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Private Skippered Charters

Freedom to set your own pace

 

SAIL INTO A POSTCARD ON LAKE WANAKA

South Island's first and only Charter Lake Sailing Experience

The only overnight Lake Wanaka Boating Experience

Consistent 5-Star Reviews

Welcome Aboard

UPATES:
Spring'2024:  We're gearing up for the spring and summer season. We're doing some maintenance on the yacht now and putting it back in the water soon.  Please note: We'll be limiting our bookings in order to spend have some quality family time this summer so best to check with us by phone/email before booking. 

1) Please book by calling us first at +64-204-111-2668 for a one-of-a-kind overnight, full, or half-day getaway in a world class setting, under sail power. We also do team-building and learn to sail programs.

2) Bookings at least 24hrs in advance are preferred. 

3) Due to weather variability, it's best that we create a backup plan, on a day before and/or after your booking, just in case the weather doesn't cooperate on the day you've booked. 

2) Prices on this site are not yet current for the 2024/25 season

3) We provide home-baked bread, apricot jam and/or butter plus some other spreads and crackers for you. Also we can arrange Wanaka's gourmet picnics and  organic treats options.

4) Looking for others people to cost-share a charter? See below   

Last updated: 20240902

Enjoy an unforgettable, private & personalised sailing experience 

One-of-a-kind sailing adventures, with a focus on freedom and flexibility

We offer a wide variety of skippered and Bareboat private charters.  Are you looking for an overnight charter, or just an afternoon? Would you like Skipper Randall Richards to do all the work, or are you qualified to take our yacht out yourself? Whatever your preferences, wherever you’d like to go, we’re ready to make your sailing Wanaka adventure one you’ll remember for years to come. 

 

 

 

Private charters offer the best in convenience and flexibility. Sail from island to island,  set your own pace and sail wherever the winds and weather permit.

Private Charters

Skippered

With decades of sailing, skippering and teaching under his belt, Skipper Randall Richards knows Lake Wanaka. Not one for tourist traps and run-of-the-mill tours, he’s thrilled to show adventurers of all kinds the true beauty of Lake Wanaka. 
 

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Bareboat

For experienced, qualified sailors, grab your family and friends and take the Astrolabe wherever the winds lead you! Our bareboat charters can be booked for the afternoon, a full day, or even overnight, giving you unfettered freedom for the ultimate sailing Wanaka experience.
 

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Learn to Sail, allowing you to learn the basics in just a few hours with the possibility of going on with more detailed small keel-boat training.

Educational & Transformative Adventures

  • Healing Recharge, and Transform

  • Team-building for Businesses and Organisations

  • Yin Yoga and Sailing

  • The Zen of Sailing - Sailing and Meditation on the water and shores of Lake Wanaka


TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS
This sailing trip was a unique way to explore Lake Wanaka, to feel truly connected to the water and the beautiful mountains surrounding you. I highly recommend it!

Cristina & Remo

Learn to Sail Testimonial

"Our family of 4 took a three day sailing course with Randall. Our goal was to learn the basics of sailing as well as learn how to sail as a family. This experience exceeded our expectations in every way. Randall is a very gifted teacher and yachtsman and goes above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged. He provided us with a sailing booklet with essential information complete with charts and references. He engaged every member of our family - meeting each person at their skill and comfort level- and taught us all the basics of sailing including navigation, putting up and taking down sails, tacking/jibing, key sailing terms, how to read the wind, operate the rudder and all the lines, etc. etc. Over the three days he also pointed out numerous sites all around Lake Wanaka and shared pieces of New Zealand culture and history. And to top it all off Randall brought homemade bread, with jam and butter for a treat (one of the many)! We highly recommend any time spent with Randall on his sailboat! It was a highlight of our time in Wanaka."

Thanks to Biju Mohandas for the Kind Words

"I recently had the pleasure of going along with a couple of friends and my 14 year old son, all reasonable sailors, on a sailing trip with Lake Wanaka Yacht Charters. It was an experience I won’t soon forget. The highlight of the trip was our skipper, Randall. He was the epitome of professionalism, combining his extensive knowledge of sailing with a gracious and warm personality that made us all feel immediately at ease.

Randall is a great raconteur with many tales to share from a rich and beautiful life and his engaging manner and stories added a personal touch to the journey that was truly special. He was attentive to all our needs, ensuring that everyone on board was comfortable and enjoying the experience. His passion for sailing and the waters of Wanaka shone through, making the trip not just a ride but an immersive experience. He was also kind enough to pack some delicious home baked bread, butter and apricot jam, which we gratefully indulged in.

The boat itself was a gem. A Noelex 25c it was evident that it’s well-maintained and cared for. Sailing on such a pristine vessel added to the sense of luxury and adventure. Every aspect of the boat was perfect, from the clean decks to the comfortable seating areas.

The cruise around the lake was breathtaking. Randall expertly helped us navigate the waters, taking us to some of the most picturesque spots. The views were postcard-perfect, and the tranquility of the lake made the experience surreal. We felt in safe hands throughout our journey and returned back to the dock safe and sound, albeit a little sad that the trip had to end.

I highly recommend this sailing charter to anyone visiting Wanaka. It’s not just a boat ride; it’s an experience that combines natural beauty, excellent service, and the joy of sailing. A big thank you to Randall and the team for making our trip so memorable. We’ll definitely be back for more!

Gallery

GALLERY

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO JUMP ON BOARD
FOR SOME COST SHARING?
Here's a listing of people looking for someone to join them on a charter:

'23/'24
Season

Sail Share
NOTES:
Want to cost-share a charter? See the notices below, then call us to get on board with great savings and meeting new people!

JAN 3, 4, or 6 

Share a 2.5hr?
Helen, from Oz, is looking to cost-share a Ruby Isl 2.5hr cruise with someone on the dates at left. She will be with her Mum, and 9yr old daughter. Interested? Get in touch!
COSTSHARE
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