Bay of Islands Yacht Charter Guide
The Bay of Islands has attracted sailors from around the world, with its many sheltered anchorages and coastline extending north and south from the bay offering lots of truly fantastic harbours and bays. This is our holiday destination when cruising our local waters, we know it well and can help you plan your sailing holiday.
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About Yacht Charters in the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is 120 miles by sea north of Auckland. By road it is a four-hour drive or by plane, a one-hour flight, north of Auckland. It has a more temperate climate than Auckland, almost sub-tropical. Aptly named, the Bay is studded with islands providing an area of varied geographic beauty and unspoiled sailing grounds. There are innumerable anchorages, great fishing and diving and white sandy beaches within sheltered waters.
Two landmarks guard the entrance to the Bay of Islands from seaward. Cape Brett, remembered for it's famous 'hole in the rock', marks the eastern entrance and its partner the Ninepin, 11 miles beyond marks the western entrance. Both are excellent places for fishing.
In the Bay, sailing distances between the islands are short, and peaceful scenic anchorages plentiful. Take time out to visit Roberton Island with its twin lagoons, Moturoa Island's walking trails, Urupukapuka's farmlands, sandy beaches, and stunning cliff top views. There are peaceful hideaways for all weather conditions.
The mainland settlements of Keri Keri, Paihia, Waitangi and Russell are holiday towns, with restaurants. Opua is a deep-water port, marina, and yacht base, a short distance from Paihia. The historic township of Russell was the first European settlement in New Zealand. It is a pleasant and safe overnight anchorage with boutique shops and restaurants.
The Waitangi "Treaty House" marks the site where the Maoris and Pakehas signed the Treaty of Waitangi Agreement in 1845. The Treaty House along with much of New Zealand's cultural heritage is displayed at the Waitangi Visitors Centre.
Beyond the Bay are the Cavalli Island group, these are National Park islands of exceptional interest for snorkeling in crystal clear waters in an expansive area sheltered between the islands.
Further north again venture up to Whangaroa Harbour with its majestic fjord-like landscape of towering pinnacles in an enclosed harbour.
Climate
New Zealand's climate is temperate. The best time to take a boating holiday in New Zealand is between the warmer, drier months of November and April. The prevailing winds are from the westerly quadrant, south-west through north-west Beaufort 1- 4 between November and April. There is a tidal range of two metres.
The Bay of Islands being further north, on average always seems to attract warmer temperatures and sunnier skies than Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
Our Charter Services
SAIL CONNECTIONS will make planning your yacht charter easy and enjoyable. Our Yacht Charter Team has personally sailed in New Zealand many times over the years and so we are well equipped to tell you about our favourite anchorages, places to go and things to do.
Our travel department can advise on getting around New Zealand and your accommodation before and after your charter, to ensure you make your best travel connections to your charter yacht.
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Why Choose Sail Connections?
One contact - every option - advice you can trust:
- You have the pick of the best boats
- Book with operators we know and trust.
- Extra level of service to prepare your holiday
- Share our local knowledge
- Best rates negotiated on your behalf
- Special last minute deals and marketing promotions
We do more than just book yachts.
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