Planning a boat trip in the Bay of Islands? Whether you’re visiting Paihia for a few days or spending your summer exploring Northland, getting out on the water is one of the best ways to experience this part of New Zealand.
With sheltered bays, beautiful islands, clear water and plenty of opportunities to spot marine life, there’s a lot to enjoy out here. But if it’s your first time on a sailing boat, you might be wondering what to bring, what to wear and what the day will actually be like.
We’re Brad and Monique from Bayscapes Charters, and we spend our days exploring the Bay of Islands aboard our sailing catamaran, Hibiscus Star. Here are a few things we recommend bringing along to help you make the most of your time on the water.
1. Bring a warm layer, even on a sunny day
2. Sun protection is essential
3. Swimwear and a towel for island adventures
5. Bring a camera, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment
6. Pack a few personal essentials
7. What about food and drinks?
8. Check the weather, but leave the sailing decisions to your skipper
9. Make time to explore an island
10. Leave plenty of time to get to Paihia Wharf
1. Bring a warm layer, even on a sunny day
Northland is known for its beautiful weather, but it can feel quite different out on the water compared with sitting on the beach.
Once the boat gets moving, the breeze can feel surprisingly cool, especially if you’re sitting out on deck for a few hours. Even on a warm day, we recommend bringing a light jacket, jumper or windproof layer.
You might not need it all the time, but you’ll be glad to have it if the breeze picks up or the clouds roll in.
Layers are your friend. You can always take them off when the sun comes out.
2. Sun protection is essential
The New Zealand sun can be strong, and when you’re out on the water, there’s often very little shade on deck.
We recommend bringing:
- A sunhat that fits securely.
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen.
- A lightweight long-sleeved shirt if you prefer extra protection.
Apply sunscreen before you board and remember to reapply throughout the day, particularly after swimming.
One small tip from us: bring sunscreen in a lotion or cream rather than an aerosol spray. Spray sunscreen can leave slippery residue on boat surfaces and is not suitable to use onboard.
3. Swimwear and a towel for island adventures
If you’re joining a Bay of Islands sailing trip that includes an island stop, you’ll have the opportunity to get off the boat and enjoy the water.
Depending on the conditions and your plans, you might like to go for a swim, try snorkelling, have a go on a paddle board or simply relax on the beach.
Bring your swimwear and a towel, even if you’re not completely sure you’ll get in. Sometimes the water looks too inviting to resist!
A change of clothes can also be handy for the journey home, especially if you prefer not to travel in damp swimwear.
If you’re joining a shorter sightseeing sail without a swimming stop, you can leave the swim gear at your accommodation and simply enjoy the views.
4. Wear comfortable footwear
You don’t need specialised sailing shoes for a relaxed day out on the Bay of Islands, but comfortable footwear is useful if you plan to explore an island.
For an island walk, bring walking shoes or comfortable trainers with a good grip. Sandals or jandals are fine for some beach time, but they’re not the best choice for uneven tracks.
At Bayscapes, we ask guests to remove their shoes when boarding Hibiscus Star. It’s part of looking after the boat and keeping the decks comfortable for everyone.
Choose shoes that are easy to slip off and put back on, and we’ll take care of the rest.
5. Bring a camera, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment
The Bay of Islands looks different from every angle, and seeing it from a sailing boat gives you a perspective you simply don’t get from the road.
You’ll pass beautiful coastlines, green island hills, quiet bays and stretches of open water. On a clear day, the views can be spectacular.
A phone or camera is great for capturing the scenery, and a waterproof case is worth considering if you’re planning to take it near the water.
Keep an eye out for seabirds and other marine life, too. Dolphins are sometimes spotted in the Bay, although they’re wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed.
And don’t feel you need to photograph everything. Some of the best parts of a sailing trip are the quiet moments when you put your phone away, feel the breeze and watch the islands drift past.
6. Pack a few personal essentials
You don’t need to bring half your suitcase onboard. A small day bag with a few essentials is usually all you need.
Depending on your plans, consider packing:
- Any personal medication you may need.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A small bag for your belongings.
- Seasickness medication, if you know you’re prone to motion sickness.
- A light layer for the return journey.
It’s also worth checking what is included in your particular cruise before you leave. Some trips include lunch and equipment, while others are shorter sightseeing experiences.
If you’re joining one of our shared day sailing charters, lunch is included, along with the opportunity to use snorkelling equipment and paddleboards during the island stop. You don’t need to organise separate equipment hire.
7. What about food and drinks?
This depends on the type of trip you’re taking.
Our shared day sailing cruise includes lunch, so there’s no need to organise your own meal. If you have dietary requirements, let us know ahead of time so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
For drinks and snacks, check the details of your booking. You’re welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks on our charters, and there’s storage available onboard.
If you’re spending several hours on the water, having a drink handy is always a good idea. Just remember that space on a boat is limited, so a small bag or cooler is much easier to manage than a large picnic hamper.
For private charters, catering can be arranged to suit your group and the kind of day you’re planning.
8. Check the weather, but leave the sailing decisions to your skipper
One of the questions we hear from guests is whether their trip will still go ahead if the weather changes.
The Bay of Islands is beautiful in all sorts of conditions, but wind, sea state and weather forecasts all play a part in deciding whether it’s suitable to head out.
A sunny forecast doesn’t necessarily mean there will be no wind, and a cloudy morning doesn’t automatically mean it’s a bad day for sailing.
We keep a close eye on conditions and make decisions with the safety and comfort of our guests in mind. Sometimes that means adjusting the route or choosing a more sheltered anchorage to make the most of the day.
Our advice? Check the forecast before you travel, dress in layers and keep an eye on any updates from your charter operator.
If conditions aren’t suitable for your trip, your operator should explain the available options.
9. Make time to explore an island
If you’re choosing between a short sightseeing cruise and a sailing trip with an island stop, think about how you’d like to spend your day.
A shorter cruise is ideal if you want to enjoy the scenery, experience sailing and fit a boat trip around other activities in Paihia.
A longer trip with an island stop gives you more time to get off the boat and explore. You might spend your time swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, walking through native bush or simply finding a quiet spot to sit and take in the surroundings.
One of our favourite things about exploring the Bay of Islands is that no two days need to feel exactly the same. Wind and sea conditions influence where we sail and anchor, so we choose our route with the conditions and the experience in mind.
If you enjoy getting out into nature rather than rushing between destinations, an island stop is well worth considering.
10. Leave plenty of time to get to Paihia Wharf
If your sailing trip departs from Paihia, allow enough time to find the wharf, park and arrive for boarding.
We recommend checking your booking confirmation for the exact departure and arrival times. For our shared day sailing cruise, boarding begins before the scheduled departure, so arriving early helps you start the day without rushing.
If you’re staying outside Paihia, remember to factor in travel time, particularly during the busy summer season.
It’s much nicer to arrive with time to spare, get settled and enjoy the start of your day than to be racing down the waterfront at the last minute!
So, what should you pack?
If you want the simple version, here’s our checklist for a Bay of Islands boat trip.
For any sailing trip:
For a trip with an island stop:
That’s really all you need. There’s no need to overpack — just come prepared for a few hours outdoors and ready to enjoy the experience.
Ready to explore the Bay of Islands by sail?
At Bayscapes Charters, we’re all about experiencing the Bay of Islands at a relaxed pace. We’re a locally owned and operated sailing business based in Paihia, and we love sharing this part of Northland with visitors.
Our 40-foot sailing catamaran, Hibiscus Star, has plenty of room to spread out, enjoy the views and experience the Bay from the water.
Whether you’d like a shorter afternoon sail or a full day combining sailing and island exploration, there are options to suit different schedules and interests.
Looking for a shorter experience? Our afternoon sailing cruise is a relaxed way to get out on the water and enjoy the scenery.
Want a full day of adventure? Explore our shared day sailing cruise for sailing, an island stop and time for swimming, snorkelling or paddle boarding.
Planning something special? With a private sailing charter you can enjoy the boat with your own group and choose an experience that suits your plans.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and showing you the Bay of Islands from a different perspective.
See you on the water!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay of Islands Boat Trips
What should I bring on a Bay of Islands boat trip?
We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat and a light jacket, as it can feel cooler out on the water. If your trip includes an island stop, bring swimwear, a towel and comfortable walking shoes. A camera is always worth having handy, too!
What should I wear on a sailing boat?
Comfortable, casual clothing is best. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the weather, and wear something suitable for spending a few hours outdoors. If you’re planning to swim or explore an island, bring your swimwear and walking shoes.
Can you swim or snorkel on a Bay of Islands sailing trip?
Yes! Depending on the charter and sea conditions, you may have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or try paddle boarding during an island stop. Our shared day sailing cruise includes time to enjoy these activities, with snorkelling equipment and paddle boards available onboard.
Do I need sailing experience?
Not at all. Our sailing charters are suitable for visitors with no previous sailing experience. Whether it’s your first time on a boat or you’re already a keen sailor, you can sit back, enjoy the scenery and experience the Bay of Islands from the water.
Is lunch included on a Bay of Islands boat trip?
It depends on the trip you choose. Lunch is included on our shared day sailing cruise, while our shorter afternoon sailing cruise does not include lunch. Check your booking details before departure so you know what to expect.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather and sea conditions play an important part in sailing. We monitor conditions carefully and make decisions based on the safety and comfort of our guests. If conditions mean your trip cannot safely go ahead, we’ll discuss the available options with you.
Where do Bayscapes Charters depart from?
Our shared sailing charters depart from Paihia Wharf in the Bay of Islands, Northland. We recommend checking your booking confirmation for your departure time and arriving early enough to board without rushing.
