The Bay of Islands during the Rugby World Cup

www.sailbayofislands.com

If you are planning to visit New Zealand during Sept-October, there’s even more reason to come up to the Bay of Islands, only 3-hr drive north of Auckland. The Bay of Islands will be hosting a variety of events leading to and during the Rugby World Cup, so even if you’re not a rugby fan, you’re welcome to join in the fun.
We’ve highlighted some of the events here, for a full list and more details, see: Northland events during Rugby World Cup 2011.

Games played at the Northland Events Centre, Whangarei:
Tonga vs. Canada: Wed, Sep 14,                           Tonga vs. Japan: Wed, Sept 21.

The Bay of Islands will be hosting the Canadian Rugby team during Sept 2 – Sept 11, 2011, and the Tongan and Japanese teams during Sept 15 - 20.

Paihia in the Bay of Islands will be the scene of festivals, family fun events and cultural showcasing during the Rugby World Cup, September – October, 2011.

Russell, the “Hellhole of the Pacific”
When: Friday 7 October to Sunday 23 October, 10am to 4pm.  Where: Russell waterfront and village centre
Russell-Kororareka is recreating its most infamous days when Kororareka was known as the Hell-hole of the Pacific and a favourite stopping place for whalers and sailors of 19th century sailing ships. During October 7-23, the streets of this now charming village will once again see the likes of whalers, warriors, loose women, missionaries and townsfolk of 1830-1847. Re-creation of historical scenes on the streets and in heritage buildings will liven up visitors’ experience of Russell on top of the normal attraction of the town, which includes the oldest NZ tannery-printhouse, the Russell museum, a great selection of restaurants on the waterfront and the Trader’s Mall, Nature Reserve walks, and two excellent beaches.

The Russell wharf is where Freewind will pick you up for the real Bay of Islands experience – a day sail or overnight trip in the Bay.

Russell will also be hosting the Oyster Festival on Sept 17 at the Russell waterfront: oysters and much more….

Paihia: From Sept 9 to Sept 22, Paihia will host a multitude of events, including showcasing Maori culture (Kapa Haka festival, traditional Maori crafts, etc.), beach activities (sandcastle competition, beach sports) and food events.  On Sept 20 and 22 the Seafood festival in Paihia will give you an opportunity to catch or just enjoy the taste of locally caught seafood, plus lots of fun activities for the whole family (including the “pie-hia” eating competition) on the Paihia village green.

Whangarei, on the way to the Bay of Islands, will also be hosting art events and family activities during this time, and if you are a rugby fan, the “Rugby, Racing, and Beer” exhibition at the Matakohe Museum on the way up north (State Highway 1), would be an interesting stop.

This will be a busy time for tourist operators in the Bay of Islands and we are all looking forward to sharing our wonderful bit of paradise with all our guests. Please make your bookings on Freewind early – we will be offering day sails and overnight trips, plus private tailor-made charters with our usual focus on everyone having an enjoyable and relaxing time, experiencing the natural beauty of the Bay and its islands, good food and comfortable accommodation, and expert seamanship and local knowledge from Ron, Freewind’s experienced skipper. Details on www.sailbayofislands.com .

Looking forward to hearing from you -- fair winds and following seas,

Ron and the crew on Freewind.