Day Trip to the Mercury Islands

Sail to Great Mercury Island on a full-day Mercury yacht charter.  Enjoy stunning scenery, gourmet food and warm hospitality.  Book your adventure today!

Day Trip to the Mercury Islands

Sail in Style on our Mercury Yacht Charter

Escape the ordinary and set sail on a remarkable Mercury yacht charter, where the journey is just as breathtaking as the destination. This full-day adventure takes you across the sparkling waters of Mercury Bay to Great Mercury Island (Ahuahu): a secluded paradise of golden beaches, native bush, and crystal-clear waters.

As we set sail from Whitianga Wharf at 8am, be prepared for a day cruise filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable moments. Our Mercury yacht charter is a 15-nautical-mile journey that takes you off the usual tourist paths, allowing you to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of this hidden gem.

Feel the excitement as we trim the sails on Windborne, a 1928 classic wooden sailing schooner, and experience the thrill of traditional sailing as the sails catch the wind. The picturesque scenery and refreshing sea breeze will enchant you throughout the journey. Hosted by experienced skipper Avon and first mate Mihaela, this Mercury boat cruise offers more than just stunning scenery – it is a warm, welcoming experience filled with history, adventure, and exceptional hospitality.

Additional information

Please be at Whitianga Wharf by 7.45am so we can stow your gear and show you around.
Dress code: warm clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, camera, swimming togs, and a towel.
If you have a medical condition, or are prone to seasickness, please ensure you have your medication with you. It is recommended that you start taking sea sickness medication the day before the Mercury cruise.
The Mercury yacht charter is fully catered. Please advise if you have any special dietary requirements, e.g. vegetarian, dairy-free, or gluten-free. Please note that we cannot guarantee that the food is suitable for those with coeliac disease, as everything is prepared in our small galley onboard the boat. If you are concerned, please bring your own food.
Bring along your own soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Once we reach our destination, the possibilities are endless…

After a spectacular sail across Mercury Bay, Windborne will drop anchor in one of Great Mercury Island’s pristine bays, such as Peachgrove Bay, Whaler Cove, or Sheep Bay. Once there, the day is yours to enjoy.

Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters for a rejuvenating swim.
Take a leisurely stroll along the immaculate beach.
If you’re seeking adventure, a walk through the lush bush will lead you to a captivating waterfall, where you can cool off in the inviting freshwater pool.
Keep an eye out for native parrots, such as kaka and tui, which add to the area’s natural charm.
Enjoy the great natural beauty that the Mercury Islands have to offer!

Our day cruise to the Great Mercury Islands is designed to provide an all-encompassing experience, ensuring your comfort and enjoyment. Departing Whitianga Wharf at 8am and returning around 6pm, we give you ample time to savour every moment of this breathtaking excursion.

Sail in style on a classic schooner for your Mercury yacht charter

Step aboard Windborne, a stunning 1928 wooden sailing schooner with polished decks and classic rigging, and set sail on an unforgettable Mercury yacht charter. Glide across the turquoise waters of Mercury Bay, journeying 15 nautical miles to the breathtaking Great Mercury Island (Ahuahu), where golden beaches, lush native bush, and hidden coves await.

With its spacious deck and timeless charm, Windborne offers a truly special way to experience a Mercury boat cruise. Feel the thrill of traditional sailing as the schooner heels to the wind, or simply relax and soak up the scenery. Keep an eye out for dolphins, stingrays, orcas, and seabirds as you sail through this untouched paradise. Hosted by experienced Captain Avon and first mate Mihaela, every moment on board is made even more memorable with warm hospitality, expert seamanship, and an authentic connection to the sea.

Why choose Windborne for your Mercury yacht charter?

Sail on a classic wooden schooner

Travel in style aboard Windborne, a beautifully restored 1928 wooden sailing vessel.

A true sailing adventure

Trim the sails, take the helm, or simply relax and watch as the crew expertly navigates the journey.

Breathtaking locations

Visit Ahuahu (Great Mercury Island) and explore secluded bays, native bush, and stunning coastlines.

Wildlife encounters

Keep an eye out for dolphins, stingrays, orcas, penguins, and other marine life.

Exceptional hospitality

Hosted by Captain Avon and Mihaela, who ensure every guest feels welcome and at home.

Fully catered experience

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee with a croissant, a generous buffet lunch, and snacks throughout the day.

FAQs about our day cruise to the Mercury Islands

Why is my booking still pending?

Your booking is marked as pending because we require a minimum number of people to proceed with the Mercury Island day cruise. Sometimes, bookings can remain pending until the week before the sailing date. Rest assured, we aim to confirm your booking as soon as we hit that minimum number. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us at 0274 752 411 or flick us an email at avon@windborne.co.nz. If we are unable to proceed with the specific trip, we can offer a shorter alternative or provide you with another date. Keep in mind that all decisions, including confirming the trip, are also subject to weather conditions.

What if we can't go sailing due to bad weather or rain?

Safety and comfort are our top priorities at Windborne Sailing Charters. If we need to reschedule the Mercury yacht charter, change the route, or cancel a trip due to lousy weather or safety concerns, we’ll give you a heads-up in advance. In such cases, we’ll either refund the affected trip or work with you to find another suitable date. Typically, we make weather-related decisions the day before the scheduled trip.

What if there’s not enough wind for sailing?

Windborne may be a classic schooner, but she comes with the modern-day convenience of an inboard engine to power us on light wind days. This ensures we can always reach our destination – and get home again at the end of the day! We may also use the engine if the wind is coming from the wrong direction. But be assured, we will always hoist the sails whenever there is favourable wind. It’s all about making your Mercury cruise as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

Will we encounter sealife during the trip?

There’s always a chance to spot some incredible marine life, but we respect their natural behaviour and don’t go chasing or bothering them. While we can’t guarantee sightings, there’s a possibility of encountering sea life during your journey.

Is food and drink included in the trip?

Yes! This is one of the most well-catered boat trips Coromandel has to offer. Start your day with freshly brewed tea and coffee served on deck, enjoy a delicious full buffet lunch at midday, and indulge in tasty snacks throughout the trip. You are also welcome to bring your preferred soft drinks, alcoholic beverages or any special foods, such as coeliac-friendly options, to make your experience even more enjoyable. Your satisfaction is our priority, ensuring you stay well-fed and happy all day long!

Can I participate in sailing activities?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a curious beginner, you can help raise the sails, trim the sheets, or even take the helm under the guidance of Captain Avon. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the art of sailing and adds a hands-on adventure to your day. Prefer to relax? Sit back, soak up the sun, and let the crew handle everything while you enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Can we go ashore on Great Mercury Island?

Absolutely! Once we drop anchor at Peachgrove Bay, Whaler Cove, or Sheep Bay, you’ll have the chance to go ashore. You can either take a refreshing swim or grab one of our awesome SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards) to paddle your way to the shore. We’ve got a ladder attached to the boat so that you can climb back aboard.

What should I pack for the trip?

We suggest bringing warm clothes, outdoor gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimming attire, and a towel. If you want, you can bring your own snorkeling gear, although we also provide equipment for you to use. If you have any specific medical conditions, concerns about seasickness, or dietary requirements, please come prepared with any necessary medications or food.

Is there a toilet on board the boat?

Yes, there is a flush toilet on board Windborne.

Can children join the trip?

Absolutely! We love having children onboard! However, it’s important to consider that this Mercury yacht charter is a full day (10 hours) spent at sea, so it’s a good idea to think about whether it’s suitable for your little ones. Ultimately, you know your children best and can make the decision. If you think a full-day trip might be too much, no worries! We also offer slightly shorter trips of 6 hours or 3 hours, which might be a better fit for you and your child’s preferences.

«Perfect day trip.»

Last week we did a Day Trip to Mercury Islands. It was a perfect day. Avon and Mihaela are an awesome couple, very friendly, accommodating and know so many interesting stories and knowledge about sailing, which they happily share. And Windborne itself is a very beautiful schooner. We anchored at Peachgrove Bay, which is magical. Water was so clear despite being overcast. There you can swim, paddle board or go snorkelling. And not to forget a very tasty lunch and many treats and snacks during the trip. I highly recommend Avon and Mihaela! We will definitely come back again.

– Uschi

«Fabulous day at sea!»

We had a fantastic day trip to Mercury Island yesterday with Avon and Michaela! It was windy and cloudy on the 3-hour trip out, but time flew by with great scenery, coffee, croissants, and snacks. We anchored at Whale Bay on Great Mercury Island and enjoyed swimming, snorkelling and SUPing in turquoise water — all gear provided. Fresh ginger tea soothed any queasy tummies. Lunch was delicious: chicken, beef, salads, and homemade bread. Sailing back was smooth and relaxing, with chocolates and later a beautiful antipasto platter. Take a jacket for the breeze, plus sunblock and a hat. Blankets and a chilly bin are provided. A truly memorable trip — add it to your bucket list!

– Mark

«Great day out!»

Excellent day out and good value. Friendly crew and a beautiful cruise to Great Mercury Island. We had plenty of time to SUP, swim and enjoy Thanks, Avon and Michaela.

– Mel

Make memories that last a lifetime!

Sailing to Great Mercury Island on a classic schooner is an experience unlike any other. Whether gliding through open waters, exploring remote beaches, or enjoying gourmet food under the sun, every moment is unforgettable.

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Day Trip to the Mercury Islands

Sail to Great Mercury Island on a full-day Mercury yacht charter.  Enjoy stunning scenery, gourmet food and warm hospitality.  Book your adventure today!