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 Bay
of Islands - New Zealand
 The
world famous Bay of Island with its sheltered anchorages and temperate
climate has attracted sailors from around the world for over a century.
Sleepy bays, protected inlets, sweeping stretches of golden sandy beaches,
clear waters overflowing with an abundance of fish life... this is the
essence of the Bay of Islands, a favourite with cruising yachtsmen.
Cruising Notes
Opua - Moorings' base
Once a bustling commercial port, Opua has retired into a quaint fishing
village and is now the largest clearance port for visiting overseas yachts
into New Zealand. Mooringsí base is nestled in the heart of Opua,
adjacent to a fabulous seafood restaurant, a local shop for provisioning
and near the local yacht club. Shore based showers and laundry are available.
Paihia & Waitangi
Amongst the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, Paihia boasts
literally dozens of fabulous restaurants many specialising in serving
fine cuisine based on local seafood and produce.
Souvenir shops are in abundance and the local shopping centre adjacent
to the foreshore provides virtually everything you could require.
Waitangi is home of the 'Treaty House' this being the site where the
Maoris and Europeans signed the treaty agreement of New Zealand. The Treaty
House along with much of New Zealand's cultural heritage is displayed
at the Waitangi Visitors Centre, well worth a visit.
Russell
Situated directly across the inner harbour from Paihia, Russell was the
site of the first European settlement in New Zealand and was its first
capital. Once a bustling whaling town, Russell is home to The Captain
Cook Memorial Museum which is well worth a visit to get a true taste of
the Bayís colourful history. The town has shops for provisioning
and some world class restaurants.
Roberton Island
With a wide open bay on the southern side, Roberton Island is an attractive
anchorage and is shelteredfrom the northerly breezes. A delightful snorkelling
trail set in a natural lagoon lies near the middle of the island and is
both safe and fun for young and old alike.
Te Hue
A large cove with high surrounding headlands makes Te Hue and ideal overnight
stop. A small wharf at the upper end of the cove provides fresh water
for yachts at hight tide.
Moturua Island
A scenic reserve with several beautiful anchorages and sandy beaches this
island is steeped in history. Explorers such as Captain Cook and Marion
de Fresne have visited this island and a bottle claiming New Zealand for
the French is said to be buried somewhere on Moturua. The pretty anchorage
of Honey Moon Cove is a favourite amongst many visiting yachtsmen.
Urupukapuka Island
Boasting exquisite anchorages like Paradise Bay, Indico Bay and the famous
Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka is the largest of the islands in the Bay of Islands.
Moor up in the charming Otehei Bay for a picnic or dine ashore in the
restaurant. Sandy beaches and island walks provide magnificent views of
the Bay of Islands.
Cape Brett and Deep Water Cove
An exhilarating sail east brings you to Cape Brett, isolated and rugged,
this outer most guardian of the Bay charges skyward from the depths of
the Pacific.
The unique, world famous 'Hole in the Rock' has become a major tourist
attraction for the tens of thousands of visitors to the Bay each year.
Deep Water Cove is a popular day time anchorage where you can anchor
virtually on the shoreline. The area has a reputation for superb diving,
spectacular marine life and some of the worldís best big game fishing.
The Bay of Islands is home to large schools of dolphins, more often tan
not they will join you for some fun and thrills on your bow wave.
Cavalli Islands
Lying approximately half way between the Bay of Islands and Whagaroa Harbour
this isolated group of coastal islands provides a stunning stop for lunch
or even an overnight anchorage in settled weather. The scenery is spectacular
both above the water and below; the sunken ship wreck of the Rainbow Warrior
lays just North West of the group.
Whangaroa Harbour
The northern most point of our vast cruising area this fiord like harbour
is simply spectacular. Rocky outcrops thrust out of the sea to over 3600
feet hight, cosy anchorages nestled at the base afford peaceful overnight
anchorages. The quiet township of Whangaroa is home to a commercial fishing
fleet and big game fishing boats. Entering the harbour entrance, the famous
King Fish Lodge has been visited by many celebrities looking for that
special touch of paradise. Make sure you make your reservation for an
exquisite meal; you never know who you may be dining with.
 10
days - Typical Itinerary
Day 1 Russell - 3nms
Day 2 Roberton IS / Moturua Is - 6nms
Day 3 Urupukapuka - Exploring Urupukapuka 2nms
Day 4 Deep water cove/Cape Brett/Whangamumu Harbour - 13nms
Day 5 Urupukapuka - 13nms
Day 6 Waipiro Bay - Exploring Waipiro Bay - 3nms
Day 7 Cavalli Islands / Whangaroa Harbour - 30nms
Day 8 Whangaroa Harbour - Exploring
Day 9 Whangaroa Harbour - Exploring
Day 10 Cavalli Is/Motorua Is - 30nms
Day 11 Te Hue - Exploring 3ms
Day 12 Kerikeri Inlet - 10nms
Day 13 Paihia/Russell - 8nms
Final Morning Opua - Moorings base - 3nms
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