If the South Pacific is our backyard, the Bay of Islands is our front room
Set sail from your Opua charter base and explore the breathtaking Bay of Islands and its surroundings. Head out past the historic towns of Russell and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on the other side of the channel and very soon you will round Tapeka Point and the islands of the bay will appear before you. This natural wonderland teems with birdsong, regenerating native flora, dolphins and other marine life. Numerous sheltered beach anchorages promise an idyllic sailing escape.
Captain James Cook aptly named this area: some 144 islands dot the sheltered Bay of Islands on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. When sailing these islands, the mainland coast is always within easy reach, providing a multitude of safe and sheltered anchorages for your sailing vacation. It's a beloved summer pastime for many Kiwis, where we and our visitors have ample space for everyone to enjoy.
Urupukapuka is the largest island and a pest-free national recreation reserve, and a popular day-trip destination from local towns. Its name, meaning 'the island with many pukas' (a large tree), hints at its natural beauty. Discover scenic nature walks, stunning beaches and the lively bar/cafe at Otehei Bay, once a haven for the renowned US writer Zane Grey and his affluent friends, who indulged in sport fishing from there.
Seeking tranquility away from the holiday bustle is easy. Explore the captivating Motuarohia and Moturoa islands, or anchor in the stunning Oke Bay along the mainland coast.
As you depart from or return to Opua, make time to explore Russell ashore, perhaps even spending a peaceful night in its sheltered bay. If your charter schedule allows, call at Waitangi to delve into the history of te Tiriti o Waitangi, the significant and much-debated treaty between the Crown and Māori. Waitangi is an essential experience for any visitor.
Your Bay of Islands sailing adventure extends beyond the Bay itself. The designated charter area includes Whangamumu to the south, after rounding Cape Brett and Piercy Island with its famous hole in the rock, traversing deep blue waters teaming with fish. Five miles down the coast you will find a narrow entrance to this harbour with its former whaling station, where the limited road access offers charterers a relatively secluded holiday experience.
If you have time and the weather is right, venture north to Whangaroa harbour, on the way enjoying the pristine waters of the Cavalli Islands. Here you'll have ample opportunity to relish both the thrill of sailing and many moments of quiet relaxation.
Embark on a sailing holiday in Northland, New Zealand, and immerse yourself in the Bay of Islands region - a destination brimming with diverse choices and all the enjoyment you could desire from a sailing getaway. It's the perfect plave for a relaxing sailing vacation, a favourite summer destination for Kiwis, with plenty of space for everyone.
* When visiting the islands of the Bay, please check your bags for small stowaways. Clean your footwear, clothing and bags and ensure they are free of soil and seeds, which helps to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback. Close all bags or boxes. Everything you bring should be sealed or zipped shut. Immediately report any sightings of rats, mice, stoats, cats or dogs on the islands, their tracks, or droppings to DOC - 0800 362 468.
New Zealand's sub-tropical sailing paradise, just a 3-hour drive north of Auckland
The Bay itself is 10 miles across. The islands and coastal anchorages are to the south, while on the northern shore are more beaches plus the KeriKeri and Te Puna inlets.
Urupukapuka, the largest island and a national recreation reserve, is known for being pest-free. The Department of Conservation has made many tracks on the island and it's a great place to walk to the top of the hill and take in the vista of the bay.
Moturua Island next door also has tracks. It is more forested than Urupukapuka and birdlifeeven more abundant.
Motuarohia (Roberton) Island with its famous twin lagoons that fill up with the tide can be a great place for kids to learn to snorkel. More birds and one of the better chances to spot a Kiwi if you go ashore at night. On the adjacent mainland many boats take shelter between Orakawa and Opunga Cove, where you can be guaranteed the waters will be still and calm for the night.
Venturing out to Cape Brett in good weather can be enjoyable, then sailing past the rugged coast to Whangamumu harbour, an old whaling station that is a remote haven for the night.
If time and weather allow, 15 miles to the north lie the Cavalli Islands with their clear sub-tropical waters and sandy beaches. 10 miles beyond that and a better anchorage is Whangaroa, the narrow entrance opening up to a large enclosed harbour with towering rock formations and bush walks at its western arm. There's a sleepy seaside town in its upper reaches, where you may call at the sports fishing club for pa place to dine, or just stop and have a chat with the locals over a beer.
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A Short History of Chartering in Bay of Islands, NZ
Once home to over 40 bareboat charter yachts, the Bay of Islands stood proudly among the world’s sailing destinations. Kiwis and visitors alike could explore this subtropical paradise aboard locally managed fleets. Times have changed.
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