This is a pleasant and well sheltered part of Queen Charlotte Sound. As the bay faces north-east it escapes the force of the prevailing winds.
The southern part of the bay is deep to within 30 metres form the shore and provides good holding and is suitable for winds from SE to W. Dryden Bay is completely open to NE to E winds.
Mint Bay to the north of Dryden's Bay, however, is better anchorage in winds from W to N and is sheltered in a southerly. There is a sandy beach here.
There is a lighthouse on the rocks off Kurakura point that guides large vessels between Motuara and Long Island. A tiderip occasionally extends form the point at times of strong tides again strong winds.
