Opua

Opua is a locality in the Bay of Islands, in the sub-tropical Northland Region of New Zealand. It is notable as the first port for overseas yachts arriving in the country after crossing the Pacific Ocean. In the original 1870s plans for the town, it was named Newport. The town of Paihia is nearby, and the small settlement of Te Haumi is in between.The population of Opua West and Opua East combined was 612 in the 2006 Census, an increase of 60 from 2001.The car ferry across the Bay of Islands, the main tourist access to Russell, runs between Opua and Okiato.Port of entryOpua is New Zealand's northernmost port of entry for overseas vessels, and a Customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Place of First Arrival. It is a popular destination for cruising yachts owing to its sheltered, deep water anchorage, and numerous facilities for cruisers, including the 250-berth Opua Marina, Ashby's Boatyard and Opua Cruising Club.EducationThe local primary school, Opua School, is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8, with 5 classrooms) school with a decile rating of 7 and a roll of 105. The school was established in 1886. It has an open and easy-going policy of enrolling the children of overseas families mooring in the Bay for weeks or months at a time - making it a highly international school for a small community.