Whangarei Harbour: Parua Bay

Our aim after launch was to have a day’s familiarisation and then head out onto Whangarei Harbour for a couple of nights before heading off down the coast on our first big adventure.

Well the weather had other ideas and arriving with us in Whangarei was a very fresh south westerly wind which established itself for the next fives days.

While we did get out during the day, with most of the harbours anchorages exposed to the quarter we made it back to the comfort of the cruising club berth at night.

After five days, the weather sounded promising enough for us to settle our account at the cruising club and venture out for our first night of not being secured to the land.

We headed for “The Nook” in Parua Bay. All the books we had read indicated that this would be the most likely spot to afford shelter from any remaining south westerly.

By the time we arrive at The Nook the wind had freshened considerably and the water was quite choppy, certainly did not look like a comfortable night.

Eric Knight of Logan Boats had shown us a bay they called “Breakfast Bay”, it was around Martin Point to the north of The Nook, further into Parua Bay.

We found this to be a lot calmer even in the wind that had freshened further with some very strong gusts in passing squalls. After endless position checks we were happy that we were not moving and, well, in mid May darkness descended quickly. A comfortable night was had.

Anchorage: “Breakfast Bay” – Parua Bay
Position: 35.46.928S - 174.27.935E
Date Visited: 16 May 2006

Agnes arrives - Whangarei Harbour - 12 May 06

Finally, after 15 months of waiting we get to pick up Agnes.

We drove from Whangaparaoa to Whangarei and after lunch at the town basin we head off to Logan Classic Boats to pick up the keys.

She was moored at the Whangarei Cruising Club in a very tight little mooring. No experience in a boat this size and I get to back it out of a space not much bigger than your averaqge car park.

Finished loading the gear in heavy passing showers. The guys from Logan boats came down and did a few finishing touches during the afternoon.

Met Eric and lyn along with many locals at the Cruising Club that evening. Told we could moor there for as long as we like, $15 per day plus a key to use the shower and toilet facilities in the new club house. Very trusting but much appreciated.