Bay of Islands sailing and kayaking: Sailing Week and the Waitangi Inlet
The Bay of Islands in Northland has 144 islands and sheltered water around Russell, Paihia and Opua. Bay of Islands Sailing Week runs from 24 to 28 January 2027, and the Waitangi Inlet is a beginner kayak trip.
Yes, the Bay of Islands is a good place to sail and kayak from December to February. The bay is sheltered by its islands, and its main racing event, Bay of Islands Sailing Week, takes place in late January. Wikipedia calls it one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in New Zealand.
Facts as of November 2026, from the sources listed at the end of this page.
Is the Bay of Islands good for sailing?
Yes. The bay holds 144 islands, the largest of which is Urupukapuka, with the towns of Russell, Paihia and Opua on its shores. The islands give sheltered water, and tidal mangrove inlets run inland.
We found no reliable source for the typical summer wind direction or strength in the bay, so check the local forecast before you go out.
When is Bay of Islands Sailing Week?
The next edition runs from 24 to 28 January 2027. Boating NZ says it starts in Opua. The Opua Cruising Club page has the details for entrants.
| Event | Dates | Start |
|---|---|---|
| Bay of Islands Sailing Week | 24 to 28 January 2027 | Opua |
Where can you kayak in the Bay of Islands?
One trip listed for beginners goes from Haruru Falls down the Waitangi Inlet to Waitangi Beach. You walk out and paddle back, about 3.5 hours in all. The mangrove section depends on the tide. The listing says it suits beginners right through to experienced paddlers. The tour times on the booking page look old (2018), so confirm times with the operator.
What should you watch out for?
- Tides in the mangrove inlets: plan the paddle around them.
- Other boats: this is a busy sailing and fishing area.
Where else can you go?
For harbour sailing, the Anniversary Day Regatta and kite beaches, see Auckland. For a longer sea kayak trip, see the Abel Tasman coast.
How do you get there?
Fly into Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport (KKE).
How windy is Bay of Islands from December to February?
Share of days with at least three consecutive daylight hours at 11 knots (4 Beaufort) or more, over the last 10 southern summers (2015/16 to 2024/25).
| December | January | February | Mean daylight wind | Most common direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay of Islands | 48% | 47% | 50% | 10.9 kn | E |
Our calculation from NASA POWER hourly wind at 10 m (MERRA-2 model), 09:00 to 18:00 local solar time. The model grid is about 50 km wide, so it smooths out local sea breezes and gusts: use these figures to compare spots and months, and check a local forecast before you go.
Where do people ride at Bay of Islands right now?
Explore+ in the Waterspeed web app shows recent sessions on a map, with sport and top speed, so you can see which spots are working before you go. Open Explore+. To record your own sessions, Waterspeed runs on iPhone, Android, Apple Watch and Wear OS, and syncs Garmin, COROS and Suunto.
FAQ
When is Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2027?
From 24 to 28 January 2027, starting in Opua according to Boating NZ.
Is the Waitangi kayak trip suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Haruru Falls walk and paddle is listed as suitable for beginners through to experienced paddlers.
Which airport serves the Bay of Islands?
Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport, KKE.
