A place to unwind.
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Mike & Wendy Fisher each have 30 plus years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. During this time, they have spent many years visiting and previously living in the Bay of Islands.
Mike started his career as a pilot but a one-way ticket to Europe in his 20’s led to an unexpected change of direction and a life-long career as a tour coach driver in Europe and New Zealand. After over 30 years of driving, touring and hosting thousands of visitors around the land of the long white cloud, there are not too many bumps in the road that Mike doesn’t know. Mike is passionate about New Zealand, its history, culture, scenery and people and is deeply proud to be called a ‘Kiwi’. His love of sailing and all things on the water, makes the Bay of Islands a perfect playground.
Wendy’s tourism journey started at a young age in hotel industry in the remote Fiordland National Park. This began a love affair with the tourism industry and a fun filled 30 plus years of working across many sectors including scenic flights, coach tours, retail and wholesale travel, sustainable tourism, industry qualifications and marine tourism. An ocean loving person also, Wendy feels completely at home in the Northland region and enjoys the sense of community that comes from living in Opua.
We look forward to welcoming you to our little slice of paradise and promise an experience which will leave you with fond memories of your time in the Bay of Islands.
GATEWAY TO THE NORTH
The gateway to the Bay of Islands, Opua is located where the Kawakawa and Waikeri Rivers meet with the inner harbour bay and stretch out northwards to the sea.
Opua is approximately 3 hours drive north of Auckland and is centred on an international port, marina and the wharf. A car ferry operates from Opua across the bay to the Port of Okiato and the road to historic Russell township. From Marina Cove it is an easy 5 minute walk to English Bay or Lemons Bay, which provide safe swimming and a relaxing place to take in the sun away from crowds. There is also easy access to the doggy friendly Opua-Paihia coastal walkway.
From Marina Cove it is just 15 minutes walk or a few minutes drive to the small community of Opua where you can enjoy a coffee or just sit and watch boats and the world go by. The community-focused Opua Cruising club is a perfect spot for a sunset drink or a great value meal with live music on the weekends.
GETTING AROUND
Arriving by car allows you freedom to explore the region and there is a lot to see! If arriving by plane into the Kerikeri Airport, there are a number of car hire companies to choose from. Alternatively, you can hire a car locally from Opua and pre-book an airport transfer to Marina Cove through Kerikeri Taxi & Tours.
“With our collective love of being around and on the water, being surrounded by native bush and working towards a less stressful, relaxed pace of life, it was an easy decision to move back to the Bay in 2018. We know how lucky we are to be living in this magical part of New Zealand and love welcoming guests to share the beauty and serenity of Marina Cove and its incredible views.”
