing Charters in Auckland, New Zealand

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Sailboat rentals and sailing charters are a very popular choice for tourists in Auckland. It's considered to be the yachting capital of the world, and it boasts the number of boats to deserve it. A skipper can take you on a massive sailboat and teach you the ropes, or if you have sailing experience you can bareboat charter a sailboat in Auckland.

Sailing adventures from Auckland can take you to hot spots like the Hauraki Islands, Waiheke Island, or to some of the many beaches of Auckland that are crucial to explore during a visit.

Fishing Charters in Auckland, New Zealand

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Want to make the catch of a lifetime? Book a fishing charter or fishing safari in Auckland and reel in fish like Snapper, Gurnard, Kahawai, and Mackerel. Fishing boat rentals are also available if you'd prefer to go on your own instead of with a guide.

Boating Destinations near Auckland

Hauraki Islands Boat Tours

A boating destination you must see when renting or chartering a boat in Auckland is the Hauraki Islands. They are a stunning part of the landscape and offer great boating opportunities. Enjoy a luxury yacht charter to a secluded beach on Hauraki or island-hop on a boat tour with your travel companions. No matter how you do it, make sure you see these islands in person when traveling through Auckland.

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Waiheke Island Boating

Waiheke Island is the second largest barrier island on the outside of the Hauraki Gulf. The island is accessible by ferry, a scenic trip from Auckland, or you can charter a yacht on your own to get there. It is well-known for its many beaches, ranging from the main beach in town, Oneroa, to Cactus Bay, which is considered the best of all the beaches but is water-access only.

Boating Kawau Island

This island sits about 30 miles north of Auckland and has a fascinating history. It is best known for its native birds and is a paradise for anyone who loves birding. Ferry service is available if you want to boat when you get here (save time for a birdwatching cruise if you do), but the trip through Hauraki Gulf to get here is so spectacular, it is worth going here by boat rental from Auckland.

There is so much water around Auckland that you can hardly go wrong, no matter what direction you choose when boating here. Whether you sail, kayak, powerboat, or prefer the option of a guided cruise, Auckland offers dozens of choices of departure locations and infinitely more destinations. Best of all, a winter vacation to Auckland offers serious boaters who live in northern climes the chance to boat for more of the year. It is not yet as popular as Hawaii or the Caribbean, so you get a break from crowds, and the water here is extraordinary.


Heading to Auckland? Make sure you rent or charter a boat while you're there. It's one of the best things for tourists to do to see and enjoy Auckland and the North Island of New Zealand. Rent a boat with Getmyboat in Auckland, New Zealand.