Tonga & Pacific
Offshore sailing to the Kingdom of Tonga
Humpback whales in Vava'u. Remote Pacific anchorages. A genuine offshore passage from Lyttelton — aboard a yacht that has raced offshore and knows how to get there.
About this expedition
The Pacific the way it was meant to be sailed — not cruised.
Tonga is one of the last genuinely unspoiled destinations in the Pacific. No mass tourism. No cruise ship terminals. Just the Kingdom of Tonga — 170 islands, warm water, and from July through October, one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife encounters: humpback whales coming to Vava'u to breed and calve.
We're developing a sailing expedition from Lyttelton to Tonga aboard our 65ft offshore racing yacht. This isn't a charter cruise — you'll be part of the crew, standing watches, navigating, and arriving in Tonga having genuinely sailed there.
The voyage is currently in development. If you want to be first in line when berths open — before any public announcement — register your interest below.
What to expect
- Sail to the Kingdom of Tonga — one of the Pacific's last unspoiled destinations
- 65ft offshore racing yacht — genuine offshore racing pedigree
- Humpback whale season: July–October in Vava'u
- Swim with humpback whales in warm Pacific waters
- Remote island anchorages — no roads, no crowds
- Real watch-keeping and passage-making experience
- Counts toward qualifying offshore sea miles
- Suitable for experienced sailors and first-time offshore crew
Currently in development. Register below to be first in line when berths open.
The voyage
From Lyttelton to the Kingdom of Tonga
Lyttelton → Tonga
Offshore passage north from Lyttelton into the Pacific. Real open-ocean sailing — days at sea with no land in sight, shared watch-keeping, and the satisfaction of arriving somewhere genuinely remote under your own sail.
Vava'u, Tonga
The Vava'u island group: 60+ islands, crystal-clear water, and one of the world's most reliable humpback whale encounters. July through October, humpbacks come to Tonga to breed and calve — swimming with them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Remote anchorages
Uninhabited islands, pristine reefs, and anchorages you won't find on any tourist itinerary. Tonga remains one of the few Pacific destinations where you can genuinely get away from it all.
Return passage
The return south — a different kind of sailing. Passage planning, weather routing, and the satisfaction of bringing the yacht home.
Vava'u · July – October
Swimming with humpback whales in Tonga
Every year from July through October, humpback whales travel to the warm waters of Vava'u to breed and calve. Tonga is one of the only places in the world where you can legally and responsibly swim with them — not from a tour boat, but from your own yacht, anchored in the bay.
It's the kind of experience that's genuinely hard to describe. A 40-tonne animal, moving slowly through clear water, completely unafraid. If you've ever wanted to do it, this is how.
Building Your Offshore Sea Miles
A Lyttelton to Tonga sailing passage is one of the most significant offshore sea miles opportunities available to New Zealand sailors. Every day at sea counts toward your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying sea time — logged properly, with real watch-keeping responsibility, not just a passenger seat.
If you're a Yachtmaster candidate looking for offshore sea miles in New Zealand — or specifically looking for a Pacific passage to complete your qualifying time — get in touch. We can talk through how this voyage fits into your logbook.
Questions
Common questions about the Tonga expedition
When is the best time to sail to Tonga?
July through October is humpback whale season in Vava'u — the best time to sail to Tonga if you want to swim with humpback whales. The weather window for the passage north from New Zealand typically opens from May onwards.
Do I need offshore sailing experience to join this expedition?
Some offshore experience is helpful but not essential. We'll talk through your background when you register your interest and make sure the voyage is the right fit. First-time offshore crew are welcome alongside experienced sailors.
Does the Tonga passage count toward RYA Yachtmaster sea miles?
Yes. Every day at sea on this passage counts toward your RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying sea time — logged properly, with real watch-keeping responsibility. A Lyttelton to Tonga passage is one of the most significant offshore sea miles opportunities available to New Zealand sailors.
How do I register interest in the Tonga expedition?
Use the registration form on this page. We'll be in touch with details as the voyage comes together — berth holders are notified first, before any public announcement.
Register your interest
Be the first to know
The Tonga expedition is in development. Register below and we'll be in touch the moment berths open — before any public announcement.