travel
new zealand ~ a little road trip
January 7 – 9, 2014 New Zealand is full of beautiful, rolling farmland. We were able to leave the boat on a mooring in Parua Bay for two days and make the scenic drive across Northland to visit with some old Kiwi cruising buddies. After a world circumnavigation, our friends have settled in the … Continue reading
new zealand ~ a taste of whangarei
January 4 – 6, 2014 During our next couple of days in Parua Bay, we had the pleasure of exploring the Whangarei Farmer’s Market. To this day, this market probably remains to be one of my favorites! Our friends in Parua Bay continued to be wonderful hosts. While Chip took Wil surfing, Barbara gave us … Continue reading
new zealand ~ bay of islands to whangarei
January 2 – 3 , 2014 With an overnight stop in Whangamumu Bay, we took two leisurely days to sail from Bay of Islands to the Whangarei area. … Continue reading
new zealand ~ family time in bay of islands
December 30, 2013 – January 1, 2014 I’ll never forget seeing my parents for the first time in over a year . . . standing on the Opua waterfront with Pete and Rae, our buddies from s/v Saliander. Early that morning, our dear friends had picked my parents up from the airport in Auckland and … Continue reading
new zealand ~ the holiday season
November 28 – December 29, 2013 For Thanksgiving, along with s/v Elcie and s/v Sueño, we hoisted anchor and sailed to Roberton Island for the holiday celebration. A Thanksgiving turkey dinner was served aboard Full Monty, and it was great fun to be among good friends. Walks were taken ashore, and Wil attempted to dive … Continue reading
new zealand ~ know the meaning of signs!
December 20, 2013 Christmas was rapidly approaching and we still had some unfinished Christmas shopping to do. Our friends on s/v Elcie were in the same boat. Thanks to s/v State of Mind, I had a car available to me, so I made plans to drive to Whangarei for a day of gift buying. Richard … Continue reading
new zealand ~ opua & paihia
November 19 – 28, 2013 It didn’t take long for us to settle into life in New Zealand. We quickly found a good spot to remain anchored while we sorted out our thoughts and brainstormed new goals, as well as give our boat some much needed attention. Many of our good friends were either anchored … Continue reading
new zealand ~ let me shake your hand
November 18, 2013 Even though we were completely and utterly exhausted from our challenging 10 days at sea, our friends on Pacific Flyer convinced us to go for free rum punch and nibbles at the All Points Rally tent that evening. Usually, once we’ve made landfall after a long passage, we try to power through … Continue reading
new zealand ~ the official stuff
Novemeber 18, 2013 Haere mai ki Aotearoa! That’s “welcome to New Zealand!” in Maori. Before we even left Neiafu (Vava’u) in Tonga, I emailed an Advanced Notice of Arrival (Form NZCS 340) to New Zealand Customs. This form is supposed to be sent at least 48 hours prior to arrival in New Zealand territorial waters. … Continue reading
