Home / For international owners / Cruising
Chartering in New Zealand: papers and weather in the Bay of Islands
Short answer
To charter in the Bay of Islands the bases normally want proof of skippering experience and often
a qualification.
The weather changes fast, so the cruising area is limited and a daily check in with the base is
usual.
The Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island is a popular place for chartering in New Zealand: a wide bay with dozens of islands, sheltered anchorages and green hills. Most bases are in Opua. The season is the southern summer, roughly December to April, and even then the weather sets the plan. Which papers apply is in the charter agreement; the yacht and its registration are the charter company's side. To enter the country you will normally need an electronic travel authority before you fly, and the Foreign Office travel advice pages and Immigration New Zealand have the current rules.
Bases normally want proof of skippering experience, often a qualification such as RYA Day Skipper or Yachtmaster, the ICC or an equivalent certificate, and sometimes a VHF licence. The weather is the main point: New Zealand lies in the path of the westerlies, lows and fronts follow each other closely, and the wind can back or veer and freshen within hours. Inside the bay you are well sheltered, but on the open coast a rough sea builds quickly. Many bases therefore limit the cruising area to the bay and the nearby coast and expect you to get the forecast every morning and run for a sheltered anchorage in good time.
Strict speed limits apply close to shore and near swimmers and divers; the base or the regional council will give you the exact rules. Plan each day so you are at anchor before dark, and check the holding and the shelter from the forecast wind direction. Before you book, get written confirmation of which qualifications are accepted, how far the cruising area extends and what happens if the base keeps you in harbour because of a gale. You are personally liable for damage you cause to others with the charter yacht, so make sure your own skipper liability insurance applies in the Pacific.
Worth remembering
Papers
skippering experience, often Day Skipper, ICC or equivalent
Weather
fronts in quick succession, wind shifts within hours
In the Bay of Islands you sail to the forecast, not to the plan.
Questions
What owners ask us about this
Which papers do I need to charter in New Zealand?
Normally proof of skippering experience, often a qualification such as Day Skipper, Yachtmaster or the ICC, and sometimes a VHF licence. Get written confirmation of what the base accepts.
When is the best time to charter in the Bay of Islands?
Usually the southern summer, roughly December to April. Even then the weather can turn quickly, so build spare days into your plan.
Can I take the charter yacht outside the Bay of Islands?
That depends on the charter agreement. Many bases limit the cruising area to the bay and the nearby coast, with anything further only by arrangement and in suitable weather.
Related
Not sure whether you qualify?
Whether it is “Chartering in New Zealand: papers and weather in the Bay of Islands” or another question: send us your residence and the flag your boat flies. You will get a straight answer in one email; including a no, if that is the answer.
Was this useful?
