THE CREW

Meet your captains; Brad and Monique

We're Brad and Monique, the proud owners and operators of Bayscapes Charters, founded in July 2021. 

What began as Brad's dream of a sailing charter business has become a shared reality for us. We both have a deep love for the ocean and for the Bay of Islands, a true hidden gem of New Zealand. Like many New Zealanders, we grew up on the water, spending our time boating, surfing, and swimming. Now, with Bayscapes Charters, we're excited to hoist the sails and let the wind guide us through the beautiful Bay of Islands on our day sailing cruises.

Brad has strong ties to the Bay of Islands, stemming from a family history and passion for the area. His love for the ocean started at a young age with a boating-mad family. Beginning on a small yacht, he learned to sail, driven by the desire to explore all the islands, bays, and harbors in the best way possible. Brad, a builder by trade, has left his toolbelt behind to show you the Bay of Islands.

Monique spent four years working on small boats with the NZ Army, where she earned her SRL ticket. She then followed Brad and her love for the ocean to the Bay of Islands. While she initially started sailing on the Navy Chicos, she has learned extensively from Brad on Hibiscus Star. In the off season Monique manages all of the administration and maintenance of Bayscapes Charters.

When we're not sailing, you can still find us by the sea, whether we're surfing, paddleboarding, diving, or simply taking our dog for a swim—he loves the ocean too!

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reviews

Why We Are Rated The No. 1 Sailing Charter in The Bay Of Islands

     

 One of the best boat charters we’ve taken anywhere in the world. Wonderful clean and comfortable boat, tasty lunch catered from a local restaurant, and a friendly and knowledgeable crew (Brad and Monique). Zero complaints and would absolutely do this again next time we visit NZ. Highly recommended! Thank you! 

Andrew Ellis: Shared Charter
     

 Sailing in the Bay of Islands aboard this beautiful catamaran was a major highlight of our visit to NZ. We really enjoyed Brad and Monique's hospitality, knowledge and sailing skills. They provided great food & snacks, opportunities to explore a couple of islands, a lovely sail through the bay and had stand up paddle boards and snorkel gear available for use. Our private sailing charter with them was outstanding. Highly recommended! 

Eric Wakely: Private Charter
     

 Fantastic day sailing with Brad & Monique around the bay of islands. Friendly skippers with lots of knowledge about the area and who were more than happy to answer questions. We had a great time on our walk, using the SUP’s and snorkelling with a delightful lunch to finish it off. The catamaran was beautiful and clearly well looked after! Thanks very much, a great way to see the Bay of Islands, would definitely recommend! 

Hamish Baxter: Shared Charter
     

 We took the team from Blast Away Guys out on a private day charter. It was a fantastic experience and very relaxing. The kids got to see fish and an octopus while snorkelling around in the beautiful, clear waters. The boat itself is beautiful, very comfortable and they keep it in pristine condition. Thank you so much for a wonderful day Bayscapes. 

Brya Page: Private Charter
     

 What a wonderful experience on this great sailing yacht, with the lovely skippers Monique and Brad, in the beautiful Bay of Islands. We have had an amazing day on the catamaran, a nice walk with stunning views on a secluded island, time to swim, snorkel, use the paddleboard and to relax. Absolutely perfect! 

Sierra Mike: Shared Charter
     

 Amazing experience! We got really lucky with good weather during our stay in Paihia. This is a must do excursion with Brad and Monique! Their boat was really comfortable to accommodate 18 of us. The packed food provided was also scrumptious!! 

Soni Bhat: Private Charter
     

 So many thanks to our skippers Brad and Monique, we had a beautiful sailing trip with you with chilling in the bean bags as well as thrilling sailing moments „up wind“. Thanks for your kindness, know-how and answering all my unprofessional questions about the sail, the right wind-direction and the colours of the water. That was awesome! 

Nikolaus Meiser: Shared Charter
     

 Best charter in the Bay of Islands! We’ve been on private charters with Baycapes multiple times and will keep coming back. The boat is well outfitted and comfortable, the food is tasty, and Brad and Monique are lovely, have excellent knowledge of the area and always know the best spots to go on the day. 

Jodi Salinsky: Private Charter
     

 Brad and Monique were very friendly, professional and organised. The boat is fantastic, well-kept with good facilities, and a good size for day trips. We had a beautiful sail out to Army Bay and time to walk on the island and spot many native birds, as well as swimming and paddle boarding. Just what we were looking for as a day trip in the Bay. 

Louise McMillan: Shared Charter
     

 We held a family reunion in the Bay of Islands and had the pleasure of chartering with Bayscapes. There were 11 adults and 2 children. All were comfortably accommodated. The tour had a mixture of things to do , hike, water sports, sailing and a fantastic lunch. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Would thoroughly recommend them. 

Kevin O'Connor: Private Charter
     

 "Incredible hospitality and organisation of the charter. Everyone was blown away and continue to talk about it and relive those memories. The attention to detail, provision of food, and being taken to Honeymoon Bay, which was perfectly named, was truly exquisite. Your warmth and sincerity were greatly appreciated. We would highly recommend Bayscapes to our friends and family, a number of those who were there have said they would repeat the day if they were to get married, or celebrate a milestone birthday." 

Katherine and Lucy: Private Charter- Wedding Ceromony