The islands of the Hauraki Gulf!

The beginning of the year starts well with our sailing program to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf and the dry boat at the Whangarei shipyard.

Waiheke Island
It is the second largest island after the Great Barrier Island, both located east of Auckland. Only 30 minutes from Auckland by ferry, the island attracts a good number of tourists. It has several hiking trails, either coastal or in the middle of the forest. Thanks to the particularly mild climate, vineyards have developed throughout the island, offering hilly landscapes.

We anchor in the bay of Matiatia (North West) to pick up at the ferry dock Kevin (son of Nathalie) who comes to spend their holidays on board.
We do several hikes in Whakanewha Regional Park ( South West) where the forest and vegetation are lush.











Anchorage at Huruihi bay which allows you to join the road to the small seaside resort of Onetangi in the north of the island.


Coromandel Peninsula
In a few hours we arrive in Port Jackson at the northern tip of the island. Luckily there is no swell coming from the east, we can anchor on this side of the peninsula. The 4kms long Muriwai coastal path offers magnificent views, you would think you were at the end of the world... During one of our "Road trips" in February 2020 We loved this very wild coast and the sunsets.



Muriwai Coastal Path to Fletcher Bay Campsite (North East).





Great Barrier Islands
Great Barrier Island is the largest and widest of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Long 43 kms from North to South, the island protects the Gulf from the storms of the Pacific Ocean, creating a boater's paradise. It is sparsely populated (850 HBTS) unlike its neighbour Waiheke (9000 HBTS).
Forests, The beaches and beautiful bays invite you to all kinds of adventures. On the east coast of the island, Oceanfront, There are high cliffs and long white sand beaches ideal for surfing. West Side, There are sheltered harbours and hundreds of small bays perfect for swimming. The ferries that run from Auckalnd are always full in the summer and it's easy to see why! A change of scenery is guaranteed!

We arrive in a few hours at Kaikoura Island with strong wind accelerations between the islands. Where we anchor There is no access to land apart from the possibility of taking a few steps on the pebbles or climbing the rocks.

Anchorage in Port Fitzroy Bay, starting point for forest hikes "Bridle track" and "Old Lady track". We don't have much choice but to stop at the grocery store alone to buy vegetables that are overpriced!


We find a good shelter to the east of Great Barrier, Whangapoua Bay. The water is a bit chilly (as always in New Zealand ) only Philippe and Kevin go for a swim.




An octopus barely has time to return halfway to its hiding place.




Kevin arrives at the end of his holiday but before dropping him off at Auckland Airport, we anchor outside the Orakei marina located in the channel near Auckland. The anchorage is "rolling" with the passage of ferries and the wind that intensifies during the day.
Stroll through Robinson Park( Parnell Rose garden) which is a tropical garden right in the centre of Auckland.

The Sky Tower( 328m) which serves as a transmitter for radio and television is a must-visit in Auckland. Sports activities are organized to attract tourists : The Sky Jump and the Sky Walk. One consists of staying suspended in the void and the other of walking on one of the platforms at a height of 190m... enough to make you afraid of heights!

Tao anchorage red dot in the photo.

Whangarei
It was in February that we returned to the Norsand shipyard to dry the boat and organize our trip to the South Island.