Auckland to Opua, New Zealand / 140nm / 31 Jan - 4 feb 2025
5 days / cat 3 coastal sailing cruise / Event #2503 / Te Kaihōpara: Crew positions available
The Category 3 - coastal cruise takes us from the City of Sails to the heart of the Bay of Islands, 140nm to the north with stopovers along the way to enjoy the coastline and sealife. We‘ll review the weather before departing and plan our route to Opua, which will include overnight stops and exploration ashore in 3 of the following locations;
We’ll depart Auckland and work our way up then coast at a leisurely place, planning cruising stopovers at locations that take advantage of the prevailing weather and activities on offer. We’ll enjoy barbeques, roast dinners and relax at take in the sunset each night. On the final leg we’ll sail between Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, before navigating through the narrow Albert Channel into the Bay of Islands.
Passage plan
Potential anchorages and stopovers on the route from Auckland to Opua
Event registration
Secure your place on this adventure with a 20-50% deposit / All prices in AUD
Current price release: Early Bird
Pre-release - SOLD OUT
SHARED CABIN: Early bird $2,250 pp
PRIVATE CABIN: $6,750 (includes 3 berths)
Final Release $3,750 pp
EXPEDITION DESCRIPTION
Kawau Island
Discover the historical charm and natural beauty of Kawau Island, an enchanting destination in the Hauraki Gulf. Known for its rich history, Kawau Island was once home to Sir George Grey, New Zealand's Governor, who transformed it into a botanical wonderland. His historic Mansion House still stands, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's past. Sailing to Kawau Island provides a tranquil retreat with its serene anchorages and picturesque bays. Mansion House Bay is a popular mooring spot, allowing sailors to explore the grand house and its beautiful gardens. The island's walking tracks lead through lush forests, past remnants of the copper mining era, and to stunning coastal viewpoints. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the abundant birdlife and the possibility of spotting native wallabies. Whether you're seeking historical intrigue, peaceful nature walks, or simply a beautiful spot to anchor, Kawau Island is a must-visit destination for any sailing enthusiast.
Mahurangi Harbour
Mahurangi Harbour, located just north of Auckland, offers a serene escape with its pristine waters and idyllic scenery. Steeped in maritime history, the harbour has long been a safe haven for sailors. The area is renowned for its scenic anchorages, peaceful bays, and charming inlets, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely sailing trip. Visitors can explore the historic Scott Homestead, a beautifully preserved 19th-century house that provides a fascinating insight into the region's past. The harbour's tranquil waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, while the surrounding hills and forests offer excellent hiking opportunities. Each bay within Mahurangi Harbour has its own unique charm, from the secluded Sullivans Bay to the picturesque Opahi Bay. Sailors will appreciate the calm anchorages and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and history of this delightful harbour.
Moturekareka Island
Set sail for adventure and intrigue at Moturekareka Island, a small yet captivating destination in the Hauraki Gulf. The island is famous for the partially submerged shipwreck of the Rewa, a vessel that was scuttled here in 1930 to create a breakwater. This fascinating wreck provides a unique snorkelling and diving experience, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world teeming with marine life. Moturekareka Island is an ideal anchorage for those seeking a peaceful and secluded spot. The island's crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline offer excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the natural surroundings. Its remote location and historical significance make it a perfect destination for sailors looking to combine adventure with tranquillity. Whether you're diving into history or simply enjoying the serene environment, Moturekareka Island promises an unforgettable experience.
Omaha Cove
Omaha Cove, nestled on the eastern coast near Leigh, is a hidden gem for sailors seeking a tranquil and picturesque anchorage. This sheltered cove is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. The calm and serene environment of Omaha Cove offers a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. A visit to Omaha Cove is not complete without exploring the nearby Leigh Marine Reserve and Goat Island, where you can witness the vibrant underwater ecosystem. The marine reserve is a haven for divers and snorkellers, offering a close encounter with an array of colourful marine life. Sailors can anchor in the calm waters of Omaha Cove and take in the breathtaking coastal views, enjoy beachcombing, and indulge in water-based activities. With its stunning natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Omaha Cove is an idyllic destination for a sailing adventure.
Whangarei Heads
Whangarei Heads, located at the entrance to Whangarei Harbour, is a sailing paradise known for its dramatic landscapes and excellent sailing conditions. The area boasts several safe anchorages, each offering stunning views of the rugged coastline, volcanic peaks, and lush greenery. History enthusiasts will appreciate the area's rich Maori heritage and the historic lighthouse at Bream Head. Sailors can explore the pristine beaches, hidden coves, and scenic walking tracks that wind through the native bush. The marine life is abundant, with opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. The natural beauty and serene surroundings make Whangarei Heads a popular destination for those looking to experience the best of New Zealand's coastal scenery. Whether you're anchoring in one of its sheltered bays or exploring the dramatic landscapes, Whangarei Heads offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for sailors.
Tutukaka Harbour
Tutukaka Harbour, located on the Northland coast, is a vibrant and popular sailing hub renowned for its world-class diving and snorkelling sites. The harbour serves as the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, one of the world's top dive locations. The clear waters around the islands are teeming with marine life, offering an unparalleled underwater experience. Tutukaka Harbour itself offers excellent anchorage, modern marina facilities, and access to beautiful beaches and coastal walks. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from diving and fishing to exploring the local cafes and restaurants. The harbour's lively atmosphere and proximity to the Poor Knights Islands make it an essential stop for any sailing itinerary. With its stunning marine environment and welcoming harbour facilities, Tutukaka Harbour promises an exciting and memorable sailing experience.
Whangaruru Harbour
Whangaruru Harbour, situated on the east coast of Northland, is a picturesque and secluded sailing destination. The harbour offers sheltered anchorages and calm waters, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, lush forests, and pristine beaches, providing a scenic backdrop for sailing. Sailors can explore the harbour's many bays and inlets, each offering unique opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing. The area is also rich in Maori history, with several significant sites and cultural landmarks to discover. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Whangaruru Harbour provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its tranquil environment and stunning scenery make it a must-visit destination for sailors looking to experience the best of New Zealand's coastal charm.
Whangamumu Harbour
Whangamumu Harbour, located in the Bay of Islands, is a hidden gem known for its historical significance and natural beauty. The harbour was once a bustling whaling station, and remnants of this past can still be seen today, offering a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand's maritime history. The sheltered anchorage and serene surroundings make it a perfect spot for a peaceful sailing stop. Visitors can explore the historic whaling station ruins, hike through the native bush to scenic viewpoints, and enjoy the calm waters for swimming and snorkelling. The harbour's rich history and stunning natural environment provide a unique and memorable experience for sailors. Whether you're anchoring in the tranquil bay or exploring the historic sites, Whangamumu Harbour offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty for an unforgettable sailing adventure.
Te Toroa Bay
Te Toroa Bay, situated in the Bay of Islands, is a secluded and picturesque anchorage known for its calm waters and scenic beauty. The bay offers a peaceful retreat for sailors, with its sheltered environment and pristine beaches. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing, providing ample opportunities for water-based activities. Sailors can explore the surrounding coastline, hike through the native bush, and enjoy the tranquillity of this secluded bay. The area's natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a perfect destination for a relaxing sailing getaway. Whether you're anchoring in the calm waters or exploring the scenic surroundings, Te Toroa Bay promises a peaceful and rejuvenating experience for sailors.
Maunganui Bay
Maunganui Bay, located in the Bay of Islands, is a stunning and sheltered anchorage known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty. The bay offers excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and diving, with vibrant marine life and underwater landscapes to explore. The calm and clear waters provide a perfect setting for water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches, hike through the native bush to scenic viewpoints, and relax in the serene environment. The bay's natural beauty and sheltered environment make it a popular destination for sailors seeking a peaceful and picturesque anchorage. Whether you're exploring the underwater world or enjoying the stunning coastal scenery, Maunganui Bay offers an idyllic and memorable sailing experience.
Urupukapuka Bay
Urupukapuka Bay, part of the Bay of Islands, is a popular sailing destination known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and lush greenery. The bay offers safe anchorage and excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. The surrounding Urupukapuka Island is rich in Maori history and features several walking tracks that lead to scenic viewpoints and historical sites. Sailors can explore the island's beautiful beaches, hike through the native bush, and learn about the area's cultural heritage. The bay's serene environment and natural beauty make it a perfect spot for a relaxing sailing getaway. Whether you're enjoying the water activities or exploring the island's historical and scenic sites, Urupukapuka Bay promises an unforgettable sailing experience.
Motuarohia Island
Motuarohia Island, also known as Roberton Island, is a small and picturesque island in the Bay of Islands. The island is known for its clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, making it an ideal destination for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. The island's historic significance includes Captain Cook's visit in 1769, adding a layer of intrigue to its natural beauty. Visitors can explore the island's scenic walking tracks, which lead to panoramic viewpoints and historic sites. The island's sheltered bays provide excellent anchorage, allowing sailors to enjoy the peaceful and beautiful surroundings. Whether you're exploring the underwater world or hiking to scenic viewpoints, Motuarohia Island offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty for an unforgettable sailing adventure.
Activities included
Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Here’s what you will experience onboard
Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.
Weather impact
With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.
Extra reading
ADDITIONAL MEDIA
Check out photo gallery highlights from ocean passages.
itinerary
You’ll arrive at the vessel at the Gulf Harbour Marina in Auckland by 10am on the 31st of January 2025. We will aim to depart as soon as we complete the yacht familiarisation and safety briefing process and head for our first of our island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 30th of January, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 30th of January, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.
Our plan is to sail into the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua by 2pm on the 4th of February and you can plan to depart out of Keri Keri Airport (a 30 minute car ride) later the same day.
Arrive at the vessel in Auckland after 5pm on the 30/1/25 or by 10am on 31/1/25
Crew training and safety familiarisation on 31/1/25
Depart Gulf Harbour Marina around 11am on 31/1/25
Arrive in Opua by 2pm on 4/2/25
Depart Keri Keri Airport after 5pm on 4/2/25
Getting to and from there
Arrival Airport: Auckland International Airport.
Departure Airport: Keri Keri Airport, Bay of islands.
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Auckland and Opua, accommodation onboard, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
PRIVATE CABINS
There are only two private cabins available on each leg and they include a double and single berth in each.
If you book a private cabin, you can have 1 , 2 or 3 occupants.
The price for a private cabin is the combined price of 3 berths, less 10%.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.
Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Review sailing calendar for all events