January
Bay of Islands Sailing Week - 19 to 23 January 2026 in Opua.
Bay of Islands Sailing Week is the largest event of its kind in New Zealand — a multi-day summer regatta attracting keelboats, trailer yachts, and multihulls from across the country and overseas. Established in 2003, it has become a highlight of the sailing calendar, combining competitive racing with a relaxed holiday atmosphere that makes it just as enjoyable to watch as it is to race.
The regatta is based in Opua, in the heart of the Bay of Islands, Northland. Known for its exceptional sailing conditions, sheltered waters, and stunning coastal scenery, the Bay provides a spectacular setting both on and off the water. Regatta headquarters are located in Opua, where registration, daily briefings, and evening entertainment take place, creating a lively hub throughout the week.
Mangawhai Tavern Market - 17 January 2026 - 2 May 2026
Join us for a beautiful experience with an amazing selection of art & craft stalls, chopping boards, tasty food selection, artisan breads and pastries, deli products, chili sauces, awesome coffee, healthy living products, crystals, stone & silver jewelry, outdoor furniture, children's clothing, men's & ladies clothing, local honey, chutneys, fresh pasta, beautiful candles, dog treats, thrift preloved clothing and so much more!!!
We have Street Food vendors cooking up a large variety of different food & 3 Monkeys popcorn ready for you to enjoy.
There is live music in the garden bar with stunning views over the estuary & sand dunes.
The Extravaganza Fair - Bay of Islands - Waitangi Marae, Te Karuwha Parade, Paihia - 17 & 18 January 2026
Celebrating 11 years on the road, New Zealand’s most colourful travelling fair is back!
A joyful weekend of vintage fun, community vibes, and free entertainment for all ages. Kids FREE | Adults gold coin
Markets, street food, kids’ rides, live music, the Ashton Family Circus, Burns the Dragon, Mermaid Storytime, Lucky Star Zone, mystical readings, sustainable living ideas, and relaxed chill-out lounges.
Fun for the whole family — don’t miss it.
February
Waitangi Day - 6 February 2026
Waitangi Day is New Zealand’s national day, commemorating the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) in 1840. It’s a powerful day of reflection, celebration, and culture — and one of the biggest events in the Bay of Islands calendar.
Just a short drive from Oke Beach House, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds hosts the main celebrations each year, with a full programme of activities that often includes cultural performances, waka ceremonies, live music, food stalls, speeches, and family-friendly entertainment.
Foil Bay of Islands - 20 to 22 February 2026 Paihia
Each summer the Bay of Islands Yacht Club hosts the thrilling Foil Bay of Islands event — a high-octane celebration of wind, water and speed right here in our backyard. Set against the stunning Waitangi coastline, this three-day foiling regatta brings together top athletes, passionate weekend warriors and curious spectators from across Aotearoa and around the globe.
Expect jaw-dropping racing and freestyle action across multiple foiling disciplines including wingfoil, windfoil, kitefoil and Moth class — all slicing along crystal-clear waters under big skies. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of competition or here to soak up the festival atmosphere, Foil Bay of Islands is an unforgettable mix of skill, community and pure fun on the water.
www.boiyc.org/foil-bay-of-islands
March
Cruz’n The Bayz (Classic Car & Bike Festival) - March 5 to 8 2026 Paihia
Each late summer, the Bay of Islands comes alive with the sound of classic engines as Cruz’n The Bayz rolls into Northland. Over several days, hundreds of vintage cars, hot rods, muscle cars, and motorcycles cruise through some of the region’s most scenic coastal roads, stopping in local towns for food, entertainment, and community celebrations. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly event with a great atmosphere — perfect for visitors who love cars, live music, and summer vibes in the Bay.
April
Easter Egg Hunt - Otehei Bay - 6 April 2026
Staying at Oke Beach House over Easter? This is the perfect family day out.
The Otehei Bay Easter Family Fun Day returns in 2026, with loads of free fun for kids and parents — including games, activities, and the always-popular Easter egg hunt 🐣
Otehei Bay is an easy adventure from the Beach House — you can head across by private boat, or book the Explore ferry (from Paihia or Russell). Just be sure to secure tickets early, as spaces always fill quickly for this event.
A great excuse to turn your Easter escape into a full Bay of Islands experience.
May
Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival - 8 to10 May 2026 | Paihia & Russell
The Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival returns to Paihia and Russell from 8–10 May 2026, bringing three days of live music to the heart of the Bay. Known as New Zealand’s longest-running country music festival, it features dozens of performers across multiple venues, creating a relaxed “gig-hopping” atmosphere where you can enjoy everything from classic country favourites to upbeat country rock. It’s a brilliant excuse for a long weekend away — great music, great locals, and the Bay of Islands at its best.
October
Coastal Classic (Auckland to Russell Yacht Race) - 23 October 2026
If you’re in the Bay of Islands over Labour Weekend, the PIC Coastal Classic is one of those “drop what you’re doing and go watch” events. It’s New Zealand’s iconic offshore dash north — a 119 nautical mile race that starts off Devonport Wharf in Auckland and finishes at Russell Wharf, right in the heart of the Bay.
Often described as a drag race, the fastest boats can arrive in under six hours, while others battle through a full-day (or overnight) mission depending on conditions. The finish into Russell is a proper spectacle — big sails, big speed, big energy — and it’s an awesome time to be in the region, with crews, supporters, and sailing fans filling town for the celebrations.