Port Vila, Vanuatu to Minerva Reefs & Opua, New Zealand

16 days / cat 1 expedition / 1,350nm

Overview

Set sail on a 16-day bluewater sailing expedition from the vibrant shores of Port Vila, Vanuatu to the remote beauty of North Minerva Reef and onward to Opua, New Zealand. This 1,350-nautical-mile Category 1 offshore passage offers an unforgettable blend of ocean adventure, remote island discovery, and open-water seamanship. Whether you’re seeking to experience life at sea, explore hard-to-reach places, or take part in a meaningful sailing journey between the tropics and temperate waters, this expedition promises an extraordinary South Pacific odyssey.

Departing from Port Vila, the cultural heart of Vanuatu, we’ll voyage south across open ocean, navigating trade winds and swells toward the isolated and rarely visited North Minerva Reef—a submerged atoll that rises from the depths of the Pacific. With its crystal-clear lagoon and abundant marine life, Minerva offers a surreal anchorage far from civilisation. It's a chance to snorkel, fish, explore by dinghy, and soak in the unique stillness of being truly off the grid.

From Minerva, we continue the ocean passage south through the Kermadec region and onward to Opua, nestled in New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Islands. As conditions shift and temperatures cool, you’ll experience the rhythm of ocean sailing at its finest—standing night watches, trimming sails, navigating changing weather systems, and sharing stories under star-filled skies.

This voyage is ideal for sailors seeking a deep connection with the ocean, hands-on sailing experience, and the thrill of crossing latitudes under sail. Join Ocean Sailing Expeditions for a journey where the destinations are remote, the rewards are rich, and every nautical mile becomes part of a greater adventure.

Expedition Description

Our 1,350-nautical-mile expedition begins in the vibrant harbour of Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Before we set sail, there’s time to explore this cultural melting pot—wander through bustling markets, sample traditional Ni-Vanuatu cuisine, and soak in the tropical warmth of island life. From here, we depart through the protected waters of Mele Bay, leaving behind Efate’s lush green hills as we head south into the open expanse of the South Pacific.

As we settle into the rhythm of ocean sailing, days are filled with sail-trimming, helming, navigation, and watch rotations, while nights offer incredible stargazing under clear southern skies. The warm trade winds fill our sails as we make our way toward one of the most unique destinations in the Pacific: North Minerva Reef. This remote, horseshoe-shaped coral atoll rises dramatically from thousands of metres below, offering a surreal anchorage in the middle of the ocean. With its gin-clear waters and thriving marine life, Minerva is a paradise for snorkelling, fishing, and dinghy exploration. You'll marvel at the contrast of anchoring in turquoise shallows with nothing but sea and sky on the horizon.

Leaving Minerva behind, we head further south into deeper latitudes, navigating through the Kermadec region—a volcanic island arc and marine reserve belonging to New Zealand. While the Kermadec Islands themselves are restricted and uninhabited, sailing through this biologically rich zone offers a rare opportunity to observe pelagic seabirds, whales, and other oceanic wildlife. It’s a transition zone, both climatically and visually, as the deep tropics give way to cooler, more temperate waters and skies.

As we close in on Aotearoa New Zealand, the Bay of Islands begins to take shape on the horizon—rugged, green, and dotted with more than 140 islands. Our final approach brings us through Cape Brett and past the legendary Hole in the Rock, before entering the sheltered waters of the Bay and making landfall at Opua Marina. Here, the lush native forest, historical villages, and calm anchorages provide a rewarding conclusion to our ocean passage.

This voyage offers more than just sea miles—it’s a sailing experience rich with discovery, from the cultural pulse of Vanuatu to the untouched reef ecosystems of Minerva and the wild beauty of New Zealand’s north. A journey of contrasts, connection, and adventure on the open sea.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

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