Why the Bay of Islands
One of New Zealand's great coastal destinations.
The Bay of Islands is a 800 km² network of sheltered harbours, island-dotted channels, and open ocean — one of the most diverse and beautiful coastal environments in the southern hemisphere. It is home to some of New Zealand's most productive fishing grounds, a rich marine mammal sanctuary, and more than 140 islands ranging from tiny rock stacks to forested hills with walking tracks and beaches.
From the water, the Bay reveals itself completely. The hidden beaches, the sea caves, the dolphin pods moving through the channel, the gannet colonies on the outer headlands — none of it is visible from the shore. A private charter is the only way to experience it properly.
We have been on these waters for years. We know where the fish hold, where the dolphins tend to be, which beaches are empty at low tide, and which anchorages catch the afternoon sun. That knowledge is what we bring to every charter.
What to expect
Six reasons to get on the water.
Every charter is different — but these are the things that make the Bay of Islands genuinely special.
World-class fishing
Snapper, kingfish, and marlin. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's great big-game fisheries, with productive grounds just minutes from Russell.
144 islands to explore
Secluded beaches, hidden coves, and sheltered anchorages that most visitors never find. Private boat access opens up a completely different Bay.
Wildlife encounters
Dolphins, orca, penguins, and seabirds are regular companions on the water. The Bay of Islands Marine Mammal Sanctuary protects one of New Zealand's richest coastal ecosystems.
Calm, sheltered waters
The Bay's geography — a network of inlets and islands — creates naturally sheltered conditions ideal for fishing, swimming, and cruising in comfort.
Historic Kororāreka
We depart from Russell — one of New Zealand's most characterful towns, with a rich history stretching back to the earliest days of European contact. Worth exploring before or after your charter.
November to March
The Bay of Islands at its finest — long days, warm water, settled conditions, and the best fishing of the year. Our season runs November through March.
Wildlife Encounters
Dolphins in the Bay.
Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and dusky dolphins are regular companions on the water throughout the season. On a typical charter day, encounters like this one are not unusual — pods will often ride the bow wave or surface alongside the vessel for minutes at a time.
The Bay of Islands is a Marine Mammal Sanctuary. We observe all approach guidelines and let the dolphins come to us — which they almost always do.
Places we go
The Bay's best destinations.
These are the places our guests ask about most — and the ones we love taking them to. All accessible by private charter from Russell.
Cape Brett & Piercy Island
The dramatic headland at the eastern entrance to the Bay, with the famous Hole in the Rock — a sea arch you can pass through by boat. Dolphins frequently escort vessels through the passage.
Moturua Island
One of the Bay's most beautiful islands, with a walking track offering panoramic views across the entire Bay. Crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkelling off the beach.
Urupukapuka Island
The largest island in the Bay, with a DOC campsite, walking tracks, and some of the best snapper fishing in the region. A full-day charter destination in its own right.
Roberton Island (Ōtehei Bay)
Twin lagoons, a sheltered anchorage, and a short walk to sweeping views. One of the Bay's most photogenic spots — and rarely crowded when you arrive by private boat.
Waitangi
The site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 — New Zealand's founding document. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a short ferry ride from Russell and well worth a visit.
Kerikeri Inlet
The upper reaches of the Bay, with New Zealand's oldest surviving buildings and a tranquil river estuary. A different pace — ideal for a scenic cruise on a calm day.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit.
The Bay of Islands charter season runs October through April. Here's what to expect each month — weather, fishing, and wildlife.
Weather
Wind
Variable spring winds — westerlies and north-westerlies. More frontal activity than summer months.
Sea state
Moderate swells possible. Conditions can be unsettled but good days are excellent.
Season
Late spring
Fishing
Starting to move onto reefs as water warms. Good fishing on the right days.
Not yet arrived in numbers. Occasional fish around structure.
Too early in the season. Water temperature not yet warm enough.
Wildlife
- Common dolphins active throughout the Bay
- Orca sightings possible on offshore runs
- Gannets returning to colonies — spectacular diving
- Little blue penguins nesting on rocky islands
Month highlight
Trevally fishing at its best — and far fewer boats on the water.
Ratings reflect typical conditions — weather is variable. Our skippers monitor forecasts daily and will advise if conditions are unsuitable.
How we operate
Respectful. Sustainable. Local.
We operate on these waters with a deep sense of responsibility — to the environment, to the communities that depend on it, and to the Ngāpuhi people whose mana moana (authority over the sea) encompasses every bay and reef we visit. We are guests in their world, and we conduct ourselves accordingly.
In practice, that means fishing sustainably within legal limits, preferring catch-and-release for large pelagic species, avoiding anchoring on reef systems, and leaving every beach and anchorage exactly as we found it. We comply fully with all marine zone restrictions — the Caulerpa CAN, the rāhui tapu no-take areas, and the marine mammal safe zones.
The Bay of Islands is extraordinary precisely because it has been looked after. We intend to keep it that way.
Ready to see it for yourself?
Every charter is private — just your group, your skipper, and the Bay of Islands.