Lonely Planet lauds Bay of Islands sailing trip

The Bay of Islands has been named the second best in the Top 10 "ultimate sailing trips" by travellers' bible Lonely Planet.
The international guide has just released the guide with the tagline "Pack your sea legs for this whip around the world's sunniest sailing spots, taken from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Experiences".
It lists the Bay of Islands second, behind the British Virgin Islands, with the Nile River, Egypt; Zanzibar; Croatia; the French Riviera; the Gal�gos Islands, Ecuador; Tahiti and French Polynesia; the Greek Islands and Australia's Whitsunday Islands rounding out the list.
About the Bay of Islands Lonely Planet says: "This small island nation has a habit of throwing up some of the world's best sailors (see its America's Cup successes) and has one of the highest per-capita rates of boat ownership in the world.
"And with water like this, why wouldn't it? Famed for its stunning coastal scenery, the Bay of Islands in New Zealand's 'winterless north' is one of the country's most worthwhile attractions, punctuated by dozens of coves and filled with clear waters ranging in hue from turquoise to deep blue.
"Though a hugely popular tourist and sailing destination, the 150 or so islands have thankfully escaped development (the townships are all on the mainland)."
Destination Northland boss Brian Robert said the high spot on the prestigious guide's top 10 sailing destinations was great news for the Bay and Northland tourism in general.