BAY OF ISLANDS, NORTHLAND: OPUA, PAIHIA, RUSSELL AND THE OUTER ISLANDS

Bay of Islands: boating safety

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The Bay of Islands in Northland is New Zealand's classic cruising ground, with many islands, sheltered anchorages and the historic towns of Russell and Paihia. Opua is the main arrival port for yachts crossing from the Pacific islands, with Customs and biosecurity officers on site.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 111
Call 111 and ask for Police. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

New Zealand: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

The Northland Regional Council Harbourmaster covers the Bay of Islands: +64 9 470 1200 (Mon–Fri 07:30–16:00), 24/7 incident hotline 0800 504 639, harbourmaster@nrc.govt.nz.

NRC Harbourmaster, Superyacht Guide (archived) ▾
web.archive.org (2026-10-14): “Northland Regional Council (Harbourmaster) +64 9 470 1200 (Monday to Friday 0730 to 1600) Harbourmaster 0800 504 639 (24/7 incident hotline) harbourmaster@nrc.govt.nz”

Bay of Islands Marina, Opua: VHF channel 73, phone +64 9 402 7124 (office 8:30am–5pm, 7 days; after-hours instructions on the same number). International arrivals use the marked quarantine area at the northern end of the marina, inside the outer breakwater.

Bay of Islands Marina (Opua) · Bay of Islands Marina (Opua) ▾
bayofislandsmarina.co.nz (2026-10-14): “Marina VHF Channel 73 +64 9 402 7124 Office Hours Open 7 days: 8.30am – 5.00pm”
bayofislandsmarina.co.nz (2026-10-14): “Our quarantine area is on the northern end of the marina, inside the outer breakwater, which is clearly marked.”

Weather

Coastguard Nowcasting: live marine wind and weather 24/7 on VHF 19 (2019 on newer radios). Coastguard Radio for the Bay of Islands is VHF 04; log a trip report before you go.

Coastguard New Zealand · Coastguard New Zealand · Coastguard New Zealand · Northland Regional Council (archived) ▾
coastguard.nz (2026-10-14): “Bay of Islands Ch: 19”
coastguard.nz (2026-10-14): “Marine wind and weather conditions via VHF radio 24/7”
cnzwebprod1.blob.core.windows.net (2026-10-14): “Bay of Islands Ch: 04”
web.archive.org (2026-10-14): “Log your trip report with Coastguard.”

Local rules

Slow to 5 knots (also when towing) within 50 m of a boat, raft or person in the water, within 200 m of the shore and within 200 m of a dive flag.

Northland Regional Council (archived) ▾
web.archive.org (2026-10-14): “Slow down to 5 knots (including while towing a person or an object) when: within 50 metres of a boat, raft, or person in the water within 200 metres of the shore within 200 metres of a dive flag.”

Discharging untreated sewage is illegal anywhere in the Bay of Islands; use a holding tank or an approved treatment system.

NRC Harbourmaster, Superyacht Guide (archived) · NRC Harbourmaster, Superyacht Guide (archived) ▾
web.archive.org (2026-10-14): “It is illegal to discharge untreated sewage into any coastal waters that are:”
web.archive.org (2026-10-14): “Within all Northland harbours and the Bay of Islands.”

Hazards

Ships use the Bay of Islands: anchoring is prohibited in the Waitangi directional light sector when big ships are moving. Within harbour limits, recreational craft must keep clear of ships over 500 gt.

Northland Regional Council (archived) · Northland Regional Council (archived) ▾
web.archive.org (2026-10-14): “Anchoring is legally prohibited in the Waitangi sector light zone when big ships are moving in and out.”
web.archive.org (2026-10-14): “recreational craft are required to keep clear of ships over 500gt.”

Hospital and medical

The nearest full emergency department is Whangārei Hospital (Maunu Road, Whangārei), open 24 hours. Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa has a 24/7 accident and medical service but no emergency department.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora ▾
info.health.nz (2026-10-14): “Whangārei Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. It is on the ground floor.”
info.health.nz (2026-10-14): “No emergency department (ED)”
info.health.nz (2026-10-14): “Bay of Islands Hospital has 24/7 accident and medical services.”

Arriving from abroad

Opua Marine Park is an approved first port of arrival for recreational vessels. Send Customs the Advance Notice of Arrival at least 48 hours before entering NZ waters (12 nm). Hulls must be clean, with evidence of biofouling management.

New Zealand Customs Service · New Zealand Customs Service · Bay of Islands Marina (Opua) ▾
customs.govt.nz (2026-10-14): “This information must be sent to Customs at least 48 hours before you enter New Zealand's waters (12 nautical miles from the coast).”
customs.govt.nz (2026-10-14): “The ports and marinas approved to receive all types of recreational vessels are: Opua Marine Park, Opua”
bayofislandsmarina.co.nz (2026-10-14): “All vessels arriving in New Zealand must provide evidence of biofouling management prior to arrival and have a clean hull on inspection.”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Bay of Islands?

Call 111 and ask for Police. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

How do I contact the harbour in Bay of Islands?

The Northland Regional Council Harbourmaster covers the Bay of Islands: +64 9 470 1200 (Mon–Fri 07:30–16:00), 24/7 incident hotline 0800 504 639, harbourmaster@nrc.govt.nz.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Bay of Islands?

Coastguard Nowcasting: live marine wind and weather 24/7 on VHF 19 (2019 on newer radios). Coastguard Radio for the Bay of Islands is VHF 04; log a trip report before you go.

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf 102 nmMarlborough Sounds 363 nmNouméa 876 nmFiji — Port Denarau FijiPort Vila VanuatuSydney Harbour AustraliaGold Coast / Moreton Bay AustraliaVava'u Tonga

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