Cruises
Cruising Map
Steadfast offers a range of cruises under sail in the Marlborough Sounds, D’Urville Island, and Tasman Bay.
A selection is listed below; see also our Private & Corporate Charter.
Classic Cruising
A day on the water is the perfect relief for the pressure and demands of life in the town. Whether for a day sail or a coastal passage, sailing is a tonic for the soul. Fresh air, the sea stretching out to the horizon, sun and cloud marching across the sky, the tilting deck and the swish of the bow wave: all contribute to a sense of peace and satisfaction that every person needs to keep his life in balance.
Our cruises are designed to offer you an experience of working sail in a safe and comfortable environment – not that we won’t get a taste of adventure. With 20 knots of wind on the beam, Steadfast leaves her mild manners behind and rises to the occasion! On all our cruises, guests are invited to participate in handling sail (it's optional), and the pleasure of sailing this big gaff cutter are shared by all on board. Dolphins, seals, shags, shearwaters, gannets, and little blue penguins are regular companions upon the way.
Be a voyager on one of our cruises below:
French Pass
French Pass Lunch Cruise
Departing daily from the French Pass wharf, Steadfast sets sail for the D’Urville Island coast and the surrounding islets. Lunch is served on deck, as we glide silently along, enjoying the passing scenery and the gentle sounds of wind and water. Little Blue Penguins, gannets, shags, and shearwaters are regular company, and we occasionally come up with a pod of dolphins, who like to ride the bow wave as we sail along. This cruise is suitable for guests travelling out to French Pass for the day from Nelson or Blenheim (plan for two and a half hours each way, on a spectacular scenic route).
Departs: 11am.
Returns: 3pm.
Fare: $160 per person, $100 per child under 12 y.o.
What to expect: participation in setting sail (if you wish); a delicious lunch with complimentary glass of wine, tea or coffee, and desert; a most relaxing afternoon on the water.
What to bring: Hat, warm clothing, rain jacket, sunscreen.
Longer day cruises can be arranged.
D’Urville Island Circumnavigation
D’Urville Island is New Zealand’s fifth largest island (in the main group, after North, South, Stewart, and Great Barrier), is one third managed by DOC, and is possum free. There are numerous bays and islets to explore on a circumnavigation of the island, including Port Hardy, Greville Harbour, and the renowned French Pass, where currents reach up to 12 knots at spring tides. The dawn chorus is magnificent. Our D’Urville Island circumnavigation can take from three to five days and will include the best that the outer sounds has to offer.
Departs and returns: by arrangement.
Fare: $295 per day per person, inclusive of all meals, complimentary wine or beer, snacks, tea and coffee.
What to expect: any kind of weather, and sailing to suit; delicious food and snacks; impeccable service.
What to bring: Warm clothing, hat and sunscreen, swimming togs, a good book, or choose something from our small library.
The Marlborough Sounds
Top of the South by Sail
A coastal passage between Picton and Nelson, including the outer Queen Charlotte Sound, Cape Jackson, the Chetwode Islands, French Pass, D’Urville Island, and the Abel Tasman coast (optional). From three to six days and nights, by arrangement. This cruise is the ultimate in scenic variety, in some very rugged and isolated coastal environments.
Please contact us for further details.
All Classic Cruising fares include: Meals, coffee, tea, snacks and GST. Connecting transportation can be provided by prior arrangement. Please inquire about our group or family discount.
Conditions: Departure times, arrival times, and destinations are subject to prevailing weather conditions and may be changed without notice. Some bookings are subject to minimum numbers. Bookings are not final until secured by a 30% deposit. Please see our cancellation policy on our bookings page.
Steadfast is also available for private charter.
Cruising Map
