Where you can go
New Zealand is a boaties’ paradise . Each part of the country offers a range of different fresh and saltwater boating environments. Local knowledge is the key to getting the best out of any area. Here’s an introduction to some of New Zealand’s most favourite boating regions.
Northland
Northland has some of the most beautiful coastline in NZ, including the Bay of Islands. Go to http://www.nrc.govt.nz/onthewater to find more relevant local information
Auckland
The Hauraki Gulf is the ultimate boaties’ paradise. The Gulf is part of the Pacific Ocean, which it joins to the north and east. It is largely protected from the Pacific by Great Barrier Island and Little Barrier to the north, and by the 80-kilometre-long Coromandel Penuinsula to the east. The Gulf is thus well-protected against all but northern winds.
The AYBA (Auckland Yacht and Boat Association) incorporates some 40 boating clubs from Omaha in the north to Clark’s Beach at the southern end of the Manukau Harbour. Boaties are encouraged to join a club. There’s a club to cater for most types of boats – centreboard, keelboats, runabouts, launches and for various activities – learning, racing and cruising. The benefits of club membership include:
- Programmes of events and activities
- Club facilities
- Comradeship
- Advantages under various pieces of legislation
Waikato Region
From Coromandel to the Waikato River and over to Raglan the Waikato offers a range of water environments. For more information contact Environment Waikato 0800 800 401
Bay of Plenty
See http://www.envbop.govt.nz/
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay provides good coastal waters for boaties of all description – a wide bay for yachting, plenty of good fishing and some great diving locations – along with some great river adventures for jetboaters, jetskiers and water skiers
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council manages a 333km strip of marine coastal zone from north of Mahia to south of Poranghau, as well as the boating on many of the navigable rivers. You can contact the council for the Hawke’s Bay navigation safety bylaws, which include details of speed restrictions, access lanes and special activity zones. There’s also good information on http://www.hbrc.govt.nz/
Wellington Region
Whether you are interested in sailing, kayaking, fishing, power-boating, diving or even rafting, Wellington has a large array of fun boating activities that you can participate in.
For the full list of activities and further information please visit the Wellington DOC website at http://www.doc.govt.nz/by-region/wellington/parks-and-recreation/activities/
Canterbury
Boating localities are equally diverse, including the tough open-coast environment of Kaikoura; large braided rivers, each with complex river mouths and changeable bars; the two large harbours of Lyttleton and Akaroa; other large bays around Banks Peninsula; an estuary in the heart of Christchurch; plus a whole series of upland and high-country lakes especially the major hydroelectric lake system of the Waitaki Basin.
All of the localities have their own characteristics and their own particular attractions depending on what type of boating you want to do.
