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Sailing New Zealand - Part 1
  • Sailing Fin Explorer
  • Sailing Fin Explorer

Sailing New Zealand - Part 1

Sailing around New Zealand for the summer in our newly refurbished beautiful 50 foot aluminium sailboat!
(Following a 6 month refit in Whangarei, Northland.) Read more
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  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Boat Harbour

    January 11, 2025 in New Zealand

    A gorgeous little spot to hang out for an afternoon.
    We lifted the keel as so we could go in shallow but unfortunately it was pretty rolly so we decided to move for the night.

    Still managed to get ashore for a walk up the creek and a little paddle around the bay. Beautiful!Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Tairua

    January 11, 2025 in New Zealand

    We had decided to move as the bay we were in was very small, shallow and rolly.

    Just motored down to this spot off of Tairua. Still a little rolly but at least a lot of space and more of a forward-back roll than a side-to-side 😆Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Slipper Island

    January 12, 2025 in New Zealand

    Bit of a motor sail over to Slipper Island with variable winds.
    Anchored in Home Bay. Only able to explore the beach as a private island but a beautiful little beach! Went for a paddleboard and a snorkel and wow the water was SO clear!Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Pilot Bay

    January 13, 2025 in New Zealand

    Arrived pretty late after a full (but awesome) day’s sail down to Tauranga. Anchored up here for the night so we were ready to go into the marina at High slack tide due to the tidal currents.

    Beautiful Downwinding sailing conditions and of course the wind picked up just before arriving in time to put the sail up 😅    Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Tauranga Bridge Marina

    January 16, 2025 in New Zealand

    Motored over from Pilot Bay into the marina. We are just popping in for a couple of days to top up water, batteries and provisioning.

    I was nervous as I was at the Helm and the first marina entry just the two of us (just did one before with the instructor). It was a super narrow berth but luckily I nailed it!! 🙌

    Time to chill and live on unlimited water and electricity!!! 🤘    Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Tuhua Island

    January 23, 2025 in New Zealand

    Beautiful sail from Motiti to Mayor (Tuhua) island. Stunning little bay with crystal clear water. Decided to stay a while. Paddle boarding, snorkelling and some hiking. And some computer work to do as we prep for our upcoming work trip.Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Omaio Bay

    January 27, 2025 in New Zealand

    Phew! What a day.
    Started out sporty with 20-25kts consistent and gusting 35kts. Then turned downwind and it mellowed right out. Max boat speed 11.8 knots baby!!!

    Unfortunately the place we were planning on anchoring wasn’t suitable and next spot was another 30nm away… so a biiig day. Big winds.

    Winds died then picked back up very quickly. Snapped our 2nd reef line 😬 So had to go for 3, but with 30+ gusts probably a good thing! Sporty. Aaand coming into the anchorage in the dark in 25 knots of wind.. 😬 But success. 😮‍💨    Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    McKewin’s Bay, Whale Island

    January 28, 2025 in New Zealand

    Started the day with no wind (less than 5 knots) so first half was motoring 👎 But we put the sails up anyway just in case and luckily the wind picked up!! So second half was sailing and consistent 15ish knots, up to 20/22 so yay!

    Also a pod of dolphins came by to say hi! Very quick but quite a big pod and the water was so clear you could see them swimming along! 😍

    Anchored off of Whale Island, can’t go ashore as wildlife reserve (I really need a walk, it’s been 3 days!!!) but I did go for a snorkel and it was awesome! Eagle ray, tons of little fish, some really big fish and a fur seal on the rock! 😍    Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Motiti Island West

    January 29, 2025 in New Zealand

    Great sail! Started the day with about an hour of motoring as low winds again and then it just kept picking up. One reef in by the end of the day as consistently above 25 knots.

    Lots of tacking as our destination was pretty much directly upwind. A little swelly and blustery and just loved it! Great day, just felt so content and happy 💕 ⛵️Read more

  • Sailing Fin ExplorerSailing New Zealand - Part 1Traveler

    Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui

    January 30, 2025 in New Zealand

    Perfect conditions for a final sail, just went in at low slack to anchor at Pilot Bay. Then we will motor over to the marina at High slack ready for tomorrow morning.

    Putting the boat on the hard tomorrow for a month while we go back to work! Will miss it but looking forward to exploring the New Zealand SubAntarctics and the Ross Sea for work 😍 🐧 🦭 🐋 🧊Read more

    Trip end
    February 1, 2025