Most people who choose to live in waterfront and coastal property have an affinity with the sea. They also tend to have a healthy respect for sharing the waterways and protecting the species that live within them.

There’s nothing quite like freshly caught seafood. Around this north-east coast, Mother Nature is particularly generous. Besides an array of fish, there are pipis, cockles, mussels, scallops, even paua and rock lobster – known as crayfish or ‘crays’.

It helps to brush up on the rules and regulations for fishing and collecting seafood.  The Ministry for Primary Industries takes care of those set for Fisheries. The Bay of Islands and north-east coastal region comes under their Auckland and Kermadec Fishery Management Area.

Fishing around the Bay of Islands coastal region

Different regulations apply to the use of lines, nets and spear guns. You can find out more and see the table of size and catch limits for fin fish here.

Some of the fin fish minimum sizes for example are:
Trevally, Tarakihi, red gurnard 25cm, Snapper 27cm and Kingfish 75cm

Tip: The measurement is taken from the end of the nose to the V in the tail.

A few other tips:

• Snapper are a very popular eating fish. I believe the plate-sized ones around 29cm taste best. The few times I have hooked a larger snapper I let them go. They are like the grandpas of the sea and can be up to one metre long. The daily snapper limit is 10, but most people I know are happy with a meal for themselves and a neighbour anyway. 
• Kahawai are a species which frequent the area. If you bleed Kahawai and chilled them down, they can make delicious sashimi.
• Find out what bait to use and more information on fishing the Bay of Islands region here. There are some amazing photographs and a few tall stories as well – aren’t there always with fishing?
• The area has a rich history for game fishing and a visit to The Bay of Islands Swordfish Club displays in greater detail, record catches in memorabilia lining the cabinets and walls. The Russell Museum is also a must-see.
• If you would like your catch beautifully smoked, call in to The Russell Smokehouse. They also stock a variety of fresh and smoked fish – just in case.

The north-east coastline of New Zealand offers a world-class marine playground. It is a popular location for visiting yachts and cruisers, particularly in the months of November through to April.

From Tutukaka to North Cape, the stunning scenery, beautiful bays, islands and coastline provide the ultimate conditions for those who enjoy the allure of the ocean.

Where else can you sail to an island and find yourself alone – feel removed from the world and yet be within a few nm of restaurants, cafes, shops and services?

Overseas vessels planning to enter New Zealand can clear customs at the Bay of Islands.
Information for visiting boats requiring customs and marina services
Information on marinas and moorings

If you would like to cater in advance for comforts aboard, contact Yacht Services Bay of Islands. They provide concierge services throughout your stay for provisions – from the finest wines and beverages to galley essentials, fresh plants and flowers, boat maintenance and chandlery or specialty items you require.

Luxury yacht and launch charter

There are options to bareboat charters or for a fully crewed experience, such as:
Experience luxurious comfort and step aboard VvS1 South Pacific
Sail the Bay of Islands in relaxed privacy onboard S.V. Te Vaka
Explore the natural wonders of the NE coast with Cotton Blossom
Lion New Zealand – 78ft Ron Holland Design Yacht

Must-see places on the NE coast waterways

• Roberton Island (Motuarohia Island) just around the corner from Russell. Make sure you walk the track up to the lookout and take in the view and there is an underwater snorkeling track in the lagoon. There are five properties on this island.
• Urupukapuka Island – Beautiful walks among free-roaming sheep, stunning views and bays in which to anchor.
• Whangaroa Harbour – Great fishing area and spectacular scenery
• Cavalli Islands –Hike around the island, swim, snorkel or dive the Rainbow Warrior.
• Mangonui  – Cruise by picturesque Mill Bay.
• Oke Bay- Swim, fish or go ashore to the natural fresh water spring
• Whangamumu Harbour – Heading south as you pass the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett, is the old whaling station at Whangamumu. You can often sight wildlife such as whales, dolphin or penguin around here.
• Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve. The islands cover just over 495 acres and they lie 12 nautical miles off the NE coast of Tutukaka.

If you head to sea, be sure to register your movements and monitor Russell Radio. Russell Radio is a voluntary organisation which was started by local fishermen shortly after the war. Theycover SSB for trans-Tasman and trans-Pacific yachts and localised VHF channel 63 coverage for the Bay of Islands. Overseas visiting yachts can call on 16 or 63 and directions will be provided for the right course for the “Q” berth and the Customs dock in the Opua Marina.