And if you hear slapping against the hull, you can be sure it's a yellowtail! JP just grabbed his speargun and shot a beautiful 80 cm Kingfish right from the swim platform!
SMOKEHOUSE BAY (36*12S - 175*20) is another favorite. The historical landing, built in the memory of a youth who drowned in these waters and kept in shape by passing cruisers, offers bathtubs, washing tubs with antique wringers, smoke houses to smoke your fish, and piles to tie-up to and scrape your hulls at low tide... it's a cool gathering place -
BONUS: on either side of the bay are 2 small beaches with a good population of cockles and oysters!
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| Smokehouse Bay carenage |
More boats come in and out of this place than anywhere else, gathering for an evening of keen frienship!
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| Oh, we love this little classic! |
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| Morning catch at Smokehouse: a 1-meter Kingfish! |
Just south of Smokehouse Bay is Sven's Island, AKA "Barrier Gold." Land on the beach, brave the pigs and climb up to the little store. Sven will talk your ears out, proudly introduce you to his unique boiler that he uses to extract essential oils from Manuka and Kanuka. You'll be hard-pressed to leave without Manuka honey or hand cream, lip balm and a vial of essential oil!
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| Sven's Oasis... what a peaceful spot! |
From Sven's Island, we took a walk up to the ridge where we discovered sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf... but it was a rainy day, not worth a picture! This said, the Barrier has many hikes with astonishing views!
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| One of the many interesting rocks that dot the Barrier |
You never know whom you might bump into! On our last morning, The Why showed up and John dinghied over for a cup of coffee.... then he was gone!
Cruising the Barrier is just breathtaking!
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| On a sunny day, this place is magic! |
We had 10 days of bliss, diving for crayfish at Little Mahuki (36*13.8S - 175*18.4E), Scallops all around Port Abercombie, rock fishing in Katherine Bay, and threading the Man of War Passage (barely 30m wide)... all good fun!
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| Whangarei Town Basin Marina (Reva Restaurant is now closed) |
Soon, it was time to return to town and get ready for Fiji. The Town Basin Marina had a 48-hour spot for us and we took advantage of it. How convenient to shop downdown, cross the street to the Pack'n Save supermarket, visit the Clock Museum, or enjoy a quilt show or two. The town caters to yachties as ship chandlers, canvas shops, steel manufactures, restaurants and liquor stores are only too happy to serve us with a smile and empty our bank accounts! but it's all good...
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| The Clapham Clock Museum and its giant sundial |
We like Whangarei, its yachting scene and services.
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| Last seen in Panama, DARDANELLA was spotted in Whangarei! |
We are closing our New Zealand chapter. Tomorrow, it's off to the USA for a week. Then, DOMINO joins the
Sea Mercy Disaster Recovery Fleet to spend the season rebuilding the Northern Laus, Fiji.
A last goodbye to friends at MArsden Cove Marina as Domino and the marvelous IETA lined up for a farewell. Both cats are built with GURIT products, by the way... Photo Marc Deborde.
Till next time...
