Cruising Ground

Cruising Ground

Roberton Island

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.

Highlights

  • Roberton Island – lovely walk to the top of the hill where you can a great perspective on all the islands.  Also has a nice safe snorkelling trail in the lagoon.  Click for Roberton Island DOC info
  • Mangahawea Bay

    Moturua Island – mostly DOC (Department of Conservation) public reserve land.  Fantastic walks, beautiful beaches – sheltered bays worth visiting include Pipi Bay and Army Bay – where if you are lucky you can get a feed of local mussels.  Click for info on Moturua Island

  • Urupukapuka Island – all DOC (Department of Conservation) public reserve land with a lovely restaurant and bar in Otehei Bay where our sailors are welcome.  Well marked walking tracks crisscrossing the island to cater for all levels of fitness.  Beautiful beaches and secluded coves, at least a few nights at Paradise Bay or Otiao recommended. Click for information on Urupukapuka Island
  • Rangihoua Heritage Park on the mainland, better known as Marsden Cross, is a fantastic spot to visit.  Historical sites ashore have plaques commemorating people and events.  You can plan your visit to this park here http://www.rangihouaheritage.co.nz

Oke Bay

Wineries

  • Omata Estate – Anchor in the very sheltered Te Wahapu inlet, then take a short walk through the vines to the winery  Click for info on Omata Estate
  • 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.  Click for info on Sage Resturant / Paroa Bay Winery

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

Well charted, easily navigatable, sheltered waters.  We will give you a thorough briefing and a local cruising guide with paper charts, if you are bringing a smart device along you may like to download your own GPS/Chartplotter app such as Navionics.

Select your boat and Request a Charter

Awaawaroa (Pippi) Bay

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.

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).

Click here for Chart NZ5125 showing cruising limits

Useful links

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

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

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