We haul out at the beginning of the month. We managed to do all the underwater jobs in record time, only 2 weeks. Back in the water, we have a few more jobs to do (finishing the main hatch). Daily walks, and plenty of entertainment too.
House and dogs sitting is definitely the highlight of the season, especially when the house sitting coincide with the filthiest of weather. We hunker down by the fire, with the dogs at our feet, catching up with “The Crown” on TV!
Settling back into Marsden Cove Marina. We reacquainted ourselves with surrounding beaches and walks, as well as with our neighbours. Just like coming home . We do some boat jobs and the social rounds. The weather is slowly deteriorating and getting colder. We have a few days in the Bay of Islands, delivering a boat which made a nice change.
On our way slowly back up the North Island, we stop at Waiheke Island, near Onorea, for a few days. Then we visit Auckland, Panmure is the perfect base for exploring. Buses and trains are a short distance away from the Yacht Club, Auckland is ours to play in. Next stop is Gulf Harbour, nice marina and the Shakespeare National park offers fabulous walks with stunning views. By the end of April we have reached our winter ground. Back in Marsden Cove Marina where we will haul out and do our maintenance, but mainly wait for spring.
We had a fabulous time in the South Island. The weather is slowly deteriorating and we must make a move back up towards the North Island… looking for some warmth. We still take our time, visiting Napier, again, and the Mercury Islands. Elephant island, in the Hauraki Gulf is a real gem, a natural auditorium, we do have a go at singing (very badly!).
The Marlborough sound is just beautiful. The Queen Charlotte, one of the great walk of New Zealand is accessible from some of the bays where we could anchor. So we made the most of this fantastic place. Not many people on the track, but we had a few social evening in the lodges lining the track. Napier’s Art Deco Festival was a real treat. A full week of parading in costume, us and a few others, in this beautiful town, dancing the nights away. We had a ball!