Bay of Islands - Ferrys

We stayed in Russell which is a boaty's paradise to say the least. All types of vessels visit or a re based in the bay from large cruise ships to myriad dinghy's and kayaks. There are many charter boats too for sailing or fishing trips.

Most people get to Russell on one of the ferry's. Passenger ferry's leave from Pihia which is where most visitors stay in the Bay of Islands. They take about 15-20 minutes to cross the bay.

The Bay Belle

We hired a small car in Auckland and went across on the Opua car ferry.  There are two operating so the wait isn't very long and the crossing takes only about 5-10 minutes to Okiato point (which was the first colonial capital of nz from 1840-1841)

The Opua car ferry

The sistership Opua car ferry

Opua  is the first port of entry for bluewater yachtsmen into nz. It's where the south pacific cruisers call in when the summer cylone season is on from november to April. They come from all over the world - The Americas, Europe, Australia. So the area is packed with world cruisers in the summer and has many boat sheds - slipways etc to service the boats.

Most boats are of course kiwi ones, there are several marinas and many moorings. Alot of coastal boats from other ports such as Auckland, visit the bay too. There are some big sailing events held here each January too.