Bay of Islands events and festivals
Plan your stay around events in the Bay of Islands, from sailing regattas to music and cultural festivals. Dates below were checked on 25 October 2026; confirm the latest programme with each organiser before booking travel.
January
Bay of Islands Sailing Week
24–28 January 2027 · Opua
Bay of Islands Sailing Week brings sailing crews and spectators to the waters around Opua. Check the organiser’s programme for racing, shoreside events and visitor information.
Sailing Week dates and programme · Check accommodation availability
On the journey north: Mangawhai Tavern Market
Further south in Northland, Mangawhai Tavern Market can be a stop while travelling between Auckland and the Bay of Islands. Browse the market’s own website for its current calendar, stalls and visitor information.
The Extravaganza Fair in the Bay of Islands
The travelling Extravaganza Fair has brought markets, entertainment and family activities to the Paihia and Waitangi area. Check the organiser’s current tour calendar for the next Bay of Islands visit, venue and admission details.
February
Waitangi Day
6 February 2027 · Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Waitangi Day commemorates the first signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty Grounds has announced that its full 2027 programme will be available in January. Check the official programme for ceremonies, cultural events and visitor arrangements.
Foil Bay of Islands
19–21 February 2027 · Bay of Islands Yacht Club, Waitangi
Foil Bay of Islands brings foilers and spectators together for a summer weekend on the water. The organiser’s 2027 event page has the latest registration, format and sailing information.
Foil Bay of Islands dates and event details · Check accommodation availability
Classic car events
Cruz’n the Bayz: classic cars and bikes
Cruz’n the Bayz brings classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars and bikes together around Northland. Check the organiser’s website for future event dates, the programme and registration information before planning a visit.
Easter
Easter activities at Otehei Bay
Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island has hosted family activities over Easter. Check the organiser’s current seasonal programme before planning a day out, and confirm ferry timetables from Paihia or Russell if travelling without a private boat.
Explore Bay of Islands activities · Read our Otehei Bay dining information
May
Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival
7–9 May 2027 · Bay of Islands
Plan a music-filled Bay of Islands getaway around the Country Rock Festival. Check the official festival website for the programme, venues and ticket information, and choose your accommodation dates before making travel plans.
Country Rock Festival dates and programme · Check Oke Beach House availability
Labour Weekend sailing
Coastal Classic: Auckland to Russell yacht race
The Coastal Classic is an Auckland-to-Russell yacht race associated with Labour Weekend. Check the race organiser’s website for future dates, race news and shoreside information when planning a Bay of Islands sailing break.