Sailing in the Bay
Set sail on a stunning adventure with Windborne Charters, offering unforgettable Coromandel boat tours. Enjoy a 6-hour journey exploring the breathtaking Mercury Bay and its iconic destinations, including Cathedral Cove, Devil’s Point, Pink Beach, and the Hole in the Wall, just to name a few.
- Departure: 10:00 AM
- Duration: 6 Hours
- Price: NZ $180/Person
A day to remember with Windborne Charters
Departing at 10am from Whitianga Wharf, this 6-hour Whitianga boat trip is the ultimate escape. Glide across pristine waters on the Windborne, a classic 1928 wooden sailing schooner, and discover why this experience is unmatched. Whether it’s the chance to see Cathedral Cove, spot marine life, or simply enjoy the wind in your sails, every moment is magical.
Around midday we head into a bay and drop anchor, so we can have lunch, a swim, and a snorkel. When we set sail again we’ll keep a sharp lookout for dolphins, whales, and a huge variety of other sea life.
We return at 4pm.
Additional Information
- Please be at Whitianga Wharf by 9.50am 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, are prone to seasickness, please ensure you have your medication with you.
- Includes free tea, coffee, and filtered water on request.
- Bring along your own soft drinks, beer, wine, and picnic-style lunch.
Sail in style on a classic sailboat for your Coromandel cruise
Step aboard the Windborne, a beautifully crafted 1928 wooden sailing schooner with polished decks and timeless charm. Glide across the pristine waters of Mercury Bay, exploring stunning destinations like Cathedral Cove, Devil’s Point, Pink Beach, and the Hole in the Wall.
With its spacious deck and unique design, Windborne offers a relaxing and unforgettable Whitianga charter. Whether you’re enjoying the sea breeze or spotting dolphins, seals, or stingrays, every moment on this classic schooner is magical. Hosted by experienced Captain Avon and co-pilot Mihaela, you can relax knowing you’re in expert hands for a truly memorable day.
Why choose Windborne for your Coromandel Cruise?
Breathtaking views
Explore Mercury Bay and the Coromandel coastline, with many beautiful bays to discover.
Unique experience
Step aboard a 1928 schooner for an authentic sailing adventure.
A true adventure
Perfect for individuals, couples, families, and groups seeking a memorable Whitianga boat trip filled with exploration and discovery.
Wildlife encounters
Spot dolphins, penguins, stingrays, and a variety of seabirds along your journey.
Relaxation or adventure
Choose to unwind on deck or participate in sailing activities – take the helm, raise the sails, or trim the sheets.
Expert hosting
Captain Avon and co-pilot Mihaela provide professional, attentive, and friendly service to ensure your Whitianga cruise is seamless and enjoyable.
FAQs about our ‘sailing in the bay’ Coromandel boat tour
Can we visit Cathedral Cove on this Whitianga boat trip?
Yes – weather permitting, we usually sail past Cathedral Cove, where you’ll see one of the most iconic spots on the Coromandel Peninsula. If the wind conditions don’t allow us to pass Cathedral Cove, don’t worry; our journey includes other breathtaking locations like Devil’s Point, Pink Beach, and the Hole in the Wall, each offering their own unique charm and beauty – and fewer tourists than Cathedral Cove.
What should I bring for this Whitianga cruise?
Pack your essentials for a day of adventure and relaxation. Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, warm layers for the sea breeze, swimming attire, towels, and your favourite picnic lunch. If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to take medication beforehand. For those who love capturing moments, a camera is a must – you’ll want to remember the stunning vistas and wildlife encounters.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, this Coromandel boat tour is a BYO experience, giving you the freedom to bring your favourite food, soft drinks, and even a bottle of wine or beer to enjoy onboard. Pack a delicious picnic lunch to savour while relaxing on the deck or after an invigorating swim.
How many guests can join the tour?
Windborne can accommodate up to 25 guests, but for this tour we typically limit it to 16 people, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. If you have a group of 10 or more people, you may wish to consider a private charter instead, where we can tailor your sailing experience according to your wishes.
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 beauty of Mercury Bay.
Are there opportunities to swim?
Definitely! This Coromandel boat tour includes stops at picturesque bays where you can dive into the crystal-clear waters, paddle around on stand-up paddleboards, or explore the underwater world with snorkelling equipment. It’s a refreshing and unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Coromandel.
Can we fish during this Coromandel cruise?
Fishing isn’t part of this experience, as Windborne is not a fishing boat. Instead, this tour focuses on the joy of sailing, exploring stunning locations like Cathedral Cove, Devil’s Point and Pink Beach, and relaxing in the serene beauty of Mercury Bay. Guests can swim in crystal-clear waters, enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, or simply unwind on the spacious deck while taking in the breathtaking scenery. If you’re looking for a day of adventure and relaxation, this Whitianga boat trip has everything you need for an unforgettable experience!
Why is my booking showing as ‘pending’?
Your booking is marked as ‚pending‘ because the trip hasn’t yet reached the minimum number of guests required to confirm departure. This is especially common for bookings made well in advance. We require a minimum of 4-6 people to run this Coromandel boat tour, but don’t worry – we’ll confirm your booking as soon as possible. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you. Your adventure aboard the Windborne is worth the wait!
«A great way to spend a day.»
We were with Windborne Charters for a 6-hour sail. The boat was comfortable and so enjoyable. We sailed into a variety of bays and enjoyed the scenery. The highlight was the trip with a multitude of dolphins. The captain and first mate were charming and welcoming.
– Savana
«Unforgettable day.»
An amazing day. We did a cruise past Cathedral Cove and then into a small sheltered bay, with our 3 kids. Once anchored we were able to snorkel and/or paddleboard into a cave/blowhole and then we relaxed on the boat having lunch and getting to know Avon and Mihaela. The water was clear and loads of fish to see. Both Avon and Mihaela were incredible hosts, very easy to chat to and clearly passionate about the ocean. Nothing was too much trouble and it was just a fun and unforgettable experience. It was not unlike a picture from a travel brochure: picture perfect blue water, a beautiful old sailboat, and people swimming, drinking, and eating in the sun.
– Eva
«A magical day on the water.»
My husband and I had a wonderful day on this glorious old gal with her delightful crew. The skipper is exactly what this glamorous schooner deserves — a charming old sea rogue with a gorgeous off-sider. Avon and Mihaela are warm, funny, and generous hosts. We did a 6-hour sail and wished it could have been longer! The skipper handled the sails with ease while Mihaela took the helm — a great team. We sailed to Cathedral Cove alongside dolphins and penguins, stopping at Cooks Beach and other little coves on the way back to Whitianga. Sharing the day with friendly fellow passengers made it even better. A truly great day out!
– Prun
«Absolutely must do.»
Windborne sailing charters with Avon and Mihaela are an unforgettable experience on a beautiful yacht! If you’re not already in love with the Coromandel, this trip will do it. We spent a full day sailing the bay — stunning scenery, perfect wind, and sails up most of the way. We passed little islands and the famous Cathedral Cove, joining in as much or as little as we liked. Avon and Mihaela were wonderful with our kids, sharing stories about birds, rocks, and sailing. We anchored for lunch and a refreshing swim in crystal-clear (and chilly!) water. Highly recommend — we’ll definitely join them again next time we’re in Whitianga!
– Georgia
Make memories that last a lifetime!
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mercury Bay with Windborne Charters. Whether it’s the scenic views, wildlife encounters, or simply the joy of sailing Whitianga, this experience is unforgettable.