Stayed another night on anchor at Mistletoe Bay before heading into Picton for some shopping and laundry. Stayed another night at Kumutoto Bay and then sailed over to Spencer Bay to meet up with some friends. Currently rafted up together on the mooring in Spencer Bay.

Spent Christmas day eating, drinking and paddling around Kumutoto bay. Today we sailed further into Queen Charlotte. Rafted up with a couple other boats on a mooring, not much fun, so decided to anchor instead. Now sat in sunny Mistletoe Bay.

We have officially entered the slow lane. Spent our first day of the trip yesterday relaxing at Ngaruru Bay. My task for the day: make marzipan and ice the christmas cake. Tick. We also got out our new Sea Eagle kayak and took it for a paddle round the bay. Today we sailed approx 11 miles to Kumutoto Bay in the Inner Queen Charlotte Sound.

The adventure begins! Departed Wellington 14:45 for Tory Channel. Good sailing the whole way across Cook Strait with a 15-25 knot Northerly. Very little swell. Arrived 20:00 at Tory Channel, but had to wait to enter due to Ferry traffic and tides. Now safely moored in Ngaruru Bay.

Awaiting adventures in Chaffers Marina