We have been back in New Zealand about 3 1/2 weeks now. Found the boat in good order. Our caretaker, Peter, had done a great job. Back at the Town Basin dock. We hauled the boat out at Norsand and dealt with a number of projects like new anti-fouling paint and some stainless steel [...]
On the hard, the trades people generally don't do any work on weekends. It is the only time we felt we could leave the boat. We made a run to Auckland for a change of scene, shopping and to meet some friends. We also toured the waterfront. It struck me as similar to Vancouver with some big [...]
We finally got to the public market held every Saturday morning by the town hall. We were delighted to see the wide range of produce, fish, cheese and meat available. Prices varied but the goods were fresh. Lots of unusual items we just don't see in Canada. Quince Wide selection of avocados. [...]
We visited New Zealand's most historic site, took a guided tour and watched a cultural performance. We were glad to see a bit of the North Island and have a break from chores on the boat. Margy with one of the Maori performers Eddie Murphy? A short drive from the Grounds [...]
On April 12th, we were launched and motored back to the dock in Whangarei. It was nice to be on the dock again. The marina life provides numerous opportunities to mix with other cruisers from all over the world. We have come across some familiar faces and made many new acquaintances. We seem to have spent most of our [...]
Whistler docked at Marsden Cove We have everything fixed now, including our oven! We are here in Marsden Cove with many other boats waiting to leave. Here is what Bob McDavitt, a local weather guru, said this morning about departing NZ for the tropics: "After two weeks of disturbed westerly pattern with active troughs, [...]
We left on May 31st for Tonga. We had a mix of conditions heading north east of New Zealand. We sailed for a while and then motor-sailed as winds became unfavourable. One day out, we put the fishing line out and within an hour, I yelled to Monty, "FISH ON!" The fish was really taking the [...]
In late October, we left Vuda Point (pronounced Vunda) on the west coast of Fiji, headed for NZ. Four other boats had cleared the same morning so we had company. Our weather router okayed the departure "window". We had strong south winds and rough seas as we rounded the western side of Fiji to turn [...]
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