Boating instructor

Just had Phil take me through the ICC assessment - power category - to link in with the on line CEVNI course to enable me to use a private canal boat through the inland waterways of Europe. Phil sent through all the links to the CEVNI programme and made the whole process as streamlined as possible. His knowledge and demeaner while undertaking the practical test were first class. I would not hesitate to recommend Phil and the Auckland Sailing School to anyone looking to obtain their canal boat licence or any other form of maritime learning.

Fantastic sail of Lyttelton harbour for my friends 40th birthday! Phil was an awesome host / captain. Highly recommend for any event

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.

Great volunteers looking after water users

The building has certainly been let go a bit, needs a major clean up

Phil was an excellent teacher. We had lots of hands on experience and it was a fun day. He taught us a lot more than was required for the qualification and I left feeling confident to use the skills he had given us.

Phil is an excellent, knowledgeable, and highly-experienced skipper; perhaps most importantly he is a really great teacher and patient to boot. Just completed the training for a Powered Vessel Yachtmaster Offshore with him. A well-paced, interesting, and strongly-delivered syallbus with fun practical learning. Recommend.

Had a great time and learned a lot. Highly recommended for anyone interested in advancing their sailing, no matter their experience.

I worked for these guys and have nothing but praise for this amazing company, they gave me most of my best memories in NZ. I did the Siberia Wilderness Extended trip and it far exceeded all expectations, it was the perfect way to experience some beautiful raw and untouched scenery with a dose of adrenaline thrown in. All of the staff are really genuine and funny people and add to the authentic kiwi experience. Some of the other touristy activities I did such as Milford and the glow worms were really very impressive but I personally don't like the crowds of other tourists, Makarora is a hidden gem without being too busy with others. When in the Siberia valley you will feel like the only person there which makes it so peaceful. The jetboat is equally as thrilling as the helicopters, the pilots and boat drivers are all extremely skilled. The only bad thing you may have to endure is the pilot's jokes!

We used the jetboat for our transfers to and from the Gillespie Pass Circuit (Into Young Valley and out from Kerin Forks). Wilkin River Jets was great in communicating regarding booking spaces on the boats, and our transfers were punctual and stress-free. Definitely worth it not having to do a river crossing, and it was nice to take a spin along some very picturesque rivers. They do a great job with access to the mountains.