Embark on a life-changing journey with the 5-Day Sail and Kayak Programme, designed for young adventurers between 13-18 years old. This unique expedition, in partnership with the New Zealand Sailing Trust, combines sailing and kayaking, offering a balanced mix of adventure, personal development, and environmental stewardship.
Program Overview
Over five exhilarating days, participants will challenge themselves, collaborate with peers, and push personal boundaries. As they navigate the waters of the Hauraki Gulf, they will gain life skills, develop resilience, and build lasting friendships. Whether you’re working towards your Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award or simply looking for an exciting adventure, this programme is open to all young New Zealanders.
Two nights are spent aboard the legendary vessels Lion New Zealand or Steinlager 2, two iconic boats that played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s sailing history. These vessels circumnavigated the globe with Sir Peter Blake in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, making this an experience not to be missed.
While aboard, participants will dive into the world of sailing, learning to read the weather, plan routes, and handle sailing tasks, including meal preparation and participating in a watch rotation system. They’ll also engage in valuable activities such as shoreline clean-ups, raft-building, and problem-solving exercises—designed to foster teamwork and environmental awareness.
The final two nights focus on kayaking, with professional guidance from Auckland Sea Kayaks. This portion of the programme emphasizes navigation, wilderness camping, and the principles of Leave No Trace. Participants will lead and follow in their kayaks, gaining confidence in outdoor environments and strengthening their leadership and teamwork skills.
Requirements for Participation
- Ability to self-direct and plan the journey with peers
- Positive attitude and eagerness to try new things
- Minimum age: 14 years old
Cost and Inclusions
$1575 per participant
Includes:
- All kayaking, sailing, and camping equipment
- Professional guides and expert instruction
- Accommodation aboard the yacht and tents for kayaking
- All meals and food
Programme Highlights
Sailing Fun:
- Boats: Two nights aboard Lion New Zealand or Steinlager 2, iconic vessels from New Zealand’s sailing legacy.
- Activities: Learn to sail, participate in meal preparation, and rotate through different sailing tasks.
- Skills: Gain experience in weather forecasting, route planning, teamwork, communication, raft-building, and beach clean-ups.
Kayaking Adventure with Auckland Sea Kayaks:
- Activities: Spend two nights camping and kayaking in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf.
- Skills: Learn map reading, navigation, leadership, and Leave No Trace principles, all while honing teamwork and self-reliance.
This programme is open to all young New Zealanders, regardless of whether they are participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. It’s a unique opportunity to grow, explore, and connect with nature—all while having the adventure of a lifetime.
Join us for this unforgettable experience and gain the skills and memories that will last a lifetime!
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“"Witnessing the beauty of the waterways and the marine wildlife made me feel a profound connection with the natural world. Working closely with my team, I noticed how our communication and trust deepened day by day."”
Zoe Zhou, Student
Diocesan School for Girls -
“This was such an awesome experience—I’d definitely recommend it to friends! Our instructor, Ellie, was fantastic on my Duke of Edinburgh trip and made the whole journey fun and memorable for everyone.”
Ethan Freitas
