Looking good... if it looks as good as it runs we should be laughing!

All we need to do now if 20 hours trial at sea,  and if it all works out we should be able to finally leave New Zealand. But not soon enough, our visa expires within a couple of days of the engine actually starting again after a few days of teething problems. So we do have to lodge another application... The sea trials are now completed, we had the most perfect weather for it, no wind and no waves. So far so good.

Engine back In - June 22

Mount Cook is the further South we will go, not enough time to go all the way to the Sounds at the bottom of the South Island. Work on the engine is progressing, we are getting weekly emails to keep us informed. We need to be back in Opua by the middle of the  month so we can get ready.  In the meantime, we are making the most of it. Such a beautiful country. Highlights, Akaroa and its French twist, Arthurs Pass even if the weather deteriorates at the top, the Nelson lakes and their reflections.

Road Trip - June 22

This trip proved to be the right thing to do. Nothing like stunning sceneries to take our minds off it all. Admittedly costly on top of an engine refit but can you put a price on sanity?! Highlights, Mount Cook in the sunshine, Kaikoura an its seals, Clearwater lake and its tiny village. Loved waking up in different fabulous places every day.

Road Trip - May 22

Disaster, the engine is not doing well and we have to have it fixed before we can go any further. This means we will be immobilised for up to 5 weeks, whilst parts are ordered and received and the work is undertaken. We are both extremely disappointed but despite everything, as luck would have it, we have the opportunity to tour the South Island in a campervan.  Hopefully we'll have an engine in working order before our visa expire at the end of May!

Engineless - May 22

We are now on the clock, we should be leaving New Zealand sometimes in May and we are both feeling a bit sad about it. So as a treat,  we decide to go and do the Tongariro Crossing, our last Hurrah in New Zealand. Glad we went and done it. It was just perfect. the weather could not have been better, not so many people on the trail and the scenery was just spectacular. We also stop in Taupo on the way. The rest of the month is all about getting ready to go north, to Opua and the Bay of Islands, from where we are  waiting for the right weather window to leave, direction Fiji.

Marsden Cove - April 22

Tongariro - April 22

Taupo - April 22

Bay of Island - April 22

Back to Marsden Cove, via Kawau Island. It was lovely to be back on the move and at anchor in such beautiful surroundings for a few days. The island is just enchanting with its mansion, lawns and peacocks. As for being back in Marsden Cove marina, it feels like coming home. Mr X is lifted out for the yearly bottom scrub and general maintenance. We are again fortunate, house and dogs sitting is on offer as we are on the hard. Could not have planned it any better.

Kawau - March 22

Marsden Cove - March 22

Busy time in Auckland in February, more exhibitions,  more visits to museums, more cinemas and a super bonus, we go back to Napier for the Art Deco Festival. A completely different experience this time, we are going in (good) company in a beautiful period villa. We had a fabulous time getting ready for it, finding the right outfits in op shops, and during the festivities.

Auckland - Feb 22

Celebrations are in order, New Year Eve, and Ian's special birthday treat is a long weekend in a posh hotel in Auckland. We danced all night  at a Latin American party on New Year Eve. We celebrated Ian's birthday in style,  had a fabulous meal in the Sky Tower and a late evening at the Casino (first for Ian!). Highlights of the month, horse racing at Ellerslie, party in the park in Helensville, Mary Quant exhibition, cycling around and going to the cinema every Tuesday. And shopping, shopping, shopping,  doing the sales!

Auckland - Jan 22

Finally out of lockdown and the Hauraki Gulf is getting busy with Christmas around the corner. We've spend the festive season in Auckland, the big smoke this year. Close to shops, museums, restaurants, galleries and cinemas, we had a ball!  We're on piles in the Tamaki River, near Panmure. Plenty of buses and trains from there to take us to town or any other place we fancy. Restrictions are still around so no massive concerts or gatherings but we manage to make it fun. As for Christmas day, we went native and had a BBQ on the beach  like the locals.

Auckland - Dec 21

Time is whizzing by, still in lockdown, but we have not have time to get bored. We do stuff on the boat in the morning and a walk in the afternoon. For a bit of a rest, and to get some protection from the unpredictable wind, we spend some time in Rangitoto Island. Islington Bay gives us access to Rangitoto, MotuTapu is out of bound. Both islands are much bigger than Motuihe, we have more scope to stretch our legs and the volcanic scenery makes a nice change.

Motuihe - Oct 21

Rangitoto - Oct 21