Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is chartering a Gamesail boat really like?
A: You will feel like you own the yacht!   It will just be you and your family or friends with our experienced crew.  Free of the restrictions and crowds on land, you will be able to explore places that land-based travellers simply wouldn't get to see. 

Q: When is the best time to cruise in New Zealand?
A:  The New Zealand cruising season is from November to April. The hottest months are January, February and March.  Read more about New Zealand's Climate.

Q:How long is a day on a cruise?

A: All our itineraries and pricing are based on 24 hour days.  So a 5 day itinerary is 5 x 24 hours.  You can join the boat at the most convenient time for you on day one and depart 5 full days later.  Or here is another example: If you book a 3 day cruise, you would join the boat at, say, 9am on Monday and depart approximately 9am on Thursday.  We have up to a 2 hour grace period on the day of departure, so you could actually depart anytime before 11am on the Thursday.

Q: How many guests can the Charter Yachts accommodate?

A: We have luxury double-cabins  and all the facilities to accommodate up to 8 guests in luxury for short or long holidays.  Back to top.

Q:  Can I bring children?

A:  Gamesailing is very safe for children of all ages. The cockpit is fully enclosed and we have high life lines all around the boat.  Your offspring will enjoy a range of horizon-broadening experiences and destinations they wouldn't on a resort or city holiday.  We are fully equipt with children's lifejackets and other safety gear, and have plenty to entertain kids of all ages.   

Q: How many crew are there?
A: There will be a minimum of two crew on the yacht. There is always a skipper and a cook / hostess.  For specialise fishing and diving trips we will also have an expert fishing guide / dive master alog as well.  

Q: Where is the boat based?

A:  Our boats are moored at the Viaduct in Auckland - the 'City of Sails'.  B ack to top

Q: How do we get to to the boat?
A: Just get yourself to Auckland and we can help to arrange transfers to
the boat.  Transfers are charged in addition to your all inclusive
vacation.

Q: Do we pay for relocating the boat?
A: No there is no charge for relocating the boat.  This means it costs the same to sail from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, or Bay of Islands to Auckland

Q: What do we need to bring with us?
A: We have plenty of storage, but suitcases are very difficult to store in a boat.  If possible, please use soft folding bags only.    All linen is provided including beach towels and we also have plenty of insect repellent and sunscreen for your use.  If you wish to bring your own sunscreen we recommend Factor 30 for the strong New Zealand sun.

If you are flying to Great Barrier Island as a part of your intinerary, please note the airline will strictly limit you to 15kgs per person.

Clothing can be as casual as you wish - shorts and t-shirts, swim wear, sweatshirts or a jersey for the evenings and of course a hat.   We are a barefoot boat, so a pair of sandals and a pair of good walking shoes are all you need for trips ashore.  Crocs (or similar) are ideal!  If you are coming between the months of May and September you will need warmer winter clothing.

There are hairdryers in each cabin, and power on board is 240V, so please bring normal power point chargers for your phones, cameras, laptops etc - not car chargers.  We have one each of a USA and Europe power plug adaptor n board also.

We also provide all diving and fishing gear.  We have 6 wetsuits of various sizes including womens and childrens. You are welcome to bring any diving or snorkelling items that are personal to you, but we are fully stocked with masks, fins, snorkels and all other gear.  Just send us an email if you have any questions about dive gear.  Back to top    

Q: What about sea-sickness?
A:  Many of our guests are pleasantly surprised that they have no seasickness onboard a catamaran, because it is so stable.  You are very welcome to bring your own seasick medication with you, as we are unable to prescribe on board.  Certainly it is very unlikely that you will experience sea sickness while we are cruising around bays
etc.  If your itinerary includes longer passages (2 - 3 hours), and you have previously experienced seasickness, then it would be wise to bring some medication or herbal options with you.

Q: Can I bring my own food and drink?
A: We are a fully catered boat, and do not allow you to bring your own food and beverages.  Please let us know if there are special dietary items you wish us to stock for you.  Back to top

Q: What sort of food and drink is served?
A: Our cuisine style is fresh, casual, tasty NZ style food.  We use organic whereever practical. We are happy to accommodate any special requirements or wishes to our best ability.  When you have booked your vacation, we will be in touch to find out your preferences, check food allergies and likes and dislikes, and will then cater to these. Our on board selection of beer, soda, juice and award winning New Zealand wine will complement every meal.                                                              

Each day starts with either continential or cooked breakfast - your choice.  Then we serve you morning tea and lunch. Nibbles are served to accompany your afternoon or evening drinks.  You will round the day off with a deliciously, fresh dinner - most likely the day's catch.  Fresh fruit and baking is freely available throughout the day.  
Download our sample menus.    Back to top

Q: What is there to do?
A: On board entertainment in the Saloon includes Bose Lifestyle Digital Surround Sound, Ipod and 42" Plasma Screen.  Guest Cabins each have 14" Majestic Screens to display SKY TV, PlayStation or DVDs. In addition to our large DVD library, you are most welcome to bring along your own CD's, DVD's, PlayStation games or Ipod.   In addition to all the sport-fishing and diving gear you could need we have snorkeling gear, boogie boards, kayaks and a Ski Biscuit for towing behind the dinghy.  We can moor Kupe in a secluded bay so you can go ashore and explore the many beautiful islands, uninhabited beaches, bush walks, shops and cafes of New Zealand.   Dolphin watching is also available.  Back to top

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: There is still plenty to do on board, with the entertainment system etc.  We usually take rainy days as a chance to relax and watch a couple of DVD’s (oh and eat and drink some more!) generally the rainy period will last 1 or maybe 2 days maximum.

Q: Do I need to bring my own fishing or dive gear?

A: We provide all fishing gear for gamefishing, deep water straylining and softbait fishing.  For diving we have everything you need, including a range of men's and women's wetsuits.  We also have plenty of snorkel gear.  If you wish to bring specific personal items such as mask or fins, this is no problem. Please let us know if you require child or youth wetsuits and we will arrange these.  Back to top

Q: Where can we go?

A: We generally sail between the Three Kings and East Cape, on the north eastern coast of New Zealand.  We also charter in certain Pacific Islands in the NZ Winter (June - Sept).  Our favourite destination, and one we have been holidaying in for over 20 years, is Great Barrier Island.  We love Great Barrier for its abundant seafood, rugged beauty and remoteness.  View Maps of Gamesail's cruising grounds. View our itineraries.   Back to top

Q:How long does it take to get to the Bay Of Islands?
A: The distance is 150 nautical miles, so it would take us 16-18 hours if we sailed non stop.  We recommend 5 days minimum for this journey, as there are so many great
places to see along the way ? it would be a shame to miss them!

Q:How far will we go each day?
A:That depends on the weather and what else you would like to do along the way.  We cruise at 8 - 9 knots, so can cover 60- 70 nautical miles in an 8 hour day, under sail or power.  Usually we motorsail with just one engine ticking over and the sails up if we have some distance to cover, as this keeps our average speed up.  Because you are on vacation, we usually limit passages to 3 hours maximum at a time, covering 25 - 30 nautical miles.

Q: Can I stay in touch with my family or friends while out on a cruise?

A:  Yes, we have mobile phone and internet connection on board - via GSM or Satellite to allow you to phone or use webmail.  Please note satellite communications are charged separately.                              

Q: How do I plan and book my holiday?

A: Simply get in touch using ourContact Us page, fill out the form and hit send.  We will then get in touch to discuss all your options and provide a suggested itinerary and quote.  When you go ahead and book we send you a preference sheet covering catering, activities etc, so we have everything spot-on for your vacation.

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Photos:
Banner 1: Fun at Waiheke Island by Christine Erkkila.
Banner 2: Native fern by Istockphoto.
Banner 3: Calm Waters Great Barrier by Alexandra Erkkila age 9
Page:
Photo 1: Kupe moored at Tiritiri Matangi island by Dmitri Kotelevski
Photo 2: Tiritiri Matangi, Hauraki Gulf by Dmitri Kotelevski
Photo 3: James with his catch by Mike Rendle
Photo 4: Dinner aboard Kupe by Christine Erkkila
Photo 5: Snorkelling by MIke Rendle