Bay of Islands

Endless beaches with over 144 islands surrounded by warm, clear water - the Bay of Islands is the perfect marine playground.

The Bay of Islands has great fishing, diving, sightseeing and plenty of sheltered bays to anchor safely for the night.

Whether you want to go for a day sail with lunch on a crewed yacht, take a fishing or wildlife excursion, or dive at the site of the famous Rainbow Warrior wreck, the Bay of Islands has plenty to offer.

Links: Map: Bay of Islands I From the water

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Whangarei

Whangarei has a thriving marina and café culture and is the gateway to Tutukaka and the Poor Knights Islands - one of the world's top dive sites. Big-Game fishing is another star attraction, along with shark diving.

Links: Map: Whangarei

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Auckland

Auckland is known as the 'City of Sails' and has the highest concentration of vessels in New Zealand. Once home to the America's cup, Auckland Harbor has an all-weather sailing environment with fantastic city vistas and hundreds of secluded anchorages. From here you can get among the frequent regattas, or head for the Islands in the Hauraki Gulf.

Links: Map: Auckland I Auckland Tourism

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Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf is home to unique and fascinating islands. Waiheke is one of the larger Hauraki Gulf islands, its landscape is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves.

Great Barrier Island is the guardian of the gulf. As its name suggests, it shields the inner islands. Its eastern side takes a pounding from the Pacific, creating almost unmatched breaks on the surf beaches of Awana and Medlands. The western coast is more tranquil, with deep-water harbors that provide safe anchorage.

Other Islands in the Hauraki Gulf include Kawau Island, Motuihe Island, volcanic Rangitoto Island and Tiritiri Matangi

Links: Map: Hauraki Gulf

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Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty is a sun-spot with 2,400 hours of sunshine per year and almost limitless marine activities: Swimming with dolphins, whale watching, diving, surfing, kayaking, white water rafting and world class game fishing.

The bay is dotted with islands, including the active volcano of While Island, the marine reserve of Mayor Island, and the game fisher's paradise off Motiti Island.

Towns on the bay include the sophisticated city of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Tauranga has two large, modern marinas holding over a thousand yachts and launches. Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand's most popular seaside resorts with 13 miles of golden sand beaches.

Links: Map: Bay of Plenty I  Bay of Plenty Tourism

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Napier

Napier, the city by the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture. Supported by a mediterranean climate and over 2,200 hours of sunshine a year this popular year-round destination boasts a vibrant cafe culture amongst the splendor of the Art Deco buildings There is jet boating, jet skiing and water skiing options with local operators based on most of the local rivers. Most weekends water skiers, rowers, kayakers and fisherman jockey for position on the Clive River.

Links: Map: Napier I Napier Tourism

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Marlborough

Explore 1500km of secluded bays, coves and inlets of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. The Marlborough sounds has a extensive maze of fiord-like, crystal clear, deep waterways where the sea is sheltered by surrounding ridges and forest. The convoluted coastline is dotted with occasional small lodge, ideal for overnight docking and a cold drink.

Picton is the main town in the Marlborough region and is the gateway to and from the South Island for all inter-island ferry traffic via Wellington. Picton's town wharf is the base for most of the charter companies and fishing trips.

Links: Map: Marlborough I Marlborough Tourism

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Wellington

Wellington City offers a top selection of boat and yacht charter attractions over clear waters the unspoilt coastlines of Wellington'a bays and the Kapiti Coast

Links: Map: Wellington I Wellington Guide

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Nelson Region

Nelson is officially the sunniest area in New Zealand. Its 2500 hours of annual sunshine, tranquil waters and gold-sand beaches make it a great charter destination. The region's highlights include the famous and beautiful Abel Tasman national park with 40 miles of varied coastline and beaches.

The main marina in the area is Nelson Marina, Located in Tasman Bay close to the Abel Tasman National Park.

Links: Map: Nelson I Nelson Tourism Nelson Marina

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Kaikoura

Whales and other marine animals are the primary attraction for Kaikoura. The small seaside town is the launch pad to a complex marine system, which is an abundant and rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds. You’ll find numerous whale watching, dolphin and seal encounter operators ready to introduce you to a one on one nature experience.

Links: Map: Kaikoura I Kaikoura Tourism

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Christchurch

New Zealand’s garden city also has plenty of marine activities to offer including jet boating, white water rafting, diving, whale watching and swimming with dolphins.

Links: Map: Christchurch I Christchurch Tourism

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Fiordland

A designated World Heritage Area and an un-spoilt wilderness, the region of Fiordland includes Milford Sound, the Doubtful Sounds and some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery.

The sounds of Fiordland can be a mystical, moody place with hundreds of waterfalls cascading down spectacular cliff faces, deep cold waters, whale and dolphin pods, fur seals and rare crested penguins. This is a 'must see' area of New Zealand.

Links: Map: Fiordland I 

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Dunedin

Situated on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, Dunedin has a population of around 120,000 and is the main centre of Otago, a region recognised for its spectacular scenery. The sheer physical beauty of Dunedin, dramatic bush-covered hills and valleys at the head of a long natural harbour, attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. Then, in 1848, Scottish migrants established a town here, giving the town it’s Scottish charm, which is still evident today. Cruising on the Otago Harbour is a wonderful experience. Organised harbour cruises offer excellent viewing of this marine habitat offer the opportunity to view albatross, fur seals, penguins, nesting birds, dolphins, geological features and information regarding the cultural heritage of Dunedin's beautiful harbour.

Links: Map: Dunedin I Dunedin Tourism

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Stewart Island

One of Southland's best-kept secrets, this heavily forested island is the perfect place to get away from it all, offering native flora and fauna, fishing, tramping, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, golf and scenic charters. It's one of the best places to view New Zealand's national icon, the Kiwi, in the wild. The rocky coastline is also home to New Zealand fur seals, penguins and a shearwater colony.

Links: Map: Stewart Island I Stewart Island Tourism

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