Cruising Ground

Our cruising ground, the Bay of Islands, is a world-renowned cruising destination.  With its sheltered waters, temperate climate, historic towns, sleepy bays, protected inlets, golden sandy beaches, and clear waters, there is plenty to explore and enjoy.

Sailing is easy with short distances between bays and islands.  For those that love nature, beaches and water activities, it’s paradise.

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Cruising Ground

Highlights

Wineries

Omata Estate

Omata Estate – Anchor in the very sheltered Te Wahapu inlet, then take a short walk through the vines to the winery

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Wineries

Paroa Bay Winery – Anchor in Paroa Bay and the team from the winery will pick you up from the beach or alternatively, the team can pick you up from the Russell Wharf and shuttle you out to Sage Restaurant. Bookings are essential.

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Weather

The Bay of Islands enjoys a semi-tropical maritime climate, created by the southerly flow of warm water from the South Pacific. Sailors can enjoy a warm climate throughout the year, with temperatures reaching up to 25°C (75°F), even during winter. Occasionally a light frost can occur.  Summer temperatures in the Bay of Islands can reach into the low 30°C’s (around 90°F). The warmest months are January, February and March.  Average daily temperatures in the Bay of Islands range from 15°C to 27°C (60°F to 80°F).  The Bay of Islands has an average yearly rainfall between 1500mm to 2000mm and enjoys an average of 135 sunshine days.

Out in the bay VHF channel 19 is a dedicated weather station and plays the latest Met service weather forecast continuously.

Navigation

Cruising Limits

Davidson 20s and Noelex 25s

Enclosed Waters Bay of Islands – An area inside straight lines joining the North points of Wairoa Bay, the Eastern Black Rock, Motuarohia Island, Moturua Island, Motukeikei Island, the West point of Urupukapuka Island (Te Areako Point) and from the point on Urupukapuka Island nearest to Round Island to Te Hue Point.

View Chart NZ5125 View Chart NZ5124

Noelex 30s and Raven 31s

Inshore Bay of Islands  – Tikitiki Rock to the North and Cape Brett to the south. This also includes the Te Puna inlet and areas covered in NZ5124. (We do allow extended charters on the Northland coast to include Whangamumu, Cavalli Islands and Whangaroa for charters of seven days or more with suitably experienced skippers, this needs to be agreed before you cast off and is subject to suitable weather conditions).

View Chart NZ5125 View Chart NZ5124

Useful links

Ensure you are familiar with the maritime regulations as they apply in Northland.

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Where to stay before and after your sailing holiday: Visit BOI – Accommodation.

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What else to do besides sailing in the Bay of Islands.

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Great Escape – Bay of Islands Cruising Ground