A great day for Opua and the wider boating community

It’s a great day for Opua and the wider boating community, with the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club officially opening its brand-new clubrooms here in Opua.

The milestone was marked with an official ribbon cutting by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, recognising the significance of the project for both the local community and the wider Northland region.

“Opua is an iconic spot. So it was great to officially open the brand new Bay of Islands Swordfish Club there today. This will be a great hub for Northlanders. It’s a project that’s boosted jobs and it’ll generate its part for the economy too.”

Set in a stunning position overlooking Bay of Islands Marina, the new clubrooms enjoy sweeping views across the harbour, with vessels providing a picture-perfect outlook. It’s a location that feels quintessentially Opua — relaxed, coastal and deeply connected to the maritime community.

Inside, the clubrooms offer a welcoming new space to gather, with great food, cold drinks, and an atmosphere designed for connection. One of the standout features is a creative tribute to the many supporters behind the project: a “wall of fish” displaying named donors.

It’s a thoughtful nod to the generosity and community spirit that made the clubrooms possible.

The project has been driven by the dedication and leadership of many people, including Bay of Islands Boatyard Manager - Rhys Dempster. The clubrooms would not exist without the incredible support of volunteers and philanthropists who gave their time, resources and energy to bring this vision to life.

Opening hours

• Tuesday – Thursday: from 3pm

• Friday – Sunday: from 12 noon

• Closed Mondays

  
  

Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering this fantastic new chapter for the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club. Opua now has a brilliant new place to gather, a hub for locals, boaties and visitors alike — and one that will no doubt become a much-loved part of the marina and wider community.

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Photography by Insight Media