New Beginnings
The voyage of Tawhiti started in Kerikeri marina 28 September 2024 with the handover from the previous owners Steve Lott and family - owners for 43 years.
The beginning of a bucket list item of cruising the Northland Coast after sailing here many times in the past but always with time constraints and pressure of returning to work in Auckland.
After a few days in the Bay of Islands, accompanied by Jon Lee with his yacht Caroline, it was an easy trip North to the cavalli Islands then Whangaroa Harbour and anchorage in the East arm which I had never visited before. A very pleasant and sheltered anchorage, before moving to near the Whangaroa Marina and visiting Totara North by dinghy. Next was the familiar West Arm and Rere Bay with the prominent rock formation of the Duke's Nose. Again a sheltered anchorage appreciat after the wind that blows straight down the main channel of Whangaroa Harbour.
Leaving Jon, I headed North to Mangonui to catch up with family and friends. The use of a swing mooring negotiated by Danny Simms added security to my stay and the ability for son Shane and I to take part in the Sunday Mangonui Cruising Club race to Matai Bay.
Leaving Mangonui, I stopped at Waitepipi bay, lovely secluded Bay North of the Bay of Islands. Had my first swim in NZ waters for the season and removed many barnacles from the hull before departing for Opua via Matauri Bay.
The next few days were spent exploring some of the many surrounding Bays - Pomare, Opunga Cove, Assasination Cove, to name a few before returning to Opua marina workberth to have a rig check and electrlcal switch seen to.
Time to Continue South
22 November I left Opua and the Bay of Islands for Whangamumu. Rounding Cape Brett always gives the feeling of laving somewhere special and indeed the BOI is a wonderful cruising area full of we protected anchorages.
The weather has been settled, and everything on board is working well. Whangamumu is a very pleasant anchorage with walks ashore and at this time of year, very few other boats about. No internet for me, but I am told it is available in the middle of the bay.
Next stop was Bland Bay where a local approached to ask where I had come from and was purportedly checking for Caulerpa weed. I gave him a scone still warm from the oven and he called by later with the offer of fresh kina which I politely declined.
Moving on I anchored for the night at Whangaruru opposite a campground we had used with the motorome.
24 November I arrived at Mimiwhangata. A lovely anchorage with long walks ashore.
Following a "must see' tip from Bob Blakey I moved t nearby Taiwawe Bay. A very sheltered and small anchorage - protected by an island
Taiwawe Bay
Typical NZ Bach
Taiwawe Bay
Early morning start, I headed through Rimariki Island passage bound for Tutukaka. Just off Elizabeth reef I remembered Rex and Jenny from Whangarei yacht Alcyone had mentioned they would be sailing about this time, so I sent a text. "Oh, we are at Mimiwhangata - just arrived last night" so I turned back to join them.
A great catchup after too many years and it was a pleasure to see them again.
Alcyone
Cattle and sheep work Mimiwhangata
