Auckland · Hauraki Gulf · Waiheke Island
Auckland's finest private boat charter
Day trips, evening cruises and overnight stays on the Hauraki Gulf
Step aboard the Thirsty Whale and let the city slip astern. A 22 metre luxury launch for up to 35 guests, cruising the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. BYO or fully catered, hosted by the Paddon family.
Moments from the Hauraki Gulf
The Thirsty Whale is a 2012, 22 metre luxury launch with more than 100 square metres of entertainment areas, three private cabins below deck and wide decks made for long lunches in the sun. Bring your own food and drinks or let us arrange full catering. Either way, the day is shaped entirely around you.
Whatever the occasion
From Christmas parties to Waiheke wine runs
Some days call for champagne on the top deck, others for rods in the water and no phones in sight. Tell us what you are celebrating and we will shape the day around you.
The Hauraki Gulf
Cruise the Hauraki Gulf your way
The Hauraki Gulf is one of the world’s great cruising grounds, and it begins at Auckland’s doorstep. Drop anchor in a quiet bay, taste your way through Waiheke Island’s vineyards, or fish the outer islands as the sun goes down. These are the days people talk about for years.
Charter packages
Transparent pricing, no surprises
2 hour Harbour cruise
UP TO 35 GUESTS
$2,500
plus GST
Gulf Harbour cruise
UP TO 35 GUESTS
3 hour: $3,150
4 hour: $3,560
Day charter: $5,950
plus GST
OVERNIGHT charter
UP TO 6 GUESTS
$7,500
plus GST
All prices plus GST. Up to 35 guests.
All prices plus GST. Up to 35 guests unless noted.
| 2 hour harbour cruise | $2,500 |
| 3 hour gulf cruise | $3,150 |
| 4 hour gulf cruise | $3,560 |
| Full day charter | $5,950 |
| Overnight charter (up to 6 guests) | $7,500 |
Meet Chris, Jackie and Eve
Chris, Jackie and Eve Paddon have welcomed guests aboard the Thirsty Whale for years, and it shows in every detail of the day. You are not stepping onto a hire boat, you are being hosted aboard the family’s pride and joy.
Phone Chris on 021 360 455. He would love to hear what you are planning.
Christmas work parties
The end of year party your team will still be talking about in March. Skyline views, great music and not a taxi queue in sight.
Birthday celebrations
Mark the milestone properly. Your people, your playlist and the Waitematā glittering around you.
Fishing trips
Rods in the water and a skipper who knows exactly where the snapper hold. Serious fishing in serious comfort.
Waiheke winery visits
Cruise to the island, taste your way through its vineyards and sail home with the sun behind you.
Corporate events
Product launches, client days and meetings with the best view in Auckland. Quietly impressive, every time.
Sunset harbour cruises
The city lights come up as the sky turns gold. The Waitematā at its most beautiful.
Champagne breakfasts
Bubbles, pastries and a calm morning harbour all to yourselves. There is no finer start to a day.
Staff reward days
A genuine thank you. Hand your team the Gulf for a day and watch morale take care of itself.
Island adventures
Waiheke, Rangitoto, Kawau. Drop anchor wherever you please. The Gulf is yours for the day.
