New Zealand is going to be our home away from the cyclones for the next 6 months. We arrived in the Bay of Islands and have been stuck in the marina trying to have the engine fixed for the last 6 weeks, Christmas and New Year got in the way. Still, we have explored and enjoyed the area between doing jobs on the boat. And being in the marina has its advantages, mainly hot showers and social events.
This is New Zealand – Bay of Islands in Dec 19
A tough passage made even tougher without our engine. From no wind to too much wind in the wrong direction. Finally arrived in New Zealand after 13 days at sea.
A perfect doughnut shape atoll, mainly submerged, 5 kms across, about 500 kms from Tonga. We waited over a week for the right weather window for our crossing to New Zealand. Never seen so many shades of blue.
After French Polynesia, visiting the Royal Kingdom of Tonga, the Happy Kingdom, was like going back in time.
We stopped in each of the 3 main groups of islands, and were lucky enough to see many whales on the way. A very special place.
Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora conjure the picture postcard image of pristine white beach, clear turquoise water and lush green mountains in the background. The reality does not disappoint and there are plenty more islands to explore, all with their own distinctive flavour.