Yacht Cruises in the Beautiful Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The world famous Bay of Islands 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.

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. Moorings' 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. Waka - Maori Canoe

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 Bay's 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 sheltered from 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 an ideal overnight stop. A small wharf at the upper end of the cove provides fresh water for yachts at high 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 isolated and rugged Cape Brett. This outermost 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 world's best big game fishing.

The Bay of Islands is home to large schools of dolphins - more often than 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 high, 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.

Day 1
This is the essence of the Bay of Islands, a favourite with cruising yachtsmen. Arrive at our Base in Opua 12:00 hrs on any day of the week, where you will be greeted by our friendly staff, receive a briefing on the local cruising area and operational features of your yacht. Set off for the Township of Russell. Here you can drop anchor for the night or rent one of the available mooring buoys. Enjoy your time ashore exploring the Historical Township of Russell. New Zealand's capital in 1840, Russell has had a very colourful past, once known as 'The Hellhole of the Pacific' because of the violent lifestyle of the local whalers, traders and visiting seamen. Visit New Zealand's oldest wooden Anglican Church, with bullet holes from those early violent days, still very visible. Take the walk up to Flagstaff Hill 45 min return, the track starts from the northern end of the Township. Once at the flagpole you will get to see amazing 360 degree views of the Bay of Islands. Russell is very popular spot with its old world charm, the waterfront has many restaurants and bars and all are very relaxed and friendly. There are also souvenir and gift shops, convenience stores, a bottle shop and visitor's centre.

Day 2
From Russell sail over to Moturohia Island also called Roberton Island and enjoy the beautiful Twin Lagoon Bay. Approximately a mile long, it is almost split into three by two lagoons. Motuarohia Island was the site of Captain Cook's first landing in the Bay of Islands. You can dinghy to shore and enjoy relaxing on the soft white sandy beach. Also a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling if our lucky you may spot a stingray nestled on the sandy bottom. After lunch, take the walk along the track from the beach which will lead you up to a fantastic lookout over the Bay of Islands. From here you can get those postcard pictures of the amazing views the Bay has to offer. Sailing to your over night anchorage Honeymoon Bay on Motorua Island keep a look out for playful dolphins while enjoying a cocktail as the sun sets.

Day 3
After a good nights rest in Honeymoon Bay, wake up early to watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean as you sail towards Piercy Island and Cape Brett. Keep a look out for sea birds and native land birds along the coast line shearwaters, gannets and shags are often sighted. View the historic Cape Brett lighthouse and Piercy Island, a spectacular rugged natural formation with its famous Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave. Watch for playful dolphins and the little blue penguins. This is also a great spot to catch your dinner hopefully a nice Snapper or Kingfish. Anchor for the night in Whangamumu Harbor once a busy Whaling Station. Take a short trip to shore where you can walk around the remaining structures of the whaling station, there is also a walking track which leads to a waterfall and a lookout over the picturesque bay.

Day 4
From Whangamumu Harbour head towards Cape Brett and then in to Oke Bay a great bay to stop for a swim, snorkel and dive for Green lip mussels. After Mussels on the barby for lunch, set sail for a tour of you're choosing through the Island group, ending up at one of the sheltered Bays of Urupukapuka Island home to The Zane Grey Resort at Otehie Bay. Zane Grey was an American author, sports man and conservationist he travelled to New Zealand to fish the waters of the Bay of Islands his book 'Tales of The Angler's Eldorado, New Zealand' was written during his first visit. This provides a detailed account of his fishing of the waters of the Bay of Islands from the base which he set up at Otehei Bay, Head to shore where you will be welcomed to the resort by their friendly staff. The resort has many activities on offer for you to enjoy such as kayaking, snorkelling, archaeological walks and the Nautilus underwater submarine where you can take a peak into the underwater world. The resort offers a fully licensed restaurant and bar.

Day 5
Enjoy the relaxing sail back to our base in Opua taking in the beauty of your surrounds. You will be once again greeted by our friendly staff on arrival into the base. You will receive a yacht debrief before your d Bay of Islands Cruising Area

eparture 12.00 hrs.

Day1
Arrive at our Base in Opua 12:00 hrs on any day of the week, where you will be greeted by our friendly staff, Receive a briefing on the local cruising area and operational features of your yacht. Set off for the Township of Russell. Here you can drop anchor for the night or rent one of the available mooring buoys. Enjoy your time ashore exploring the Historical Township of Russell. New Zealand's capital in 1840, Russell has had a very colourful past, once known as 'The Hellhole of the Pacific' because of the violent lifestyle of the local whalers, traders and visiting seamen. Visit New Zealand's oldest wooden Anglican Church, with bullet holes from those early violent days, still very visible. Take the walk up to Flagstaff Hill 45 min return, the track starts from the northern end of the Township. Once at the flagpole you will get to see amazing 360 degree views of the Bay of Islands. Likewise take a short guided tour by van around the area to really get to know it. Russell is very popular spot with its old world charm, the waterfront has many restaurants and bars that all are very relaxed and friendly. There are also souvenir and gift shops, convenience stores, a bottle shop and visitor's centre.

Day 2
Take a leisurely sail to Motuarohia Island also called Roberton Island and enjoy the Island's beautiful twin lagoons. Approximately a mile long, it is almost split into three by two lagoons. Motuarohia was the site of Captain Cook's first landing in the Bay of Islands. You can dinghy to shore and enjoy relaxing on the soft white sandy beach. Also a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling, if you're lucky you may spot a stingray nestled on the sandy bottom. After lunch, take the walk along the track from the beach which will lead you up to a fantastic lookout over the Bay of Islands. From here you can get those postcard photographs of the amazing views the Bay has to offer. Sailing to your over night anchorage on Motorua Island, Waipao Bay (also called French Mans Bay), watch the sunset while looking for a playful dolphin. There is good snorkelling and fishing off the two small islands in the first bay and a rubbish barge is generally moored off the SW corner of Motorua island over the summer holiday period.

Day 3
Leaving early in the morning, head north to the Cavalli Passage and on to Whangaroa Harbor, 35 Nautical miles. Before venturing to Whangaroa Harbour you should make sure the weather forecast is favourable. The Cavalli's (as the locals call the islands), have some sheltered bays and this is a great place to stop for lunch and explore around. The Cavalli Islands are designated wildlife sanctuaries. Otherwise continue on and round Flat Rock as you aim for the entrance of Whangaroa harbour. A narrow entrance that is difficult to see, you will be rewarded as you make your way through into the large sheltered harbour beyond the cliff like entrance. Make for the far side of the first 'point' on your port side, called Kingfish Point. You will find hidden around the corner is a well-sheltered anchorage. The mooring buoys are privately owned by Kingfish Lodge, so please do not pick these up until you have made arrangements directly with the Lodge. Kingfish Lodge is only accessible by water. The a la carte menu provides for the freshest seafood available, taken that day from the Whangaroa Harbour area. A well deserved drink at the bar will be welcome after this coastal passage!

Day 4
Spend the day exploring Whangaroa Harbour. The harbour has excellent sheltered anchorages. Explore the mystic coves, overlooked by lush green volcanic cliffs. Whangaroa is steeped in Maori and European history and has not changed very much from those days, with only a few settlements along the shores. Take your dinghy up the small rivers at high tide, and view the waterfalls and the rare native kauri trees. Put a fishing line over the side and see who catches the biggest fish for dinner. Or make for Whangaroa settlement, docking at the marina or anchoring off the Game fishing Club Bay of Islands Cruising Area

, where visitors are welcome and are entertained with local fishing stories. Opposite the Whangaroa settlement is Totara North, with a small wharf where you are able to replenish provisions and water.

Day 5
From Whangaroa set sail for the cavalli Islands which have dozens of beautiful anchorages, divers can rendezvous with the local dive companies who come here to dive the famous Rainbow Warrior ship wreck. Head over to Nukutaunga Island for lunch this is also a great snorkeling site, where you can make friends with New Zealand's friendliest fish, the sand daggers wrasse. Anchor overnight in Horseshoe bay where you can take the walking track to the other side of the island and experience breathtaking views over the beautiful Cavalli Islands. (Stay here only if the weather forecast is favourable).

Day 6
From Horseshoe bay head towards the sheltered waters of the Bay of islands keeping a look out for local wildlife such as Blue penguins, dolphins and native birds. Head towards Waeweatorea Island. Anchor for the night at Waeweatorea Passage. A distance of approximately 20NM.

Day 7
After a good nights rest, wake up early to watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean as you sail towards Piercy Island and Cape Brett. Keeping a look out for sea birds and native land birds along the coast line shearwaters, gannets and shags are often sighted. View the historic Cape Brett lighthouse and Piercy Island, a spectacular rugged natural formation with its famous Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave. Watch for playful dolphins and the little blue penguins. This is also a great spot to catch your dinner hopefully a nice Snapper or Kingfish. Five miles south of here you can anchor for the night in Whangamumu Harbour, once a busy Whaling station. You are on your own down here with no roads to this part of the coastline, so take all necessary to have another night at anchor and surrounded by birdlife. Take a short trip to the shore where you can walk around the remaining structures of the whaling station, there are also walking tracks which lead to a waterfall and a lookout over the picturesque bay.

Day 8
From Whangamumu Harbour head towards Cape Brett and then in to Deep water cove, anchorages are found on the north east corner of the bay as the rest of the bay is very deep. The bay is home to HMSNZ Canterbury who was sunk here as a recreational diving attraction. The bay used to be a favourite with the big game fishing boats but there is now a Rahui in place. The aim of the Rahui (meaning temporary closure) is to enable seriously depleted fish stocks to replenish. Overnight anchorage is in a bay close by called Oke Bay. Great for swimming and snorkelling. You can even find fresh green lipped mussels on the rocks look just below the kelp. Cook your freshly picked mussels on the barby for a delicious appetiser or for lunch.

Day 9
Set sail heading for Urupukapuka Island home to The Zane Grey Resort at Otehie Bay. Zane Grey was an American author, sports man and conservationist. He travelled to New Zealand to fish the waters of the Bay of Islands. His book'Tales of the Angler's Eldorado, New Zealand' was written during his first visit. This provides a detailed account of his fishing the waters of the Bay of Islands from the base which he set up at Otehei Bay. Entrance to the resort is limited at low tide from Otehei Bay itself. You can walk overland from numerous bays on Urupukapuka Is. Or anchor nearby and take your tender to the long jetty within the Bay itself. Once there, you will be welcomed to the resort by their friendly staff. The resort has many activities on offer for you to enjoy such as kayaking, snorkelling, archaeological walks and the Nautilus underwater submarine where you can take a peak into the underwater world. The resort offers a fully licensed restaurant and bar.

Day 10
After spending time at the Zane Grey Resort exploring this amazing island or simply relaxing on the beach, head over to your anchorage for the night Te Hue Bay also called Assassination Cove on the mainland. This is a very safe sheltered anchorage and you can expect many boats to refuge here if the weather is bad.

Day 11 Final morning
Enjoy the relaxing sail back to our base in Opua taking in the beauty of your surrounds. You will be once again greeted by our friendly staff on arrival into the base. You will receive a yacht debrief at 1200h after which you are free to depart.

The Moorings New Zealand - South Pacific Sailing Holidays & Charters