Coastal Classic Sailing to the Bay of Islands

We don`t generally start charters from the Bay, but we do offer a one-way hire to Opua, Bay of Islands, on charters over 10 days for a relocation fee equivalent to two additional days charter (which is for us to retrieve the boat!). 

It has to be said that it`s a lot easier to start in Auckland from a logistics point of view, and returning by road afterwards is easily arranged, although I`d recommend a few days there shoreside at the end of your cruise to explore!

Occasionally there are Charterlink vessels which are available from Opua because of a charter that has ended there

As a sailor, you know that the journey is more important than the destination, and the coastal passage from Auckland to the Bay of Islands is a great sail!  It`s only 130 miles Bayswater to Opua, and it is is in my view one of the world`s great short voyages

There`s a taste of open water in the deep blue Pacific, but there are ports and harbours all along the way, including Kawau, perhaps a side trip to Great Barrier Island and Port Fitzroy, Marsden Cove Marina, and Tutukaka.  The picturesque Hen and Chicken Islands and Sail Rock are worth a close pass, and a must visit is the marine reserve at the Poor Knights Islands, LINK , where you will also find the Rikoriko Cave, the world`s largest sea cave!  LINK ,    Following in the footsteps of James Cook, then you pass Hole in the Wall at Piercy Island, round Cape Brett and have the Bay of Islands to explore.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/poor-knights-islands-marine-reserve/

https://tuhura.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/riko-riko-the-worlds-largest-sea-cave/

NZ Marine Mammals http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-mammals/

The Bay of Islands itself is a beautiful cruising ground. With 144 islands there's no shortage of secluded bays to drop anchor in. Fishing, diving, walks, history and scenery. I highly recommend it.  In a few days there, after your sail up the coast, you could not stop in every anchorage or point of interest, but it would give you a taste of the inner islands and leave you wishing for more.

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