Sailing in the Bay of Islands


Sailing in the Bay of Islands

\| Overview \| Map \| Possible Sailing Trips \| \| Some Islands & Bays to Visit \| Townships \| Climate \|

	Overview of the Bay of Islands When Captain Cook entered this bay in 1769 he named it as he saw it: a 'Bay of Islands'. Now a wonderful Maritime Park with over 100 islands and spectacular scenery, it is an unspoilt gem just waiting for you to discover. There are countless sheltered and secluded bays to tuck into - often as little as half an hour apart. The Bay of Islands can only be fully appreciated and enjoyed by cruising amongst the alluring islands on board a comfortable yacht. It will be an adventure of a lifetime. Back to Top	Bay of Islands Scene

	Bay of Islands Map Click on an island or town on the map to take you to its description. Back to Top

	Possible Bay of Islands Sailing Trips A week is a good duration for sailing within the Bay of Islands. This allows ample time to visit the inner bay areas including the township of Russell as well as the main south-eastern island group from Roberton to Urupukapuka Islands. In that time we could also sail to Cape Brett at the mouth of the bay to see the famous 'hole in the rock' of Piercy Island (weather permitting). A duration of 10 to 14 days would allow further time to include visits to some of the northern bay inlets and/or a short coastal trip either north or south to the beautiful Whangaroa or Whangaruru harbours respectively (weather permitting for the coastal trips). Back to Top

	Some Islands and Bays to Visit The following is a brief description of just a select few of the many islands, bays and features beckoning to be explored.
	Roberton Island (back to map) Now a wild life sanctuary, Roberton Island was the chosen anchorage for Captain Cook when he came ashore at the Bay of Islands in 1769. This island has wooded hills each end that are joined by a low sandy isthmus containing an enticing beach and intriguing lagoons. There is an interesting short walk to a lookout, once the site of a Maori fortress, where you can take in mesmerising views of the rest of the bay.	Roberton Island
	Moturua Island (back to map) In 1772 Moturua Island was used as a refitting base by the French navigator Marion du Fresne. This highly attractive island has alluringly snug bays and beaches affording great anchorages. Most of the island is now public reserve and there are a number of tracks across allowing easy exploration. Motukiekie Island (back to map) The eastern side provides the best anchorage at a fine beach and there is a good native bush walk to observe some of the flora and fauna of the region.

Urupukapuka Island (back to map)

This is the largest of the southeastern chain of islands in the bay. It has several bays and anchorages on most sides and many beaches with easy access ashore.

The almost landlocked Otehei Bay was once the deep sea fishing base for the famous American westerns' author of the 1920's, Zane Grey. This truly sheltered cove now has a café and a Maori arts and craft centre. A submarine-like vessel leaves here for observing the underwater marine life in the bay.

Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Is

You can walk around this grassy island via a heritage trail and visit sites of previous Maori habitation. There are some spectacular views particularly on the eastern side where there are impressive rocky coves surrounded by precipitous cliffs.

Waewaetorea Island (back to map)

This island has a large Maori Pa site as well as several sandy beaches and anchorages.

Deep Cove (back to map)

This remarkable deepwater anchorage is sheltered by steep bush-clad terrain. For the active, there is an interesting walking track along the peninsular to Cape Brett.

Cape Brett and Piercy Is. (back to map)

With its powerful lighthouse and dramatic steep cliffs, Cape Brett projects into the Pacific Ocean from the easternmost tip of the Bay of Islands.

Lying just off the cape and surrounded by deep blue waters is the equally striking, 150 metre high and precipitous Piercy Island with its famous 'Hole in the Rock' that boats can pass right through.

Piercy Island

	Manawaora and Parekura Bays (back to map) Tucked into the southern shores of the Bay of Islands, these two bays each offer a number of smaller attractive beaches and coves where perfectly protected anchorage can be gained no matter what the wind direction. There are occasional small settlements to be found at some of the coves. Mangonui Inlet (back to map) Projecting well into the northern part of the Bay of Islands coastline, this appealing inlet also contains a number of smaller bays, beaches and coves around its shores presenting a wide choice of calm anchorages. Kerikeri Inlet (back to map) Leading inland from the northeastern corner of the Bay of Islands is the charming Kerikeri Inlet. There are a number of alternative anchorages accessible as well as a modern marina on the northern shores. At the head of the inlet, cradled together in the attractive setting of Kerikeri Basin, are the oldest timber and stone buildings in New Zealand, both open to public viewing. Black Rocks (back to map) You can sail amongst these curious dark volcanic formations protruding from the water off the eastern end of Moturoa Island near the middle of the bay. Back to Top

Townships of the Bay of Islands

Paihia (back to map)

On the eastern waterfront, Paihia is the main tourist centre of the Bay of Islands, with the widest range of accommodation and is the starting point for many bus tours and day cruises. It is a busy and thriving hive of industry during the day and an absorbing place to stroll around visiting the variety of interesting shops and craft centres.

This otherwise small township provides the largest range of quality accommodation in the region and boasts an abundance of excellent cafes and restaurants.

Waitangi (back to map)

Waitangi is a National Trust site where the Waitangi Treaty was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and the Maori Chieftains. It is a pleasant two-kilometre walk or short taxi ride from Paihia.

It is easy to become absorbed in the fascinating historic treaty house as well as the traditional carved Maori meetinghouse and massive 37-metre Maori war canoe.

Opua (back to map)

Five kilometres south of Paihia, in the sheltered upper reaches of the Bay of Islands, sits the port of Opua. This is often the first port of call for visiting overseas yachts.

The marina, yacht club and shipbuilding facilities make this the main base for cruising and charter yachts for the bay and a good place for taking on water and fuel.

Sunset at Opua Marina

Russell (back to map)

Nestled into the hills, directly across the bay and only a ten-minute ferry trip from Paihia, sits the historic and fascinating township of Russell, NZ's earliest European settlement and the country's first capital.

Russell has had a colourful past, initially as a whaling base and home to a mixture of sailors from all nations. Drinking, womanising, bawdiness and lawlessness were the best ways to describe the activities of this small town at that time.

This picturesque township possesses charming well-restored old buildings, cafes, craft shops and museums.

While in Russell you can visit the historic Pompalier House, a French Mission home in the settlement's earlier days. In addition, you can check out the bullet holes from the Maori war of 1845 still evident in the walls of the local Christ Church.

Take a drink at the captivating Duke of Marlborough hotel. This waterfront hotel is one of Russell's original pubs although it has been burnt down and rebuilt 5 times during its exciting life.

Historic Russell Police Station

	Kerikeri The Kerikeri Township is 20 kilometres by road from Paihia and has become the largest settlement in the Bay of Islands region. The Kerikeri commercial centre is two kilometres from Kerikeri basin at the head of Kerikeri Inlet so the town is not directly accessible by boat. Around the region are many fine wineries, orchards, craft shops, perfumeries, cafes, restaurants and a kauri forest, all worthy of a visit. Back to Top

	Climate of the Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands enjoys a semi-tropical maritime climate permitting year-round sailing. February and March are generally considered as the most-settled months with the best weather although many other months can be quite suitable. Average daily temperatures for these months are 26 C and 24 C respectively although the evenings can become much cooler. The sheltered nature of the many bays and islands means you can reasonably be assured of a great time regardless of what the weather does. Back to Top