Reaching New Zealand was the culmination of 15 months of sailing, plus
the dreaming, planning and preparation that went into it. The headwinds
fought us for the last four days of the crossing, but we arrived the morning of
October 23rd. Now the exploration of this gorgeous country begins.
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Heeling against the SW20 knot winds, George studies the Seabirds Book regarding the Yellow-headed Albatross that just visited us.
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Our first sighting of New Zealand at break of day.
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New Zealand homes and neighborhoods looked like First World, as opposed to the Third World of Oceana.
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Julia Max at the Opua Marina, our Port of Entry into NZ.
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Our first tour was to see the magnificent 'Lord of the Forest', one of the oldest kauri trees native to NZ.
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Bill and George (Maori) introduce us to The Lord of the Forest through chanting.
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The historic town of Russell has a very good museum.
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Sue admires a local flower on the beach.
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At the NE tip of the Bay of Islands, this arch is reminiscent of Cabo San Lucas.
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Common Dolphins enjoyed our bow wake.
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Churning waters of fish attracted Bullard Shearwaters.
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Fishing in the surf on the North Island's west coast.
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Rolling hills provide grass for sheep and cattle.
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Whangarei has an oil refinery in addition to all its maritime services for yachties.
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