The Moorings returns to New Zealand

The Moorings Returns to New Zealand and Dominates South Pacific

The Moorings' return to New Zealand comes after a brief absence of just one season. This reinforces The Moorings' commitment to providing five-star sailing vacations in the South Pacific.

"This will make The Moorings the number one charter operator in the wonderful South Pacific region," noted Raul Bermudez, vice president of charter sales and marketing. "It means we re-enter the New Zealand market and dramatically expand The Moorings Tonga fleet to 21 yachts."

Shane Walker has successfully operated in the charter business in New Zealand since 1991 and added Tonga in 1996. Walker commented, "The Moorings has set the standard in the charter industry for over 35 years in customer service, new innovative yachts and quality. I am very pleased to work with the best sailing holiday company in the world," he said.

Cruise the Bay of Islands & Hauraki Gulf

Sailors can now cruise the remarkable coastline of New Zealand known for its variety of majestic mountains, white sand beaches and many sheltered harbors while enjoying The Moorings five-star level of service. Sail in the Bay of Islands, with 500 miles of coastline, which are sheltered by over 86 islands, all offering a new adventure. Highlights range from a night in historic Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, to a sail up to Whangaroa Harbour that offers dramatic waterfalls and impressive headlands. Sailors may also explore these beautiful waters by departing from our base in Auckland, the City of Sails. Visit Great Barrier Island, which offers a striking natural harbor and proceed onto Kawau Island and historic Mansion House Bay.

Newest Fleet in New Zealand

The Moorings fleet will be first class with a choice of twelve different models from 32- to 50-foot monohulls and 38-, 42- and 47-foot catamarans. Each yacht is custom designed for cruising comfort and completely outfitted at the highest level. "The Moorings continues to provide one of the newest fleets in the South Pacific with additions such as the Moorings 494 a four- cabin, four-head, dual-helm monohull and South African-built Robertson & Caine 3800, 4200 and 4700 catamarans," added Raul Bermudez.

Experience Kiwi Hospitality and Enjoy Great Sailing

The weather is great for sailing, with the temperatures ranging from a comfortable 75F to 86F between January and April, with stronger breezes later in the season. June through September brings stronger winds and cooler temperatures. Predictable winds and line-of-sight navigation is the norm.

The base in Auckland is a short taxi transfer from the airport and if you are sailing from Opua in the Bay of Islands you may take regular coach service from Auckland or fly into Keikeri with a short taxi ride to Opua Wharf.

Moorings Continues Expansion to World's Best Sailing Destinations

The Moorings continues to expand and offer the world's best cruising destinations. New Zealand follows eight other new locations: Pacific Northwest, United States; Canouan, the Grenadines; Syros & Levkas, Greece; Trogir and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Gocek, Turkey and Seychelles.

The Moorings is the world's premier yacht charter company with bareboat (sail-it-yourself) and crewed (with professional captain and cook) through The Moorings Signature Vacations in some of the most desirable locations in the Caribbean, South Pacific, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and North America.

The Moorings, a Grand Expeditions Company, has 800 employees and more than 800 yachts in 32 locations. For more information, contact The Moorings at 1-800-535-7289 or visit The Moorings web site at www.moorings.com