Are you planning a sailing trip around New Zealand? If so, you may be wondering how long it will take to circumnavigate the country’s two main islands.
The answer depends on various factors, such as the size and speed of your boat, the weather conditions, and the route you choose. In this article, we’ll explore some of these factors and give you an estimate of how long it might take to sail around New Zealand.
The Distance
New Zealand consists of two main islands – the North Island and the South Island – as well as numerous smaller islands. The total coastline is approximately 15,000 km (9,320 miles), which means that sailing around the entire country would cover a distance of at least 4,000 km (2,485 miles). However, most sailors don’t follow a straight line and instead make stops along the way, which can increase the total distance traveled.
The Route
The route you choose will also affect how long it takes to sail around New Zealand. Some sailors prefer to sail clockwise from Auckland up to Cape Reinga and down along the west coast of the North Island before crossing over to the South Island via Cook Strait.
Others opt for an anti-clockwise route that takes them down along the east coast of the North Island before crossing over to the South Island via Foveaux Strait. The latter route is generally considered more challenging due to prevailing winds and currents.
Factors that Affect Sailing Time
There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to sail around New Zealand:
Boat Speed
The speed of your boat is perhaps one of the biggest factors in determining how long your sailing trip will take. Most cruising boats travel at an average speed of between 5-7 knots (9-13 km/h or 6-8 mph). However, if you have a faster boat, you could cover more distance in less time.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can also impact your sailing trip. New Zealand has a maritime climate that is characterized by changeable weather patterns and strong winds.
The best time to sail around New Zealand is between November and April when the weather is generally more settled. However, even during these months, you may encounter strong headwinds or storms that can delay your progress.
Navigation
Navigating around New Zealand requires careful planning and attention to detail. The coastline is rugged and can be difficult to navigate in poor weather conditions or at night. It’s important to have up-to-date charts, GPS equipment, and navigation aids to help you stay on course.
How Long Does It Take?
Given the above factors, it’s difficult to give an exact estimate of how long it will take to sail around New Zealand. However, most sailors take between 3-6 months to complete the journey. This includes time spent exploring coastal towns and anchorages, waiting out bad weather, and taking breaks along the way.
If you’re short on time, it’s still possible to sail around part of New Zealand’s coastline. For example, sailing from Auckland to Wellington (covering approximately 700 km or 435 miles) could take anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on your boat speed and weather conditions.
Conclusion
Sailing around New Zealand is a challenging but rewarding experience for those with the necessary skills and equipment. The time it takes will depend on various factors such as boat speed, weather conditions, and route choice. However, most sailors take between 3-6 months to complete the journey while taking in all of the sights that this beautiful country has to offer.
