We left Neiafu in the northern Tongan islands of the Vavau group on the afternoon of Monday the 17th. October, heading 1200 NM due south to the Bay of Islands in New Zealand.

 

This is a passage which we had viewed with some trepidation, as it can often be difficult.  But we had a good 7 day forecast, and in the event it proved to be an excellent trip.

 

4 days out and it’s getting colder!

 

 

After 6 and a half days with 15-20 knots on the beam the whole way, the North Island comes in

to view and David hoists the NZ courtesy flag and the yellow quarantine flag.  Having David

join for the trip meant the luxury of 3 hours on 6 hours off on night watches.

 

 

At the customs wharf in Opua – 6 and half days on passage, our second fastest passage even though we slowed down at night for comfort.

 

 

We hired a car and did some sightseeing with our friends Marion and Conor of Toucan.

 

The town of Russel, oldest British settlement in New Zealand.   Third on the right is the

magnificent old hotel.....

 

 

...with beautiful timber interior.

 

 

View across the bay from the hills above Russel.

 

 

The Opua Marina and customs wharf is across the bay to the left.

 

 

The Town Basin on the river in Whangarei, a popular place with visiting cruisers.

 

 

The waterfall at Whangarei.

 

 

The magnificent scenery of the Tutukaka coast.

 

 

 

Alpacas at the local country show.

 

 

Judging the calves.

 

 

 

Loading oysters at Opua Marina.