Explore the Bay of Islands
August 3, 2008
Your Cool Change sailing adventure allows you to explore some of the 144 islands in the bay of Islands. Check out isolated beaches and lush, uninhabited islands. Enjoy island and bush hikes, with spectacular cliff top views.
Observe the unique bird and marine life in this special region. Lay on the spacious trampolines or enjoy the seats on each bow. Often we encounter dolphins that love to play below.
Swim or snorkel from the easily accessed swimming platforms on Cool Change, or take the inflatable dinghy ashore and swim from the beach.
Use our stable kayaks to explore the rocky shorelines.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
August 3, 2008
New Zealand has extensive nature reserves throughout the country and the Bay of Islands is no exception. Many of the 144 islands are managed by our Department of Conservation with wildlife sanctuaries and walking tracks throughout. Many of the beaches provide nesting sites for endangered bird life and native vegetation regeneration is encouraged on the hillsides so that the songs of our forest birds can be heard.
Bottlenose Dolphins
August 3, 2008
Most days we encounter bottlenose dolphins in the Bay although when it suits them they will head further out to sea and do whatever dolphins do. Even when there are many holidaymakers with boats during the summer months, these wild dolphins seem keen to seek out human company. The trampolines on our catamaran provide an ideal viewing platform as these delightful creatures frolic under the bows.
Whales in the Bay of Islands
August 3, 2008
Occasionally orca whales are seen as they head for shallow estuaries in search of stingrays. We have observed the orca tossing the mutilated rays into the air, rather like a game of cat and mouse. Brutal, but that’s nature. Of course you never have the camera ready when this happens !
South of Cape Brett is the old whaling station of Whangamumu where more than 50 years ago there was a thriving industry. Net Rock as the name suggests had a powerful net attached which was used to snare migrating whales.
Whales are still seen if sea conditions are suitable and the distinctive ‘blow’ is visible.
Little Blue Penguin
August 3, 2008
One special resident of the Bay and coastline is our Little Blue Penguin or Korora of the Maori. These shy blue/grey birds are often first observed as they duck under the waves as we sail by. They soon pop up again and paddle on their way, occasionally poking their heads under or meeting up with a couple of mates with loud “waaa, waaa “ calls to each other.
We have had this noisy calling under Cool Change in the evening and when observed through the under hull hatch we could see two penguins swimming under the boat between the hulls and looking up as though they thought they had found a suitable cave to nest in. They didn’t realize it was our nest !
Bay of Islands Fishing
August 3, 2008
Fishing is generally very productive to the patient fisherman all over Northland. Our most common and popular fish is the snapper and large specimens can be landed around the rocky reefs and shoreline. Dusk and dawn are generally the best time of the day for bottom fishing.
Workups of seabirds including gulls, terns, gannets, petrels and shearwaters give an indication of extensive fish activity below the surface. It’s always fun to trawl a lure through the frothing waves and usually kahawai or even kingfish are snared.
Try your hand at a bit of fishing during your cruise. Rods and bait are available, and if you are successful, the catch can be prepared for you to take home, or we can cook it for you on the BBQ.
