Bay of islands, New Zealand / 130nm / 11 - 18 Feb 2025

4 days / 4 nights / cat 3 cruise / EVENT #2431 / Te Kaihōpara: CREW POSITIONs AVAILABLE

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This 4-day cruise is the perfect chance to enjoy some of the magical islands of the Bay of Islands and northern New Zealand coastline. This cruising ground offers numerous options for anchoring, exploring and enjoying this stunning part of New Zealand. Each day we will set a course for a new anchorage, that we select as a crew based on weather and comfort.

This is a relaxing retreat that takes in islands, bays, beaches, harbours, hikes, sea-life, fishing and the stunning island jewels of the world famous - Bay of Islands and Northland Coast.

On this mini-expedition we will visit and explore up to 6 of the following locations highlighted with yellow pins.

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

Join crew

SHARED CABIN: AUD$1,950 (PER BERTH)
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$5,265 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHS)

4 days

The extensive Northland Coast includes 20+ island, bay and harbour anchorage options (in yellow)

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

The Bay of Islands is a New Zealand enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country's North Island. It’s known for its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing and Maori cultural artefacts. It's also home to the 19th-century whaling port of Russell, whose waterfront promenade is lined with remnants from its days as the country’s first colonial capital. The Bay of Islands' calm, sandy beaches, abundant marine life and lush native forest make it a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders and international visitors.

This expedition is a combination of sailing, cruising, exploring, relaxing and discovering numerous special places that very few people get to in their lifetimes.

Itinery

You can fly directly into Keri Keri (30 minutes by car from Opua) on the 31st of October 2024 or early on the 1st of November. Our crew will officially assemble at 10am on the 1st of November at the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua and we will aim to depart as soon as we complete the yacht familiarisation and safety training process and head for our first of our island anchorages. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 31st of October, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 31st of October, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.

The goal is to take in the magic of the Bay of Islands and Northland Coast, stopping at a handful of scenic bays, anchorages and islands en-route, while managing around the weather to ensure a comfortable and safe 4-day cruise. Some of the sights you will encounter include some of the most stunning maritime scenery in New Zealand. We’ll aim to be tied up back at the Bay of Islands Marina in Opua by 3pm on the 6th of November.

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.

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals ashore in Opua and at various stopover islands and ports, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, 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.

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.