Bay Of Islands
OPUA - Recreational port and gateway to the Bay of Islands.
The gateway to the Bay of Islands
Recreational port and gateway to the Bay of Islands. Where two rivers meet and the bay stretches northward to the sea. What a view! The gateway to the Bay of Islands. Located where the Kawakawa River and Waikeri River meet with the Bay stretching out Northward to the sea. You can see the passenger ferry 5 km down the bay going between Paihia and Russell.Waitangi is just beyond Paihia and the entrance to the Kerikeri River is viewed near the North end of the bay. Here is where the overseas yachts first arrive in New Zealand after making their South Pacific Ocean crossing.
The charter sailboats are based here that cruise through the bay. The Tucker Thompson a top sail schooner and other cruise boats start out on there daily excursions from the Opua Port. During the Year a few cruise ships visit this hide away port. The car ferry takes vehicles across the port to Okiato and the road to Russell.
The Coastal Walking Path starts in Opua the Harrison Scenic Reserve (rain forest) is a twenty minute walk and the scenic trip to Paihia takes three Hours. (a 5 km trip by road, 10 minutes by car) The community of Opua is small and centered around its international recreational Port, Marina and the Wharf (fishing is permitted). There are three charter boat companies and several independent operators. There is a good restaurant and take-a-way, small convenience store , Port operations office and the Post Office is small, friendly and efficient. There is a small boat launching ramp and a dingy dock. There are two boat yards, sail repair, engine shop and other supporting services making Opua a surprisingly good place to work on your boat. Yacht moorings are available for short or long term rental. The Opua Cruising Club is a local center of social activity in this provincial community. A new 240 berth marina provides dockage for local and overseas vessels.
Dining
You can find food for every taste in Opua – from upmarket restaurants with fine wines to brasseries and takeaways
Boat Tours
Escape from ordinary and set sail with us. We have a fleet of well-maintained yachts and powerboats. Our boats are suitable for two to six people; complete novices can be skippering their own boat in our beautiful Bay of Islands after once of our sailing courses, experienced sailors can cast off straight away.
