[6] It is notable as the first port for overseas yachts arriving in the country after crossing the Pacific Ocean.

The car ferry across the Bay of Islands, the main tourist access to Russell, runs between Opua and Okiato.

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "place of the flower" for Ōpua.

[13] Opua is New Zealand's northernmost port of entry for overseas vessels, and a Customs and Ministry for Primary Industries Place of First Arrival.

[16] The line was then leased to the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway, who have operated tourist services between Opua and Kawakawa, with a break when the Land Transport Safety Authority withdrew the line's operating licence.

Part of the line in Opua is now on private land, and restoration by the vintage railway trust is proceeding.

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.