Bay of Islands Sailing Area Guide
Overview
Departing from your Opua yacht charter base, the Bay of Islands offers one of New Zealand’s finest and most forgiving sailing regions. Once charter formalities are complete and your briefing skipper has been dropped ashore in Paihia, you are free to plan your own route and ease into the relaxed rhythm of Northland sailing.
Sheltered waters, short distances between anchorages, and a mix of island and mainland bays make this an ideal cruising ground for couples, families, and first-time charterers alike.
Russell & Waitangi
A short sail brings you to the historic township of Russell, a natural first stop for reprovisioning, cafés, or a meal ashore. Once known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific,” Russell today is a charming seaside village with deep historical roots.
Across the channel lie the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed. Both locations provide valuable insight into New Zealand’s early history and are well worth including in your itinerary.
Leaving Russell and rounding Tapeka Point, the islands of the Bay of Islands open up ahead — a sheltered maritime playground with numerous sandy beaches and protected anchorages, ideal for relaxed cruising.
A Compact Cruising Paradise
Captain James Cook named the region well. Around 144 islands are scattered across this sheltered bay on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. When sailing here, the mainland coast is always close, offering excellent protection and a wide choice of safe anchorages in most weather conditions.
The Bay of Islands is compact and flexible, allowing you to explore a different anchorage each day without long passages. While a loose plan is helpful, this region rewards spontaneity and relaxed decision-making.
Island Highlights
Just beyond Tapeka Point lies Roberton Island, well known for its tidal lagoons — perfect for swimming and easy snorkelling, particularly for children. A short but steep walk to the island lookout rewards you with one of the best panoramic views in the Bay.
Nearby Moturua Island is a predator-free sanctuary with sandy beaches and walking tracks through regenerating native forest. Its southern coastline features several excellent anchorages, including Honeymoon Bay. In westerly conditions, the channel between Moturua and Motukehikehi offers particularly good shelter over a sandy bottom.
Urupukapuka & Surrounding Islands
Urupukapuka Island, the largest in the Bay, is a pest-free national recreation reserve and a popular destination for both visiting yachts and local ferries. Its name — “the island of many pukas” — reflects its natural beauty.
Here you’ll find well-maintained walking tracks, sheltered beaches, and the relaxed bar and café at Otehei Bay, once frequented by renowned American writer Zane Grey. Excellent overnight anchorages can be found at Paradise Bay and along the island’s western coastline.
From Urupukapuka, explore Motuarohia and Moturoa to the north, each offering calm anchorages and clear water. Rounding the eastern corner brings you to Oke Bay, a stunning mainland anchorage with golden sand and good holding.
Deep Water Cove, Cape Brett & the Outer Coast
Further east lies Deep Water Cove, where the northern end of the bay provides a sheltered anchorage. The area is protected as a marine reserve, and the scuttled frigate Canterbury lies here as an artificial reef for divers.
In settled weather, sailing out to Cape Brett is a memorable experience. The dramatic headland and Piercy Island (the Hole in the Rock) are iconic landmarks of the region. With favourable conditions, continue on to Whangamumu Harbour, a safe anchorage on this exposed coastline, with the remains of an historic whaling station ashore.
Mainland Anchorages & Dining Ashore
On your return into the Bay, consider mainland anchorages such as Orokawa Bay, Opunga Cove, or Parua Bay. From Parua Bay, you can arrange a fine-dining experience at Sage Restaurant, perched high above the harbour with sweeping views. A shuttle service must be booked to collect you from the boat ramp.
These mainland bays are popular with local boaties, many of whom base themselves here for the most peaceful overnight stay before heading out fishing during the day.
Northern Bays & Cultural Sites
On the northern side of the Bay lie the Te Puna and Kerikeri inlets. While more tidal in nature, they offer a different perspective.
A series of bays then lead towards the northern headland. Wairoa Bay is home to The Landing, an exclusive lodge set within beautifully restored, predator-free grounds that are open to respectful visitors. Nearby Rangihoua Bay is the site of Marsden Cross, marking one of New Zealand’s earliest missionary settlements. Whale Bay provides a useful anchorage for those heading further north.
Further Afield: Cavalli Islands & Whangaroa
For longer charters with suitable weather windows, sailing further north allows you to enjoy Denim’s performance under sail.
Approximately 15 nautical miles north are the Cavalli Islands, an outstanding cruising area with numerous island and mainland anchorages suitable for overnight stays in settled conditions. From here, a further 10-mile sail through a narrow entrance reveals the dramatic scenery of Whangaroa Harbour.
Whangaroa’s western arm is remote, bush-clad national park, while the township at the head of the harbour offers a marina and a welcoming fishing club, well known for excellent meals featuring the local catch.
The Return South
On your return journey, the Cavalli Islands are well worth revisiting before sailing back into the Bay of Islands. As you approach Opua, allow time to explore Russell ashore once more, perhaps spending a final peaceful night at anchor nearby.
If time allows, a visit to Waitangi provides an essential cultural and historical conclusion to your sailing holiday.
A Perfect Northland Sailing Escape
A Bay of Islands sailing holiday offers everything that makes Northland so appealing: sheltered waters, short sailing distances, varied anchorages, rich history, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Aboard Denim, it is an ideal destination for a relaxed and rewarding cruising experience — one treasured by New Zealanders and quickly loved by visitors.