For such a small country, New Zealand boasts an incredible wealth of activities to enjoy. In New Zealand, you can indulge in a variety of water based sports, the most popular of which is sailing. With over 15,000 km of coastline and many secluded bays and coves, it is no wonder that sailing is so revered in New Zealand. Whether you are a novice sailor or an experienced skipper, you will find plenty of sailing opportunities here to enjoy.

New Zealand has the most beautiful and stunning sailing locales in the world. Here you can find countless islands which play host to an incredible array of wildlife, stunning sandy beaches and dense rainforests that make sailing a truly memorable experience. And with plenty of dolphin and whale watching opportunities off New Zealand’s coast, sailing in this part of the world can be a pure joy.

Former hosts of the Americas Cup, one of the most prestigious sailing competitions in the world, you can find plenty of sailing opportunities up and down the coast. The South Island hosts a number of sailing tournaments and one should make it a point to come here to enjoy a feast of sailing activities that leaves a lasting impression on the mind. One of the ideal grounds for sailing in New Zealand is the Tasman Bay which lies near the Abel Tasman National Park. This bay area is a truly beautiful region with some top notch sailing opportunities. Some other islands which offer some great sailing are Rangitoto Island, Motutapu Island, Rakino Island and the western tip of Waiheke Island. The Bay of Islands and Marlborough Sounds also offer some good sailing adventures.

If you are interested in sailing the best place to head for is Auckland, nicknamed the City of Sails. Here you can find the world’s largest number of boats per person, with some superb sailing tours and excursions on hand as well. If you are new to sailing you can also hire instructors and rent out boats out here.