Day sailing in Bay of Islands

C

chrisclin

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Feb 2003
Messages
266
Location
Linlithgow
Visit site
We're off to New Zealand and are planning our itinerary. After weeks of hectic travelling, we come to rest in the Bay of Islands for a few days in the middle of March and I have been exploring the possibility of a day's bareboat sailing. However, all my Googling comes up with day trips on 80 foot Maxis with 'only' 10 others. Alternatively, up come week-long charters on AWBs which, while looking wonderful, are not what I'm after.

I would like to rent something like a Wayfarer or other dayboat that I can sail out with the family and a picnic.
Anyone any thoughts?
 
Probably not much help, but sea kayaks were easily and cheaply available when I was there. Fantastic for exploring the little islands.
 
We chartered an AWB out of Auckland for a week (which was great) then did Bay of Islands by car and tripper catamaran (which was also good).

But there seemed to be a huge number of tripper boats in the Bay of Islands and they all went close past all the anchored yachts, rolling them to the gunwales with their wash, which I thought was rather unfriendly and very uncomfortable for any yacht there.
Sorry, not there long enough to advise on day charter
 
Just going through the local phone book, and Fairwind charters in Opua are probably the people you're looking for:


No affiliation, just a helpful lucky bugger who lives in the Bay and stumbled on this post while drifting rudderless through the web one rainy day :D

If you see a red fishing kayak flying the Jolly Roger, swing by and say hello.
 
thanks for all your replies (plus the pms). it does ook as though the relationship between NZ and Scotland is still there judging by the locations of the UK responders!
really looking forward to this trip. i will contact Fairwind and see if their smallest is available.
thanks again
 
Know not exactly what you want but we did this a few years ago and found it a great day - http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attrac..._Bay_of_Islands_Northland_Region_North_I.html

The Feb 02 2102 review is by people we know so stills seems good - also are people like us who like cruising in their own 40 ft yacht at home here. Even with a few non sailors thrown in it was very enjoyable, also we got plenty of time on the helm - Mike was only too keen to delegate the sailing!
 
Yep, I see Gungha heading out most mornings I'm on the water. As a kayaker, the Skipper is definitely one of the more courteous on the water - So he gets a thumbs up from me :D
 
First Mate and I are in NZ for 7 weeks-end of Feb to middle of April. We will be in both Auckland and Wellington. I thought we might visit a few Sailing Clubs and buy a few beers. Never know-might get an invitation for a sail. Going to take in the Speedway GP in Auckland too-catch upwith a few old rivals..................
 
rotrax said:
First Mate and I are in NZ for 7 weeks-end of Feb to middle of April. We will be in both Auckland and Wellington. I thought we might visit a few Sailing Clubs and buy a few beers. Never know-might get an invitation for a sail. Going to take in the Speedway GP in Auckland too-catch upwith a few old rivals..................
Click to expand...

Possibly the very best spectator motorsport in the world, a great night out at the Speedway!

Graham
(Kiwi now living in the UK)
 
GSL said:
Possibly the very best spectator motorsport in the world, a great night out at the Speedway!

Graham
(Kiwi now living in the UK)
Click to expand...

I am in complete agreement. Others on here have a different view though. Untill a few years ago I was still riding in Old-Timer events-untill my knees gave up. Got into big trouble once-First Mate and her friend veto'd Swindon Speedway one saturday night. I fell in with what the other girls fella suggested-an open air disco. He drove us to Swindon Speedway. He told the girls that they played great rock and roll between races. First mate was a bit thin lipped for a while!
 
Do know of someone who keeps his yacht moored up near the Marina in past Pahia/Russell
Buts its a Tasman Sea/Polynesia/go anywhere type yacht and he is based over in the Hokianga near my daughters.
 
rotrax said:
I am in complete agreement. Others on here have a different view though. Untill a few years ago I was still riding in Old-Timer events-untill my knees gave up. Got into big trouble once-First Mate and her friend veto'd Swindon Speedway one saturday night. I fell in with what the other girls fella suggested-an open air disco. He drove us to Swindon Speedway. He told the girls that they played great rock and roll between races. First mate was a bit thin lipped for a while!
Click to expand...

Don't know about Swindon Speedway, never been. I was referring specifically to Western Springs in Auckland, and especially the TQ Midget racing, at this time of year there are always a number of Americans competing in New Zealand.

Graham
 
If you go to the local INFO desk in Pahia, they keep a list of local skippers who take visitors out for a day sail. In 2009 it cost me 50 bucks for a wonderful days sail, never forget it.

Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top