Gold Coast, Queensland to picton, new zealand | ocean Expedition
14 Nights | 1,320nm | join the crew | from AUD$7,250
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Set sail on an unforgettable 14-night sailing expedition aboard Silver Fern or Te Kaihōpara, journeying from the Gold Coast to the remote platform reefs of Middleton and Elizabeth, and onward across the Tasman Sea to Picton, in the heart of New Zealand’s stunning Marlborough Sounds. This is a true Category 1 offshore passage, combining remote reef exploration, ocean adventure, and a dramatic finish in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful cruising grounds.
Departing from Southport, Queensland, you'll first head 300 nautical miles offshore to visit the Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs—two of the southernmost platform reefs in the world, rising from the 4,000-metre-deep Tasman Sea floor. These rarely visited marine sanctuaries offer crystal-clear anchorages, abundant sea life, and the haunting sight of historic shipwrecks visible at low tide. Weather permitting, we’ll anchor to snorkel and explore these pristine reefs before preparing for the next leg of our journey.
The trans-Tasman crossing to Picton is a serious offshore undertaking—spanning roughly 1,400nm—and provides a rich opportunity to build offshore sailing skills, confidence, and camaraderie. Expect a blend of night watches, celestial navigation, weather routing, and ocean wildlife encounters, as we navigate through changing sea states and trade wind systems. Our journey concludes in Picton, a charming port town nestled among forested hills and deep waterways. Surrounded by the majestic Marlborough Sounds, it’s a picture-perfect end to an expedition that spans remote reefs, open ocean, and coastal beauty. Whether you’re gaining offshore experience or seeking a bold new sailing adventure, this voyage delivers challenge, discovery, and reward in equal measure.