Visiting Bay of Islands by yacht

When to come, where superyachts anchor and how guests get ashore in Bay of Islands.

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

Seasons

When to come

Season	Months	Daily high	Monthly rain
Peak	December to March	22.8 to 24.4 °C	78 to 117 mm
Shoulder	April, November	20.5 to 20.6 °C	76 to 103 mm
Off season	May to October	15.3 to 18.7 °C	84 to 169 mm

WMO World Weather Information Service, Whangarei, 1981 to 2010. Whangarei is about 55 km from Opua. Season bands are our own estimate.

At anchor

Where yachts anchor

These points come from the Northland Regional Council superyacht guide of 1 July 2025.

Suitable harboursThe guide says the only suitable harbours for superyachts in Northland are Whangaroa, the Bay of Islands and Whangarei

Outside the limitsA superyacht that does not pass the pilotage limits may anchor at a suitable location. The guide says anchoring outside the limits and using the ship's tender gives full flexibility

Light sectorAnchoring within the sector limits of the Bay of Islands directional light is prohibited

ChartsPilotage and harbour limits are on chart NZ 5125

RussellAnchorage No. 3 in front of Russell may be free if no cruise ship is booked

Water taxis

Water taxis run on demand to Urupukapuka Island all year, weather permitting. The Paihia isite takes bookings. (DOC.)

Ferries

Passenger ferries go from Paihia and Russell to Otehei Bay every day in the peak summer season. (DOC.)

Marine mammal sanctuary

Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary was gazetted on 17 November 2021 and took effect on 15 December 2021. Trips to Urupukapuka Island pass through it. (DOC.)

Past visits

Superyachts at Opua

Artefact, 80 m

Berthed at Ōpua wharf for two weeks over the end of 2023. RNZ called it believed to be the biggest motor yacht to visit the Bay of Islands.

Sea Eagle II, 81 m

Sat at Ōpua wharf in April 2021 while its crew quarantined, then went to Whangārei.

Gliss, 32 m

Berthed at Ōpua twice, according to the Northern Advocate in December 2023.

RNZ, 19 December 2023. Northern Advocate, 13 April 2021 and 20 December 2023.

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