Bay of Islands Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Routes

The Bay of Islands’ 144 islands sit within a compact cruising ground roughly 10 nautical miles across, which means every corner is within easy reach on a day charter while multi-day routes open up the outer bay, Cape Brett and the coastline beyond. The 3-day and 4-day itineraries below cover different ground and can be stitched together into a 7-day voyage without repeating a single anchorage. Every route is fully customisable – your captain adjusts stops and pacing based on wind, sea state and your group’s mood.

Day Charter Routes from the Bay of Islands

Paihia to the Hole in the Rock: The Signature Day Out

Depart Paihia or Opua mid-morning and cruise north-east toward Cape Brett – roughly 60–75 minutes through the heart of the bay, passing island after island as the water deepens and the cliffs of Cape Brett rise ahead. At Piercy Island, your captain threads the yacht through the Hole in the Rock – an 18-metre-high natural sea arch that is the Bay of Islands’ most dramatic moment. On the return journey, pause at Deep Water Cove (Maunganui Bay) for a swim and snorkel in water with up to 20 metres visibility – schools of blue maomao, eagle rays and the occasional manta ray patrol the underwater canyons and volcanic reef. Lunch on the aft deck as dolphins ride the bow wave, then a leisurely cruise back through the islands. Duration: 7–9 hours.

Paihia to Urupukapuka and Moturua: The Island Explorer

Cruise east from Paihia to Urupukapuka Island – the bay’s largest island (208 hectares), roughly 20 minutes at cruising speed. Anchor in one of the sheltered bays on the western side and tender ashore for a beach walk or a hike through regenerating native bush. After a chef-prepared lunch on the aft deck, cruise a few minutes to Moturua Island – a predator-free scenic reserve with thriving birdlife and some of the best snorkelling in the bay. The rocky coastline is alive with fish, and the beaches are often deserted. Return to Paihia by late afternoon. Duration: 6–8 hours.

Paihia to Russell: The History and Dining Day

A 15-minute cruise across the bay brings you to Russell – New Zealand’s first capital and the most charming waterfront village in the region. Stroll The Strand, visit Christ Church (built 1836, still bearing musket-ball holes from the Flagstaff War of 1845), browse the galleries and boutiques, and settle into a long lunch at The Gables (one of New Zealand’s oldest operating restaurants) or the Duke of Marlborough (the country’s oldest licensed pub). In the afternoon, cruise to nearby Roberton Island (Motuarohia) for a swim in the twin lagoons, then return to Paihia as the sun sets over the bay. Duration: 6–8 hours.

3-Day Bay of Islands Yacht Charter Itinerary: Inner Islands and Cape Brett

Day 1: Paihia to Urupukapuka and Waewaetorea Islands

Board your yacht at Opua Marina (420 berths, full services) by mid-morning. Cruise east through the inner islands to Urupukapuka – roughly 20 minutes. Anchor in Otehei Bay on the island’s sheltered western side for a morning swim and beach walk. Your chef lays out lunch on the aft deck: seared local fish, green-lipped mussels and a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. After lunch, cruise to Waewaetorea Island – a rocky islet surrounded by excellent snorkelling ground, with clear water and abundant fish life. In the late afternoon, reposition to a quiet anchorage on the southern side of Urupukapuka for a sunset dinner on deck – perhaps whole roasted snapper with herbs, kumara (New Zealand sweet potato) and a Waiheke Pinot Gris – as the dolphins make their evening pass through the channel.

Day 2: Cape Brett, the Hole in the Rock and Deep Water Cove

Depart early for the cruise to Cape Brett – the dramatic peninsula that guards the eastern entrance to the bay. Pass the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse (established 1910, perched on the cliff above the pounding ocean) and approach Piercy Island, where your captain threads the yacht through the 18-metre Hole in the Rock in calm conditions. The cliffs tower overhead, the sea churns beneath, and the view from the far side – open Pacific stretching to the curve of the earth – is unforgettable. Return to Deep Water Cove (Maunganui Bay) for a midday snorkel in crystalline water: underwater canyons, kelp forests, volcanic reef and visibility up to 20 metres. Schools of blue maomao, eagle rays and stingrays glide through the depths. After a late lunch, cruise west to Moturua Island and anchor overnight in its sheltered bay, surrounded by native bush and birdcall.

Day 3: Moturua Island, Russell and Return to Opua

Spend the morning on Moturua – a predator-free scenic reserve where native birds thrive in regenerating bush. Snorkel the rocky coastline, swim at the sandy beach and listen to the extraordinary dawn chorus of tūī, bellbirds and fantails. After a chef-prepared brunch, cruise across the bay to Russell (15 minutes). Stroll The Strand, visit Christ Church and browse the harbourside galleries. A farewell lunch at The Gables (Northland-twist Italian, one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings) or the Duke of Marlborough (fresh seafood, heritage atmosphere). Return to Opua Marina by mid-afternoon, tanned, rested and thoroughly charmed.

4-Day Bay of Islands Yacht Charter Itinerary: Outer Bay and Coastal Exploration

Day 1: Opua to Roberton Island and Waitangi

Board at Opua mid-morning. Cruise north to Roberton Island (Motuarohia) – one of the most photographed islands in the bay, known for its twin lagoons connected by a narrow sandbar visible at low tide. Swim, snorkel and paddle in the sheltered turquoise water, then hike to the island’s summit for panoramic bay views. After a chef-prepared lunch, cruise south-west to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Tender ashore for a guided tour of New Zealand’s founding site – the carved meeting house, the 35-metre war canoe (one of the largest in the world), a cultural performance and the spot where 43 chiefs signed the Treaty on 6 February 1840. Return to the yacht for an overnight anchorage off Paihia, where the waterfront lights reflect across the still harbour.

Day 2: Northern Bay and Kerikeri Inlet

Cruise north into the upper reaches of the bay and into the Kerikeri Inlet – a tidal river estuary lined with mangroves, subtropical bush and New Zealand’s oldest surviving European buildings: the Stone Store (built 1836, now a museum) and Kemp House (1822). Tender up the inlet to explore this remarkable pocket of colonial history, then cruise to one of the secluded outer islands for a midday swim and lunch. In the afternoon, reposition to a sheltered anchorage near Oke Bay or Rawhiti – quiet, bush-fringed coves on the eastern side of the bay where the only sounds are birdcall and the lapping tide. Your crew arranges a fresh crayfish delivery from a local fisherman for a dinner that will define the charter.

Day 3: Matauri Bay and the Rainbow Warrior Dive

For the adventurous: depart the bay and cruise north along the coast to Matauri Bay (roughly 15 nautical miles beyond Cape Brett). The wreck of the Rainbow Warrior lies at 18–27 metres depth in the sheltered bay – scuttled in December 1987 after the French intelligence bombing in Auckland Harbour. For certified divers, this is one of New Zealand’s most iconic dives: the hull is draped in purple, yellow and blue anemones, golden snapper school around the superstructure, and kingfish and John Dory patrol the sandy bottom. Your crew arranges a local dive operator and surface support. Non-divers can snorkel the shallower reefs of Matauri Bay (excellent visibility and abundant fish life) or relax on the yacht’s swim platform. Cruise back to the bay in the afternoon and anchor off one of the quieter inner islands for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Island Hopping and Return to Opua

A leisurely final day among the inner islands. Start at Moturua for a morning snorkel on the predator-free reserve’s rocky coastline, then cruise to Urupukapuka for a beach walk and a final swim in the turquoise shallows. Your chef prepares a farewell lunch on the aft deck – the full New Zealand spread: green-lipped mussels, smoked kahawai, local cheeses and fresh fruit – as the yacht cruises slowly back through the heart of the bay, dolphins riding the bow wave and the 144 islands slipping past one by one. Arrive at Opua Marina by mid-afternoon.

Guests looking for a longer voyage can combine the 3-day inner bay route with the 4-day outer bay and coastal route for a comprehensive 7-day Bay of Islands charter covering the full bay, Cape Brett, the Rainbow Warrior wreck, the Treaty Grounds, game fishing and some of the finest subtropical cruising in the Southern Hemisphere – without repeating a single anchorage.