Anchoring and clearance in Bay of Islands

Clearance at Opua, pilotage, the 120 m pontoon and where superyachts anchor in Bay of Islands.

Picture made with AI. It shows the place but is not a photograph.

Clearance

Arriving from overseas

The Northland Regional Council superyacht guide lists Opua Marine Park and Marsden Cove Marina as the Northland ports of first arrival. (NRC, 1 July 2025.)

NoticeSend the Advance Notice of Arrival to Customs at least 48 hours before you enter New Zealand waters, 12 nautical miles from the coast. The address is yachts@customs.govt.nz

RadioBay of Islands Marina keeps VHF channel 73

OfficersOpua has independent Customs and MPI officers on site. The quarantine area is at the northern end of the marina, inside the outer breakwater

Large yachtsIf a vessel is too large to reach Opua, inspection takes place at an anchorage off Russell. The guide recommends more notice

Customs phone0800 428 786 from New Zealand, or +64 4 931 5799 or +64 9 927 8036 from overseas

Customs lists Opua Marine Park and Marsden Cove Marina as the Northland first-arrival ports.

Pilotage

Pilots and the harbourmaster

PilotagePilotage is compulsory in the Bay of Islands and Whangarei pilotage areas. Charges apply for each visit

500 GT and overMaritime Rule Part 90 says every vessel of 500 gross tonnes or more carries a licensed pilot in these areas

Passage planA passage plan is needed for every voyage. Plans for vessels of 500 GT or more are approved by the harbourmaster

Daily reportSuperyachts send daily position notifications to the harbourmaster

NoticeThe harbourmaster needs notice at least two working days before arrival, preferably through a local agent

Pilot coverThe guide says the Bay of Islands is not a 24 hour pilot port

HarbourmasterNorthland Regional Council, +64 9 470 1200 (Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 4.00 pm). Incident line 0800 504 639

A superyacht here means a vessel of 40 m or more used by its owner and guests. (NRC superyacht guide, 1 July 2025.)

Opua Wharf

Superyacht pontoon

SizePurpose-built 120 m pontoon at Opua Wharf

PowerThree-phase power at 125 amp and 63 amp

ServicesWater, pump-out and waste collection

AccessKeypad-secured entrance

ContactFar North Holdings, +64 9 402 5659, enquiries@fnhl.co.nz

Rules

Waste and speed

SewageUntreated sewage discharge is illegal in all Northland harbours and the Bay of Islands. Holding tanks are acceptable

MarinaThe marina has a no-discharge policy and requires holding tanks

Speed5 knots within 200 m of shore. Tenders must comply

Cruise ship anchorages

Cruise anchorages in the Bay of Islands

The guide says superyachts should avoid anchoring near the cruise ship anchorages. Anchorage No. 3 in front of Russell may be free if no ship is booked.

Anchorage	Charted depth	Max draught	Max length
No. 1	12.0 m	10.0 m	330 m
No. 1A	12.5 m	10.5 m	350 m
Central	12.5 m	10.5 m	350 m+
No. 2	11.0 m	9.2 m	300 m
No. 2A	11.5 m	10.5 m	350 m
No. 3	10.0 m	8.3 m	170 m

Northland Regional Council superyacht guide, 1 July 2025.

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