We had a busy morning getting the boat ready to depart. I cleaned the boat while we had marina water as it was pretty filthy, caused mainly by the debris and fish scales from all the flying fish that had landed on the boat during our passage here. The makers of our sails have an agent here who Rowan used when we were last in NZ, so we had them come over to look at a few bits and pieces which we are booked in to have done on the 12th, so we will be back in the marina on the 11th. This gives us 10 days to go and explore the Bay of islands.
Rowan spent some time checking winds and choosing amongst the many anchorages a good bay for shelter. We found a lovely secluded bay on the island Urupukapuka. We were the only boat and it looked idyllic. Beautiful dense vegetation, with the coastline lined with lovely old gnarly trees. We got the anchor down and relaxed for about an hour, when Rowan realised the wind was not doing what it was meant to be doing, so he thought we should move, as it might get a bit bouncy if the wind got up. Up came the anchor and we pootled a couple of miles around to Moturua Island which is a nature reserve. There were a few other boats here and we found a place in a tiny rocky bay between two lovely beaches. It was a serene and calm night although a little rolly, but it never bothered us.
So many islands and bays, plenty of boats about too
Such a jagged coastline
Rolling green hills remind us of the Lake District
Our first stop, fantastic dense bush vegetation
Lovely looking beach, we will have to explore another time
The light does not do justice to the magnificent trees
Moving to a more sheltered spot
Gorgeous little bay next to us
Navigating our way through rocky hazards and shallow water, depth seems to be between 5-7ms most of the time
The private island opposite us
Finally anchored for the night
Evening sun catches the private island, a big house in amongst the tall trees
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