Bareboat Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Day 1, Russell

View day 1

Day 2, Russell

Opua to Russell – 4 nm. Start your Bay of Islands itinerary with a short sail to Russell, originally a Maori village and the site of the first European settlement in New Zealand. The historic town has a number of stores and restaurants. The Russell Museum is well worth a visit. The exhibits tell the story of how Russell changed over time from the days when the Maori lived there to when the town developed into a major whaling and trading port, eventually becoming New Zealand’s first capital. There are three heritage paths to a variety of historic sites that make for interesting trekking.

View day 2

Day 3, Moturua Island

Russell to Moturua Island – 5 nm. The second leg of your Bay of Islands itinerary takes you to Roberton Island (Motuarohia Island) for much of the day. This is where British explorer James Cook first landed in 1769 during his initial voyage to the South Pacific (he sailed there three times). The island is small, less than a mile in length, and is part of a marine reserve. Its main feature is the two lagoons that nearly split the land into three parts. Within the lagoons is an underwater snorkeling trail, and ashore there is a white-sand beach and a hiking path leading to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the bay. After enjoying Roberton Island, set off on the passage to your overnight anchorage at scenic Moturua Island, also part of a marine reserve. Waipao Bay (Frenchman’s Bay) is a beautiful location, and you can harvest fresh mussels there for a delicious feast!

View day 3

Day 4, Whangaroa Harbour

Moturua Island to Whangaroa Harbour – 35 nm. Awaken early for a day full of fantastic sailing. Along the way, you can stop at the beautiful Cavalli Islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and explore on foot. Then set sail for Whangaroa Harbour. Once through the narrow entrance you make your way to the scenic and sheltered anchorage off the Kingfish Lodge. Enjoying an excellent seafood dinner at the restaurant and a refreshing cocktail at the bar is a pleasant way to spend the evening.

View day 4

Day 5, Whangaroa Harbour

Lay day – 0 nm. Whangaroa Harbour is large and sheltered, a deep cut in the mainland with many coves and bays nestled between prominent headlands. The scenery is largely the way it was centuries ago in this remote and beautiful paradise. A short sail takes you to any number of interesting locations, including Rere Bay with its waterfalls and footpaths. There’s also a scenic creek to explore in the dinghy, the lush vegetation and high hills making you feel as though you have stepped back in time. At the far end of the harbor you’ll find the Game Fishing Club and marina, with full services for yachts and a casual restaurant that serves excellent food.

View day 5

Day 6, Cavalli Islands

Whangaroa Harbor to Cavalli Islands – 35 nm. Sailing south takes you back to the Cavalli Islands, where you’ll find a variety of beautiful anchorages well worth visiting in settled weather. Horseshoe Bay on the west side of Big Cavalli Island is quite popular, as is the hiking trail that circles the island and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters. The snorkeling in the area is excellent, especially at Nukutaunga Island. Local dive companies offer underwater excursions to explore the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace ship scuttled in 1987 to serve as an artificial reef.

View day 6

Day 7, Waewaetorea Island

Cavalli Islands to Waewaetorea Island – 20 nm. Your Bay of Islands sailing itinerary takes you on a relatively short passage to lovely Waeweatorea Island, with several sheltered beaches excellent for swimming. Ashore are the ruins of a Maori village.

View day 7

Day 8, Whangamumu Harbour

Waewaetorea Island to Whangamumu Harbour – 11 nm. The next leg of your Bay of Islands itinerary takes you past the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse and rugged Percy Island famous for the Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave. The seascape is breathtaking, and you may well see dolphins and blue penguins. The fishing off the cape is fabulous. Beyond you will find Whangamumu Harbour, which was once a busy whaling station tucked between the two headlands. Taking the dinghy ashore to explore is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. There are walking paths to nearby waterfalls and to a scenic overlook.

View day 8

Day 9, Oke Bay

Whangamumu Harbour to Oke Bay – 12 nm. A short sail north around Cape Brett takes you to Oke Bay. As you sail, dolphins may accompany you, adding to the remote ambiance of this cliff-lined stretch of the coast. On the way, consider stopping for lunch at Deep Water Cove with its artificial reef. Well sheltered at the base of the cape on the west side, Oke Bay is a superlative spot for swimming and snorkeling. Gathering fresh mussels for dinner is another attraction of the bay.

View day 9

Day 10, Otehie Bay

Oke Bay to Otehie Bay – 4 nm. From Oke Bay head to beautiful Otehie Bay on the southwest side of Bakers Island, famous for the Zane Grey Resort, where you can enjoy the restaurant, bar, the beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, numerous walking paths to archaeological sites, and a ride on the Nautilus, a submarine that takes you on an undersea sightseeing tour. The resort is named after the renowned angler Zane Grey, who had a fishing base at Otehie Bay. Bakers Island also has a number of walking paths that provide stunning views of the surrounding waters and the mainland.

View day 10

Day 11, Assassination Cove

Otehie Bay to Assassination Cove – 5 nm. Your Bay of Islands itinerary next takes you westward to the mainland, where you’ll find a profusion of scenic and sheltered bays. Tucked behind a long peninsula on the easternmost shore is Te Hue Bay, or more commonly known as Assassination Cove. The bay is one of the best protected in the area.

View day 11