We booked the overnight stay and sailing experience with Phil and it was by far our favourite thing we did during our month-long holiday in New Zealand. My husband has discovered a new hobby and has now even signed up for a skipper's course! Phil picked us up from Te Mahia, saving us an extra 90 minute drive and we explored Keneparu Sound by sail before settling in a cove for the evening. He's a great character and we got along really well.

He then prepared a delicious dinner with marinaded mussels for starters, Moroccan chicken for mains and a lovely cheesecake for dessert. I believe that his wife, Deb, had prepared it all prior and it was lovely. We enjoyed a glass of fizz on deck before Phil left us for the night, returning the following morning to sail us home. The bedroom was as you'd expect on a 30ft yacht but it was comfy and lovely to hear the water lapping on the bow. The deck was also a great opportunity for star gazing.

Overall we would definitely recommend this experience. It's pricey when compared to overnight in a good hotel but it's a lot more than that. A very special treat which we're glad we did.

We had the pleasure of taking a 3 hour sailing trip with Phil on his boat. The afternoon was really very enjoyable and this is a great way to see the sounds. We were picked up from Te Mahia, which suited us perfectly. The local wine and mussels were delicious. We had never sailed before and had the chance to join in with a bit of the sailing in a very relaxed and easy going way.

"We had the most amazing experience sailing on our trip to NZ back in March. Phil was the nicest guy we have ever come across. The 3 hours sailing trip was the perfect way to see the sounds. It was also our first time sailing so it made it even more special. The local wine and mussels were delicious too. I am not usually someone who writes reviews on trip advisor but really had to on this occasion. Highly recommended!"

Thanks Phil, just a fabulous afternoon. Really appreciated, absolutely professional, excellent hospitality, incredibly friendly, well organised. Just a superb experience.

I was very lucky to pick this company to go out and sail on the Kenepuru Sounds. The boat is run by a great guy, Phil, who will arrange everything to suit, and in a friendly kiwi way. The boat is a Beneteau, in wonderful condition (not very old) and very pleasant to sail. You can choose between half day, full day and overnight trips, and I am already thinking about doing some longer trips. Even if you have not sailed before, it will not be a problem, as you can do as much or as little as you like onboard. The boat is ideal for these sorts of trips, and sailing down the sounds is so enjoyable. I guess that the trips on this boat would suit both complete novices and experienced sailors.

I was impressed by the new boat and by how friendly it all was. The sailing trips might be on a 'must do' list for the Kenepuru Sounds. It is one of those sorts of trips that when you come back, you will immediately want to do more of. So it gets a highly recommended rating !!! Worth staying longer in the area to do a trip on this boat !!