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Median weekly rate $135,000. Base rate, before APA and tax.
Yacht charter Bay of Islands places you in the jewel of New Zealand’s Northland – a subtropical paradise of 144 islands where bottlenose dolphins ride the bow wave as you cruise between forested headlands, the historic waterfront of Russell (the country’s first capital) exudes colonial charm with its clapboard churches and veranda’d restaurants, and the famous Hole in the Rock… Read more
The season runs from November to April, with the busiest weeks from December to February. The rate covers the yacht, her crew and insurance; fuel, provisioning and berths are drawn from the APA.
Local knowledgeThe Bay of Islands' 144 islands and the Hauraki Gulf shine through the southern summer – big tides, big scenery, world-class sailing culture.
Yacht charter Bay of Islands places you in the jewel of New Zealand’s Northland – a subtropical paradise of 144 islands where bottlenose dolphins ride the bow wave as you cruise between forested headlands, the historic waterfront of Russell (the country’s first capital) exudes colonial charm with its clapboard churches and veranda’d restaurants, and the famous Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett frames a Pacific horizon of infinite blue. The Bay draws from New Zealand’s fleet of over 20 charter yachts: 68′–98′ motor yachts that tuck into the sheltered coves of Roberton Island and Urupukapuka, 100′+ superyachts that anchor in the deeper channel between Paihia and Russell, and 55′+ catamarans whose stability suits the open-water passage to the Cavalli Islands and the Poor Knights Marine Reserve.
November to April is prime season – warm, 22–26°C days, calm seas, and outstanding big-game fishing for striped marlin and yellowfin tuna. The shoulder months of October and May bring cooler mornings but remarkably quiet anchorages and softer rates. Daily rates start from approximately $4,500/day, climbing to $9,000+/day on superyachts, plus 15% New Zealand GST and 30–35% APA for fuel, provisions, and marina fees. The Bay of Islands’ singular charm is intimacy with nature on a grand scale – you can swim with dolphins at dawn, kayak to a deserted beach for a picnic, catch a trophy marlin by afternoon, and dine on freshly shucked Te Rawhiti oysters aboard as the Milky Way emerges with startling clarity over an anchorage shared only with the sound of birdsong.
Discover anchorage charts, dolphin-encounter logistics, and seasonal fishing calendars in our comprehensive Bay of Islands destination guide.
Explore day-by-day Bay of Islands charter itineraries linking Russell, the Hole in the Rock, Roberton Island, and the Cavalli Islands.
The grid above features yachts available for Bay of Islands charters from New Zealand’s fleet of over 20 vessels – motor yachts from 68′, superyachts over 100′, and catamarans from 55′. Weekly rates start from approximately $31,500. Narrow your search by type, guest capacity, length, or rate, then speak with Boatcrowd’s charter specialists for dolphin-swim permits, big-game fishing guides, and bespoke itinerary design across the 144 islands.
For the peak December–February window, six to eight months’ lead time is advisable, particularly over Christmas and the busy New Year–Auckland Anniversary period. The big-game fishing season (January–May) also drives demand from sport-fishing charters. Shoulder months in November and April can often be arranged four to five months ahead at softer rates.
The base rate covers the yacht, professional crew, insurance, and standard equipment including snorkelling gear and the tender. Fuel, provisions, beverages, marina fees, dolphin-swim and marine-reserve permits, and any fishing-guide services are funded through the APA (30–35% of the charter fee). New Zealand GST at 15% applies to the base rate, and any unspent APA is refunded.
Yes – both are natural extensions. The coastal passage south to Auckland covers roughly 125 nautical miles via the spectacular Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, one of the world’s top-ten dive sites. Alternatively, a shorter day-trip to the Cavalli Islands adds remote anchorages and excellent snorkelling. Your Boatcrowd broker handles all routing and provisioning logistics.
The Bay of Islands is wonderfully family-friendly. The calm, sheltered waters between the islands are ideal for young swimmers and paddleboarders, swimming alongside wild dolphins is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for children, and the short distances between anchorages keep sailing time manageable. Crews regularly adapt menus, daily pace, and water activities to suit families with younger guests.
World-class charter grounds within easy reach
A specialist shortlists for you, at no cost
A broker will come back to you within two hours.
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