The Kids Fishing Competition at Opua Wharf on Sunday 28th December was a fantastic day out, with an amazing turnout and plenty of excitement along the wharf. Open to children aged 12 years and under, the event saw 79 kids registered on the day, making it a hugely popular summer highlight for local families.

A total of 85 fish were caught and weighed in, including 35 snapper, 7 kahawai, 31 bait fish, and 10 entries for the “craziest catch”, keeping both kids and spectators entertained throughout the day.

A huge thank you goes to our generous sponsors for the amazing prizes: Johnson Brothers, Burns Co, Coastal Marine and Civil, South Pacific Boat Sales, Far North District Council, Opua General Store, Bad Habits, ITM Haruru, Bay of Islands Auto & Marine, Cleagh Electrical, 4 Square Paihia, Russell Contracting, and The Galley at Opua Cruising Club. Your support helped make the day truly special for the kids.

Special thanks also to Peini and Barry for opening the kitchen early, Nicole for opening the bar early, and to our brilliant helpers on the day — Andy, John, Ian, Mike, Jen, and Paulette. Without your time and effort, the event simply wouldn’t have happened or run so smoothly.

It was a fun, relaxed day celebrating kids, fishing, and community spirit — one we’re sure will be remembered by many young anglers.

In order to set up the venue infrastructure for Bay of Islands Sailing Week, the Opua Cruising Club car park will be closed from 6pm on Thursday the 15th January until Saturday the 24th January.

The Bay of Islands Sailing Week team and Opua Cruising Club apologise for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please email admin@boisailingweek.org.nz

Are you keen to be part of the iconic Bay of Islands Sailing Week?

The team are looking for a few legends to help out both onshore and on the water. For more information, please email admin@boisailingweek.org.nz

On New Year’s Day, Kotahi Rua (Les Alderton and his two granddaughters) and Libertee (Vera and Ernesto) welcomed the new year anchored in the beautiful waters of the Bay of Islands. It was a relaxed and enjoyable start to the celebrations, surrounded by calm seas and good company.

The following day, both vessels sailed north to Whangamumu Harbour, a stunning and historic location. There they were joined by After You II (Merry and myself), and together we enjoyed a very pleasant beach BBQ at the site of the old whaling station. The setting, steeped in history and natural beauty, made for a memorable afternoon of shared food, conversation, and camaraderie.

On Saturday morning, Kotahi Rua set off to return to the Bay of Islands, while After You II continued south to Whangaruru. Later that day, The Limit (Tom and Colleen) arrived in Whangamumu, adding to the gathering of club members enjoying the summer cruising season.

The following day saw Libertee return home, while After You II sailed back to Whangamumu to rejoin The Limit. That evening we spent another pleasant night together, enjoying good company, relaxed conversation, and the peaceful surroundings of the harbour.

The next day, all remaining boats made their way home, bringing to a close a thoroughly enjoyable New Year’s cruise.

Bay of Islands Sailing Week is on from 19–23 January 2026, delivering four action-packed days of racing in the stunning Bay of Islands.

As one of New Zealand’s premier keelboat regattas, the event brings together top crews, competitive racing, and an unbeatable on-shore atmosphere, all set against one of the country’s most iconic sailing destinations.

Entries are open, so get your team registered by clicking here and be part of the summer’s ultimate sailing event. Find out everything you need to know and check out all the action on our website: boisailingweek.org.nz