Relaxing, again, in a little bay on the island of Kawau (sounds Hawaiian doesn't it? Might stay a couple of days if the weather clear.... been cloudy for days now!!

Mangawhai Harbour. Nice holiday settlement with shops, tavern etc. Beautiful sandy beaches either side of the inlet. Shallow sand bank at the entry can break in SW seas.

Marsden Cove Marina. Lovely , well kept marina run by friendly and helpful people. Not much to do here, just one cafe shop. Whangarei is 30km by car or 11NM by boat, all facilities there, including Bunnings, gas fitters, all marine chandlers and refitters.

Anchored in Bland bay, nice long beach with cottages and a caravan park. Will leave early tomorrow morning to go to Whangarei.

Anchored in Urupukapuka Bay. This island is controlled by the Dpt of Coservation and has excellent walking track all around. We walked up a couple of hills and enjoyed great views over the Bay of Islands.

Allegedly there are scallops in Albert Channel

Spent yesterday at anchor in Paihia, had gusts of 32kn, rain squalls and we were cold!!! When is the spring/summer coming to this beautiful Bay of Islands? Today we are on a mooring in Russell, the historical first Capital of NZ. Looking forward to go for a walk and coffee in town.

In Opua Marina, North Island. We cleared customs and immigration quickly yesterday and are now enjoying the NZ cold weather..... It will get better! We went out for lunch and dinner and greatly enjoyed both as well as the warm NZ hospitality. Spent all morning cleaning the boat and now looking forward to some ralaxation and island exploring.

We are in the Q dock waiting for clearance tomorrow morning.

84 to Opua at net time. Good radio

Had a bumpy night, with increasing NW winds, finally sailing straight towards Opua with two reefs, will arrive later this afternoon

Another 24h with the motor running, occasionally motor-sailing. 238M to Opua.

Motored last 24h in light winds from SE, S and SW, in a big slow rolling sea. Only averaging 5.4kn. A real pain. Still on schedule to arriva Mon 3rd if we get some wind, but all my GRIBs show is light wind, including Monday???

Motor sailed all night in light winds, 150mile day.

Currently about 130M from Minerva Reef. Had a pleasant night, with mostly light winds, motored for the last 4h.

Minerva Reef!!! Had a very pleasant sail yesterday cruising at 7 to 8 kn, Slowed down to 4 overnight to arrive at daybreak. Had a swim in the cold (21º) waters and now getting ready to set sail again for Opua, NZ as the weather is favourable.

stopped for breakfast but will leave today as the weather window is good for NZ . will leave with 12 other boats so plenty of company!

Corrected position update

Had a pleasant night, with moderate winds 16~20kn and just a couple of gusts to 24 & 26kn. 1 reef in the main. 180mile day.

Just left Tongatapu form Minerva Reef. Will slow down to get to Minerva around 11am on Wednesday.

In Nuku'olefa wqaiting for the right opportunity to set sail to NA!!

We enjoyed Kelefesia, beautiful cliffs, sand bar and forest full of birds. Great snorkeling all around with coral towers and ledges, mostly live coral.

in hapaais and soon off to Tongatapu for clearance to NZ

Anchored on SW corner of Nomuka Is, in the lower Hapai group of Tonga.

Good holding in 16m sand with the occasional coral boulder. Rolly anchorage, nice snorkeling.