Explore Group Auckland

Explore Group is one of Auckland's leading marine tourism operators, running sailing trips, cruises and island ferries from the city across the Hauraki Gulf. It holds a Qualmark Gold award and also operates in the Bay of Islands, but its Auckland programme is the one most visitors will use.

The headline experience is the America's Cup Sailing Experience, a two-hour trip on which you join the crew of an America's Cup yacht on the harbour. Rather than watching from a spectator boat, you become part of the crew for the sail. For a gentler outing, Auckland Harbour Sailing offers a 90-minute sail on the Waitematā, and the Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise lasts two and a half hours with a meal on board.

Wildlife lovers should look at the Tikapa Moana Whale and Dolphin Wildlife Cruise, a longer trip of five to eight hours that goes out into the Hauraki Gulf to look for marine mammals and includes a visit to either Rotoroa Island or Man O' War on Waiheke.

Explore also runs ferries to some of the gulf's quieter islands. Tiritiri Matangi is about 80 minutes from the city, with ferries leaving from the Auckland Viaduct and guided walks available on the island. Rotoroa Island, about 75 minutes away, offers native wildlife, sandy beaches and its own history, and can be combined with a guided walk. There are also services to Man O' War, a vineyard estate at the north-eastern end of Waiheke Island, including cruise-and-dine and zipline packages, and a ferry to the Coromandel Peninsula.

The sailing trips suit couples, families with older children and anyone with an interest in Auckland's yachting heritage, while the island ferries and wildlife cruise suit nature lovers and walkers. Durations vary widely, so check the timetable for the day you want and allow plenty of time for the longer cruises.

Digital gift vouchers can be used for any experience, and a downloadable Hauraki Gulf cruise map helps with planning. Combine a morning sail with the New Zealand Maritime Museum, whose Blue Water Black Magic exhibition about Sir Peter Blake includes the America's Cup yacht NZL 32, for a full day on the waterfront.