Christmas Cruise - Hauraki Gulf

 

After a few days in Kerikeri (via road) we dashed back to Gulf Harbour on New Years eve, jumped on board Agnes and headed off to Islington Bay for the night. Spotted a Logan in the distance coming through the Rangitoto Channel, phoned Jeff and lyn of Lynette and it was them, caught up with happenings since we last saw them at Great Barrier Island earlier in the year.

New years day went via Hooks Bay to Coromandel, settling in at Woolshed Bay (pic above) for the night. The next day the tide was right so we ventured up to the town, it is a must do experience. Had nights at Deep Cove (see earlier entry), Te Kouma Harbour (East & Squadron and across the harbour (southern side). Came back via the Waiheke channel (overnight at Man-o-war Bay)) and then through to Rakino for the final night. Brilliant weather and a very relaxing time. Pics of some of the anchorages plus notes and other points of interest can be viewed here.

Tiritiri Matangi (Tiri) Island

 

With Agnes moored at Gulf Harbour Marina, Tiri was the closest Island to home base but also the one that we regrettably ignored for so long. It was never an overnight destination (although I know that many do stay there - it is shelterd from the north easterly) and we never set time aside to call in on the way home. When we finally did, we became hooked.

Apart from Hobbs Beach being a delightful anchorage for swimming or just relaxing, once ashore we found the island unique. Everything from the wonderful effort that has been put into restoring the fauna on the island through to finding what the bush was like when the birds ruled.

The tracks are brilliant with some extensive boardwalks through areas of the bush. When landing at Hobbs Beach you can walk in either direction along the beach onto tracks. Walking east will take you up to the lighthouse, heading west you have two options, take the western most which winds around the western edge of the bay and then into a well established area of bush. We have found this to offer some of the more amazing encounters with the birds, particularly the bellbird, robins and saddleback although we did stumble upon a pair of Kokako. As a budding photographer (as well as wannabe boatie), the Island offers some amazing opportunities that I have not had in other areas around the Gulf.

The anchorage is exposed to the West, particularly the prevailing south westerly wind. Tiri channel can also get rough in wind against tide conditions.

View my Tiri Gallery

The Logan 33 - now a limited edition in NZ

 
No further Logan 33 classic launches will be produced in NZ making the launches in NZ a limited edition.

Mahurangi Auckland Anniversary Day 2009

 

I have been very remiss in not updating the blog more frequently. Having upgraded both my internet connection and PC there are probably few excuses. So a bit of a backlog to get through.

Classic yachts and launches rules the weekend, some great sights accompanied the great weather. View more pictures from the weekend here: