Join us for the Bay of Islands Seafarers Festival

A day of celebrations, great kai, live music and family fun is coming to Opua. On Saturday 14th November, we’re bringing cruisers, locals, marine businesses and community groups together for the Bay of Islands Seafarers Festival, proudly sponsored by Pantaenius.

Hosted by Bay of Islands Marina, the festival is part of our four-day Cruisers Welcome programme. It’s a chance to welcome international crews arriving for the summer, celebrate our maritime community and enjoy a day together by the water.

Everyone is welcome, so bring the family, invite your friends and join in.

Plenty to see and do

The festival opens at 10am, with a welcome from Rhys Dempster our Boatyrad Manager, as the market and community stalls get underway.

There will be market stalls to browse, marine exhibitors and displays to explore, plus activities and entertainment to keep the kids busy.

Our Seafaerers Festival is also an opportunity to discover more about the marina and meet the people and businesses that make our maritime community here so special.

From local artisan finds, experts sharing their marine knowledge to conversations with fellow boaties, there’s plenty to enjoy at your own pace.

Settle in for live music

From 1pm to 4pm, the Cookie Monster Band will provide the afternoon soundtrack. Take a break from exploring, find something delicious to eat and enjoy the music with friends, family and fellow seafarers.

Come hungry

Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day, including Tio Time Oysters, hot food vendors, sweet treats, fresh coffee and hot drinks, plus cold drinks and refreshments.

There will also be plenty on offer at Opua Cruising Club, Opua Swordfish Club and the Marina Café, giving you even more choice for a bite to eat or a drink while enjoying the festivities.

Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee or making a day of it, come hungry and enjoy some great local kai.

A warm welcome to our cruising community

For crews arriving from the Pacific, the festival is a chance to meet locals, make new connections and experience the warm welcome waiting here in the Bay of Islands.

For our local community, it’s an invitation to come down, share in the celebrations and help welcome our visitors as they begin their New Zealand adventures.

Come along, bring the family and be part of the festivities.

Saturday 14th November 2026

10am–4pm

Bay of Islands Marina, Baffin Street, Opua

All welcome - Proudly sponsored by Pantaenius.

Find out more about the Seafarers Festival