Photo: Jagdeep Singh ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
One hundred and forty-four islands and Cape Brett.
The Bay of Islands, with its hundred-odd islands at the top of the North Island, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and where New Zealand began as a country. The water is cooler than the tropics, but dolphins come right to the hull and the green-bay anchorages match anything in the Mediterranean. From Opua we sail to Russell, Urupukapuka and the Cape Brett stack with its Hole in the Rock.
- The Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett
- Russell, New Zealand’s first capital
- The tracks and coves of Urupukapuka Island
- Dolphins and, with luck, orcas in the bay
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Handover
Opua and boat handover
Fly to Kerikeri or drive three and a half hours from Auckland. Handover at Opua marina, provisioning and an evening weather briefing.
Overnight: Yacht, Opua marina - DAY 2 · 4 nautical miles
Russell and Waitangi
A short four miles to Russell. A walk around the old whaling capital and the ferry to Waitangi for the Treaty House and the Māori meeting house.
Overnight: Yacht, Russell - DAY 3 · 8 nautical miles
Roberton Island
Eight miles to Roberton, where two lagoons cut in from either side. Snorkelling, a climb up the hill and a first proper night at anchor.
Overnight: Yacht, Roberton Island - DAY 4 · 5 nautical miles
Urupukapuka and Otehei Bay
Five miles to the largest island in the bay. The cliff-top loop track, a swim in Otehei Bay and dolphins alongside in the evening.
Overnight: Yacht, Otehei Bay - DAY 5 · 20 nautical miles
Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock
Ten miles east to Cape Brett. Through the Motukokako arch in calm seas, the lighthouse on the cape and back to Deep Water Cove.
Overnight: Yacht, Deep Water Cove - DAY 6 · 18 nautical miles
Kerikeri Inlet
Eighteen miles west into the head of the bay and up the Kerikeri River. The Stone Store and Mission House, New Zealand’s oldest buildings, and dinner at a winery.
Overnight: Yacht, Kerikeri Inlet - DAY 7 · 10 nautical miles
Back to Opua
The last ten miles to Opua marina. Boat return and a farewell dinner in Paihia.
Overnight: Yacht, Opua marina - DAY 8 · Transfer
Departure
Breakfast and transfer to Kerikeri airport.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
Double cabin on a 40–45 ft yacht or catamaran
A professional skipper
Breakfasts and lunches on board
Transfers between Kerikeri airport and Opua marina
Snorkelling kit and a kayak
End-of-charter cleaning and linen
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Kitty for dinners ashore, fuel, water and moorings
Transfer from Auckland if not flying to Kerikeri
Single-cabin supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Weather here shifts even in summer, and the wind can turn within an hour. Suited to those ready for real sailing; Ivan reviews forecasts and northerly-wind bolt-holes with the group beforehand.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase
- Shoes with clean, non-slip soles
- Sun and wind protection, and a light rain layer
- Personal essentials suited to your experience at sea
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.