Explore: Opua (Bay of Islands)
General Info
Opua is known as the “Gateway to New Zealand” and is located 17 miles from Cape Brett light. This beautiful area is very popular with cruising boats and is the primary arrival port for boats that have crossed the Pacific.
Officials are reported to be efficient, polite and helpful and there is a designated floating Quarantine wharf which makes clearance here very straightforward.
Port Opua is well marked and an easy approach any time of day or night. In addition to Opua, there are three other main townships in the Bay; Paihia 10 min, Russell 15 min and Kerikeri 25 min.
Position: 35° 18.71’S, 174° 07.34’E (Opua marina)
Clearance
This is a Port of First Arrival (PoFA). For full details on clearing into and out of New Zealand see Noonsite/New Zealand/Formalities.
Auckland Viaduct and Silo Marina (Auckland) are approved POFAs for superyachts (more than 24 meters in length and professionally crewed) only.
For more information go to Arrival Process Steps on the Biosecurity New Zealand website.
In Opua, the Custom’s dock is located at the northern end of the Opua Marina outer breakwater and is clearly marked as a quarantine area – with no access to the shore. It is possible to tie to either side so it can handle a large number of yachts. Customs and MAF travel to and from the dock in their workboats.
Opua Marina berths can be arranged from here via VHF Channel 12. Customs will give you a map of the marina upon asking. Be careful shifting your boat within the marina as the tide runs strongly through here. If possible shift at slack water.
At times it may be necessary to contact customs on 0800 428 786. A MAF inspection must be completed immediately on arrival and if additional travel expenses are incurred or this has to be done outside of normal working hours, and costs may be charged to the yacht.
Once entry formalities are completed the crew and vessel are free to travel throughout the country and are not required to report their movements until departure.
Note: Protection against Fanworm.
All boats entering any Northland harbour must have been anti-fouled within the last six months AND have had a bottom wash in the last month. This applies to all boats coming from south of Tutukaka.
Last updated: January 2019
Docking
There are a number of marinas in the Bay of Islands, Opua Marina and Kerikeri Cruising Club Marina, as well as many anchorages and other types of mooring. The many islands in the bay allow the shelter to be found from any wind direction and the rivers winding inland provide protection during the more severe winter storms.
Yacht Clubs
Of the various clubs in the Bay of Islands, popular with visiting yachts are the Opua Cruising Club, Opua, and the Russell Boating Club, Matauwhi Bay, Russell. Call on VHF Ch 16, Opua keeps a much better listening watch, working channel 77. Both clubs are open Wednesday, Thursday (in season), Friday and Sunday nights, with meals available. Summer (short term) membership available at both clubs.
