Gourmet Sailing
Gourmet Sailing
5
Full view
About
We offer private yacht charters around the stunning Abel Tasman National Park in the South Island of New Zealand, with comfortable on-board accommodation for overnight trips. Experience unparalleled service and exceptional cuisine.
Similar Experiences
Travellers talk about
(7 reviews)
(3 reviews)
(5 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
66 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ashley C
2 contributions
Feb 2023
We had an incredible experience with Gourmet Sailing as part of our honeymoon in New Zealand. From the beginning of the planning/outreach process and through our trip the staff were incredible - responsive, attentive, helpful and just a joy to spend the day with. The sights were stunning, the food and wine were incredible and it was hands down our favorite day of our 2+ week trip. Absolutely worth every penny!
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam H
1 contribution
Jan 2023
Last month, Gourmet Sailing assisted me in putting together a surprise harbour trip for my husband’s 70th birthday - he’s still talking about it and so are our guests, so a great success and all that I’d hoped it would be, and more!
The team made everyone so comfortable and relaxed, and the food was delicious. And the skipper manoeuvred the boat so expertly, I think we all forgot we were on the water! Sh’khinah was the perfect boat for a great few hours in the harbour with various spots to sit, dance, chat, and enjoy the view back towards the city. Would highly recommend Gourmet Sailing as a fantastic option to mark a special occasion.
The team made everyone so comfortable and relaxed, and the food was delicious. And the skipper manoeuvred the boat so expertly, I think we all forgot we were on the water! Sh’khinah was the perfect boat for a great few hours in the harbour with various spots to sit, dance, chat, and enjoy the view back towards the city. Would highly recommend Gourmet Sailing as a fantastic option to mark a special occasion.
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CArkell
Wanaka, New Zealand2 contributions
Dec 2022
This was the most awesome experience. The team were incredible, food was spectacular, and the team of Ruby, Andy and Michelle were absolutely amazing. Highly recommend this for either a day or overnight voyage. Seriously well worth it.
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlene
1 contribution
Apr 2021
We spent a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon on the Sh’khinah, touring Nelson harbour. It was just wonderful. Milo and Sophie were excellent hosts and their efforts made the cruise that little bit extra special. The children loved the Easter Egg hunt on Haulashore island, Sophie did an amazing job as the Easter Bunny! The whole experience from booking the excursion to the actual day was easy and efficient, Milo gets 5 stars for his customer service skills.....equalling his sailing talents! He personalised the trip to suit us and was very flexible with our requirements. A very special day that we will all remember!
Written 4 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ConradAdams
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Couples
Spent two days and a night aboard the yacht Sh'khinah visiting Abel Tasman. Had the most amazing time, the vessel was very comfortable and well laid out. Milo the skipper is extremely knowledgable and showed us around the area and even taught us a thing or two about sailing! The food was AMAZING! We had Texan rubbed beef fillet, home made lemon meringue pies and locally grown salmon marinated in genuine Canadian maple syrup, smoked by a real live Canadian bloke on deck in front of our eyes! Without being able to go on an overseas trip due to covid, we decided to sample something we have available locally. The only thing we regret is not booking to stay away for a week!!!
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your review. We really enjoyed hosting you and showing off this beautiful area
Written 14 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tessa S
2 contributions
Feb 2020
Wonderful experience! We had a white dress themed work do and the gourmet crew took care of us amazingly. Created such a nice atmosphere matching to our theme. Hand towel and mocktail on arrival - Perfect. We handed them all our food and they prepared and served to us on platters. Best hassle free cruise with lovely hosts. Thanks again GS Team
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andym
1 contribution
Feb 2019 • Friends
We sailed and motored around the Abel Tasman Sound, periodically taking a Zodiac onto land to hike the Abel Tasman Track, hang out on the beautiful beaches, kayak and swim. One morning we chartered a Waka canoe and learned some Maori language and culture from our guides. The meals were fantastic; one highlight was a beach picnic complete with a table, chairs and canopy. The water in mid-February was very comfortable, sunscreen was mandatory and our crew--Andy and Sharon--were great cooks and great company. We were on the boat four days and three nights, which was perfect for us. The boat was large enough to be comfortable but one very gusty day was a reminder that boats can rock too! We moored in lovely coves for very comfortable evenings under the Southern Cross.
Written 6 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark J
2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Andy was our skipper and Sharon was our steward/gourmet chef - they were the BEST. We did a 4 day/3 night through the Abel Tasman Sound. It was a experience we won't forget. Great hiking, kayaking & swimming plus phenomenal meals. We chartered the 65' boat and only had 4 passengers so it was plenty spacious. An added bonus was Milo arranging a private Waka canoe with Maori guides. The coves we anchored in at night provided calm waters for sleep. It was flexible and great communication by Gourmet Sailing. THANKS !!
Written 1 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review your experience, we really value your feedback. We're so glad you had the best trip! Andy and Sharon are exceptional and you really did a lot in the 4 days. Thanks to your feedback on the Waka we're going to make it a feature, instead of having to start at a public beach farther south . Again, thank you for trusting us with your holiday.
Written 3 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paraglider01
Seattle, WA5 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We recently did a family visit to New Zealand - my husband and I, our eldest daughter, son-in-law, and two other adult children. The six of us had an incredible experience sailing with Milo and Melissa along the Abel Tasman National Park. We had three comfortable, clean, beautiful rooms, and enjoyed hot showers and great nights' sleeps. The food was absolutely delicious - Milo smoked salmon and corn on the yacht grill the first night, and he and Melissa made filet minion and udon noodles with bok choy in an incredible sauce for dinner the second night. All of the meals were wonderful, and the kitchen was stocked with fresh growing herbs among the many other great ingredients. Melissa was always ready with a treat for us between all activities. The local wine was superb, and was offered whenever we wanted it. We had great champagne on the yacht for New Years Eve, while we watched fireworks set off at a town on the beach.
One of the many highlights of the trip was the southern hemisphere night sky - great views with no light pollution! Milo and Melissa took exceptional care of us. He dropped us off for easy and enjoyable hikes in the park each day, then picked us back up on the beach at the end of the trails. We went swimming, and our kids went kayaking, right off the anchored yacht, in the crystal clean waters that border the park.
Milo was so helpful - he did so many things for us, including picking us up at the airport in Nelson, and arranging a car for us to use after the trip, which was ready and waiting when he dropped us off from the yacht. He was a great resource for planning the rest of our New Zealand visit too. We are very grateful to him and Melissa for their perfect hospitality.
One of the many highlights of the trip was the southern hemisphere night sky - great views with no light pollution! Milo and Melissa took exceptional care of us. He dropped us off for easy and enjoyable hikes in the park each day, then picked us back up on the beach at the end of the trails. We went swimming, and our kids went kayaking, right off the anchored yacht, in the crystal clean waters that border the park.
Milo was so helpful - he did so many things for us, including picking us up at the airport in Nelson, and arranging a car for us to use after the trip, which was ready and waiting when he dropped us off from the yacht. He was a great resource for planning the rest of our New Zealand visit too. We are very grateful to him and Melissa for their perfect hospitality.
Written 14 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review, it really means a lot to us. Your feedback helps us focus on what's going well and where we can put more effort. Melissa and I really enjoyed seeing how much your family enjoyed this stunning area. We wish you the best, and look forward to seeing you again :)
Written 24 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dolores L
Tampa, FL40 contributions
Oct 2018
We hiked, we sailed, we ate and we had the best time on a sailing excursion we've ever had! As a long time sailing fan, I wanted to get out on a boat that really sailed (not just put up a sail and motored around). With Milo and Ruby, we had the FULL sailing experience, heeled over and purring along at 8 knots at times and anchored in beautiful safe harbors along the Tasman National Park at other times. We did a couple gorgeous hikes while our hosts prepared absolutely breathtaking and tasty meals beyond our wildest dreams. Everything was personalized to our healthy food requests and it was so well done; we were completely blown away. Milo was a very experienced captain and boat owner, having sailed extensively all over the world. He told us of many of his adventures and we really appreciated his knowledge of the Nelson area as well. We highly recommend sailing with the Gourmet Sailing experience and plan to do it again on our next trip back to beautiful New Zealand.
Written 30 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your review. This was Ruby's inaugural trip with us, so a real testimony to her years of experience and especially her personality. We really enjoyed getting to know you two a bit and showing off the best of the Park. As you noticed, the weather in October is quite changeable, but you sure made the most of it :) We look forward to sailing with you again!
Written 2 December 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SolutionsKid
Cincinnati, Ohio151 contributions
Hello, coming during the first and second week of September and thinking about using you all, how would the weather be around that time?