Bay of Islands Sailing Week
Bay of Islands Sailing Week takes place Jan 24 - 28, 2027 in Russell, New Zealand. The dress code is Casual summer wear; sun hat and layers because the Bay turns breezy, with smart casual for the waterfront prize-givings. Typical cost ranges from 700 to 2200 EUR per person.
New Zealand's premier summer regatta, sailed in the subtropical Bay of Islands with racing based out of Opua, Russell and Paihia. A large mixed fleet of racers and cruisers works windward-leeward and island courses in warm January conditions, and the shoreside prize-givings spill onto the waterfront. It sits inside the New Zealand summer holidays, so the whole area is already in holiday mode.
- When
- Jan 24 - 28, 2027
- Where
- Russell, New Zealand
- Dress code
- Casual summer wear; sun hat and layers because the Bay turns breezy, with smart casual for the waterfront prize-givings
- Cost
- Typical cost ranges from 700 to 2200 EUR per person.
- Weather
- 18 - 25C, warm subtropical summer with afternoon sea breezes
- When to book
- Book Russell or Paihia accommodation 4 to 6 months out; late January is peak New Zealand holiday season
- Getting there
- KKE (Kerikeri), about 45 min to Paihia; AKL about 3.5 h by road
- Where to stay
- The Duke of Marlborough Hotel, Eagles Nest, Paihia Beach Resort & Spa
- Official site
- https://boisailingweek.org.nz/
How to attend
Watching is free from the Russell, Paihia and Opua waterfronts, and the daily prize-givings are open to all. For a closer view, local operators run spectator charters out to the island courses. Boat entries and the crew register run through the official site with entries opening in the spring, and the cruising divisions make it accessible to boats that are not race-optimised.
Watching from the Russell, Paihia and Opua waterfronts is free and the daily prize-givings are open to all, so no ticket exists; the registrations on the official site are for competing boats.
Insider tip
Take the passenger ferry across to Russell and climb Flagstaff Hill - the fleet threads the channel below you, and the Duke of Marlborough's veranda is the obvious post-race destination.
Get inside Bay of Islands Sailing Week
Booking matters here: book Russell or Paihia accommodation 4 to 6 months out; late January is peak New Zealand holiday season. Members track that window, what it really costs, and 573 more events across the season.
Free while in beta. One email when your invitation is ready, nothing else.