A Laid-Back Marina Town with Coastal Adventures Nearby
Nestled in the heart of the Bay of Islands, Opua is a picturesque marina town that’s both a popular port of entry for yachts and a peaceful destination in its own right. Whether you’re arriving by boat or road, Opua’s relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting make it a great place to unwind or set off on an adventure.
The town is the southern starting point of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and also offers lovely coastal walks, such as the Opua to Paihia track through native bush and along sheltered shoreline. The marina precinct has cafés, galleries and opportunities to join sailing trips or fishing charters.
Bay of Islands
Explore the Bay of Islands from a Quiet Coastal Base
From Opua, it’s easy to access the wider Bay of Islands by water taxi, ferry or private boat. Day trips to Urupukapuka Island, Russell, and Cape Brett offer snorkelling, bush walks, and iconic sights like the Hole in the Rock.
Back on land, the Twin Coast Cycle Trail connects Opua to Kaikohe and beyond, following an easy gradient through bush, farmland and historic towns. Whether you’re on two wheels, a walking track, or the deck of a boat, Opua is the kind of place where your Northland journey can begin or end with ease.
Things to Do in Opua New Zealand
Here are some of the top activities to enjoy in and around Opua:
- Walk the coastal track from Opua to Paihia
- Cycle the Twin Coast Cycle Trail starting from the marina
- Join a sailing or fishing charter in the Bay of Islands
- Visit nearby Russell by ferry or road
- Explore local cafés and galleries at the Opua Marina
- Take a water taxi to Urupukapuka Island
- Enjoy a sundowner by the water at a marina eatery
- Spot native birds in the surrounding bush
- Connect with boaties from around the world
- Relax and recharge before exploring more of Northland
