Auckland: America's Cup Sailing Yacht Waitemata Harbour Tour

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.64 (339 reviews) 83% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/8

Duration2h

GroupUp to 30

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Race an America’s Cup yacht across Auckland’s sparkling harbour

You’ll step aboard an actual America’s Cup yacht in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour—helping crew if you want or just soaking up sea air as guides share stories and tips. Try steering or grinding (or not), feel that rush as sails fill and city fades behind you, then drift back with salt in your hair and maybe a new story to tell.

Step-by-step itinerary

America's Cup sailing experience

Arrive at Auckland's Waitemata Harbour
Board America's Cup racing yacht
Take the helm or operate grinders
Relax and enjoy harbour scenery
Complete two-hour sailing experience

The Experience

I stepped onto the America’s Cup yacht in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour not really sure what I’d signed up for. The deck felt solid under my sneakers, but the air was alive — a mix of sea spray and sunscreen (someone handed me some right away). Our local crew, all sun-creased smiles and quick jokes, started handing out jackets and explaining the ropes. Literally. I kept nodding but honestly, half of it went over my head at first.

Once we pushed off from the dock, things got real fast. The sails snapped up with this heavy canvas sound — kind of satisfying — and suddenly we were cutting through the water. Someone next to me took the helm for a bit (I chickened out until later), while a few others tried their luck on the grinders. It looked easy from shore but wow, your arms feel it quick. One of the crew, Sarah I think her name was, showed me how to brace my feet and lean into it; she laughed when I nearly spun myself around backwards. Guess I’m not quite built for racing yet.

The city skyline faded behind us as we picked up speed — you could hear nothing but wind and that low hum of water against hull. There was this moment where everything felt perfectly still except for our boat tilting just enough to make you grab something nearby (I did). The sun flickered off the waves and it smelled like salt and something metallic from the rigging. For a second I forgot there were other people on board at all.

On the way back in, everyone seemed lighter somehow — maybe just windblown or maybe because we’d all tried something way out of our usual routines. Our guide pointed out a few landmarks along the shore, but honestly my mind was still somewhere out on that water. If you’re thinking about an America’s Cup sailing experience in Auckland… well, I still think about that view every time I see a sailboat now.

What’s included

Your day includes two hours sailing aboard an authentic America’s Cup yacht on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour with use of wet weather jackets and sunscreen provided by the friendly crew—plus plenty of stories and hands-on opportunities if you’re feeling adventurous before heading back ashore together.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Explore Group Limited