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Islands New Zealand Sailing

Sailing in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Ah, New Zealand, a place close to my heart, a land I’ve explored three times. Every visit, a new chapter in my adventure book. So I was journeying to the very tip of the North Island, a place kissed by the winds and surrounded by endless blue. And what caught my gaze? A fleet of sailboats, gracefully swaying to the rhythm of the ocean. This was my chance to do some sailing in the Bay of Islands!

The Bay of Islands is in the far north part of the North Island of New Zealand.  The area is sub tropical and is very laid back in attitude.  There are 144 islands, some being very small and others a little larger.  This is a great spot to sail because there are so many places you can stop, have lunch, swim a little and relax.  The weather was great when I was there – not too hot and certainly not cold.  

The biggest town in the area is Kerikeri, followed by Pahia which is where I stayed.  You can catch a ferry across to Russell which has a wild history as a 19th century whaling port. Also in the area is Waitangi where you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It is New Zealand’s most important historic site where in 1840 New Zealand’s founding document was signed: the Treaty of Waitangi.  There are so many activities you can do in the Bay of Islands area such as swimming, sea kayaking, whale spotting, shopping and sailing.

On board the Phantom in the Bay of Islands, NZ
Sailing in the Bay of Islands