7-Day Youth Voyages

We have 12 trainees aboard on each voyage and we deliver up to 20 voyages per year. With a 1:3 crew to trainee ratio, youth are offered a hands-on and engaging experience.

The programme is not just a trip on a tall ship. Tikanga Māori, education, new experiences and a focus on belonging underpin delivery.

Whakawhānaungatanga: We focus on creating a sense of belonging, demonstrated through deliberate inclusivity and acceptance.

Education: Crew deliver modules on Safety at Sea, Meteorology, Sailing and Seamanship, Polynesian Celestial Navigation, Marine Navigation, Sustainability, Pollution and Recycling, Marine Wildlife, Financial Literacy, Food and Nutrition, Fishing, and Environmental activities.

New Experiences: Like many Adventure Education Programmes, exposure to many new and unique experiences and challenges creates and strengthens neural pathways that support improved coping skills and decision making in the future. The tall ship experience is no different. Trainees learn traditional sailing skills, climb the mast, swim, collect seafood, take walks ashore and engage in many other outdoor activities.

Tikanga: Te Ao Māori approach is integral to the programme. At least 50% of the trainees are Māori and our crew members are Maori and NZ Pākehā. Relationships are Tuakana-Teina in nature.

Our Youth Development programme is for students aged 14-18. 

Funding is reserved for students living in Northland, New Zealand.

Students from outside Northland are welcome to undertake a voyage; however, we cannot provide the same level of subsidy.

International students may participate; however, they will be expected to pay the full voyage cost.

We want to remove financial barriers so that any Northland young person can join a voyage. The value of a 7-day voyage is $3,450 per trainee. We encourage everyone from Northland to apply for our Grant Scheme to reduce this fee. Then we ask you to contribute what you can afford towards your voyage.

Here’s how it works

We raise funds to reduce the cost

For students from the Taitokerau Northland region the Trust provides a grant to reduce the cost. This comes from surpluses from our tourism revenue (all guests who sail with us contribute to our youth programme), grants from key funding partners, and generous donations from individuals and local businesses. 

Pay what you can

We ask each trainee to contribute toward their voyage. The amount that is contributed by each trainee is based on the resources available and the individual circumstances of their whānau. 

Complete a Grant application

The financial cost should not be a barrier to coming on board this life-changing experience. We work hard to raise funds to ensure every Northland young person has the opportunity to sail with us.

The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, it’s rich in history, culture and offers endless off the beaten track to explore.

• Great sheltered anchorages, even in bad weather
• Idyllic islands, golden beaches, rolling green hills, and native forest rich with birds.
• Home to pest free islands
• Rich in bio-diversity
• Common sightings of dolphins, seals and visiting whales
• Visitor friendly