7 days from Bay of Islands
From Opua to Russell
After chart briefing and orientation, leave for historic Russell, an ancient Maori village and the first settlement in New Zealand. Drop your anchor for the night and take your time to chill around the waterfront area and dine at the reputed Duke of Malborough hotel.
From Russell to Moturoa Island
Visit the Maritime Park, where you will be able to access and land on each island. Almost splitted in two lagoons, Roberton Island is considered as the most amazing and historic of all. Besides, Motuarohia was the site of Captain Cook's first landing in the Bay. Take the opportunity to explore and snorkel in the lagoon. Halt for lunch and then leave to Pipi Bay on Moturoa Island for the night where you can collect fresh green-lipped mussels.
From Moturoa Island to Oke Bay
Sail the Albert Channel, passing close to Urupukapuka Island. Oke Bay is surrounded by high cliffs and offers a white and clean sandy beach perfect for swimmers. Before sundown, make your way to the Maori cemetery, where you will have the chance to see an amazing sunset.
From Oke Bay to Paradise Bay
Before leaving head to the famous "hole in the rock" and the lighthouse. Then travel north to Red Head on Oahu Island. Drop your anchor in Paradise Bay, an charming bay well sheltered the winds.
From Paradise Bay to Manawaroa Bay
Travel to Manawaroa Bay, on the east coast of the Bay of Islands. Inside the bay you will find several smaller bays some of which have very good anchorages. For instance Opunga Cove will make a perfect anchorage for the night. Take your dinghy around to Te Hue Bay, where in 1772 the Maoris took down the French navigator Marion du Fresne and his men. There, a monument commemorates its death.
From Manawaroa Bay to Omakiwi Cove
Have a nice sail to Motukiekie Island taking the channel. Opposite Army Bay you will find a small anchorage, a small beach is visible at mid to low tide. The island was owned by two siblings and was donated to the nation as a scenic reserve. From the anchorage, there is an easy walking track to take you from one end of the island to the other. After lunch head to Omakiwi Cove.
From Omakiwi Cove to Opua
Sail to Marsden Cross historical site, in Rangihoua Bay, at the beginning of the Kerikeri Cove. Passing by the volcanic Black Rocks, you'll find a famous fishing spot. Sail back to Russell through the Kent Passage and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants.
A short time to explore Russell township and visit. Then back to the base.
From Opua to Russell
After chart briefing and orientation, leave for historic Russell, an ancient Maori village and the first settlement in New Zealand. Drop your anchor for the night and take your time to chill around the waterfront area and dine at the reputed Duke of Malborough hotel.
From Russell to Moturoa Island
Visit the Maritime Park, where you will be able to access and land on each island. Almost splitted in two lagoons, Roberton Island is considered as the most amazing and historic of all. Besides, Motuarohia was the site of Captain Cook's first landing in the Bay. Take the opportunity to explore and snorkel in the lagoon. Halt for lunch and then leave to Pipi Bay on Moturoa Island for the night where you can collect fresh green-lipped mussels.
From Moturoa Island to Oke Bay
Sail the Albert Channel, passing close to Urupukapuka Island. Oke Bay is surrounded by high cliffs and offers a white and clean sandy beach perfect for swimmers. Before sundown, make your way to the Maori cemetery, where you will have the chance to see an amazing sunset.
From Oke Bay to Paradise Bay
Before leaving head to the famous "hole in the rock" and the lighthouse. Then travel north to Red Head on Oahu Island. Drop your anchor in Paradise Bay, an charming bay well sheltered the winds.
From Paradise Bay to Manawaroa Bay
Travel to Manawaroa Bay, on the east coast of the Bay of Islands. Inside the bay you will find several smaller bays some of which have very good anchorages. For instance Opunga Cove will make a perfect anchorage for the night. Take your dinghy around to Te Hue Bay, where in 1772 the Maoris took down the French navigator Marion du Fresne and his men. There, a monument commemorates its death.
From Manawaroa Bay to Omakiwi Cove
Have a nice sail to Motukiekie Island taking the channel. Opposite Army Bay you will find a small anchorage, a small beach is visible at mid to low tide. The island was owned by two siblings and was donated to the nation as a scenic reserve. From the anchorage, there is an easy walking track to take you from one end of the island to the other. After lunch head to Omakiwi Cove.
From Omakiwi Cove to Opua
Sail to Marsden Cross historical site, in Rangihoua Bay, at the beginning of the Kerikeri Cove. Passing by the volcanic Black Rocks, you'll find a famous fishing spot. Sail back to Russell through the Kent Passage and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants.
A short time to explore Russell township and visit. Then back to the base.
