Cruising & Sailing in Northland, NZ
With its clear, warm, unpolluted water, stunning coastline and abundance of sea life, it is difficult to imagine a more fulfilling destination for cruising and sailing than the Northland coast of New Zealand… perhaps there isn’t one!
Auckland, the “City of Sails”, offers a large and varied coastline for the prospective sailing enthusiast or casual cruiser.
The large harbour area offers an expansive region for shelter in inclement weather whilst further out in the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, there are a several beautiful islands to visit, including Rangitoto and Waiheke.
There are a large number of beautiful bays and picturesque anchorages… you will be spoilt for choice.
Further to the north east there is the stunningly beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, just waiting to be explored.
Heading north, Great Barrier Island, Little Barrier, followed by the Mokohinau Islands and the Hen and Chicks all offer scenic interludes in passage to the next major harbour facility at Whangarei.
Continuing up the coast the pretty small harbour of Tutukaka is available with full marina facilities and a few miles offshore are the renowned Poor Knights Islands, cited by Jaques Cousteau as one of the top diving locations in the world.
Around Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock” is the Bay of Islands maritime park. This area is the most popular destination on the Northland coast and is little short of a boating paradise with nearly one hundred different islands and palm-fringed sandy beaches evoking an irresistible ambience of peace and tranquility.
There are boundless opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing and sight seeing. You’ll be unlucky to remain unvisited by the playful pods of Dolphins and may be fortunate enough to see Orcas, Blue Penguins, an Albatross or even a placid Whale Shark.
There is shelter and a peaceful anchorage to be found in all but the most extreme weather and, at the end of a busy day, where better to sit back with a glass of wine, relax and watch the sunset.
The historic township of “romantic” Russell, popular tourist centre of Paihia and a beautiful golf course overlooking the treaty grounds at Waitangi ensure that the return to terra firma has much to offer.
Heading northwards from the bay are the beautiful Cavalli Islands, renowned for their abundance of aquatic life and diving potential and now also famous for the resting place of the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior.
Whangaroa harbour offers the next port of call, and this natural deep water, sheltered location has been described as a “singular and beautifully romantic place”. With its towering bluffs, quiet beaches and fascinating history, it is simply a “must do” on the visit list.
Heading out past Stephenson’s Island across Doubtless Bay, with its quaint Mangonui harbour, the scenic Cape Karikari Peninsula is reached, with its associated abundance of marine life.
Beyond the wide, expansive Great Exhibition Bay are the northern extremities on mainland New Zealand, North Cape and Cape Reinga.
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From NZ$4,100 per day
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