We left for New Zealand Jan8, 2025, taking a shuttle to LAX and then a flight to Nadi (Fiji) and from there to Auckland, NZ. The flights were business class and we got showers during our layover so we landed doing pretty well. After an easy shuttle ride, we were in a lovely cottage on Manly Beach on the Whangaparaoa peninsula, a bit north of Auckland. The cottage is owned by good friends we made during the past cruising season. We are so thankful that they invited us to use their place.
The location could not be better. It is close enough to Auckland to be able to drive in or take a ferry for a day trip, but out on a peninsula with a personality of its own. On one side is a boat club that hosted the NZ Moth championships last week. The GP 50 sailing races will be nearby this weekend.
The beach is not crowded but does have a number of people swimming, sun bathing and there are quite a few wing-boarders launching from here. The water is a bit brisk, but great for a swim late in the afternoon after a hike or a long walk on the beach.
Jan12 – We took a hike at Shakespear Regional park, at the end of the Whangaparaoa peninsula. A lovely place with great hiking trails. The whole park is fenced off to keep predators away from the small kiwi population that lives there.
They have boot washing stations that you must walk through when entering some parts of the park. They are very serious about keeping the ecosystem pristine.
Jan13 – A day trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island. A short (3km) drive took us to Gulf Harbor where they have a very nice marina, complete with haulout facilities, a chandlery and many of the support trades you want when maintaining a boat. From there we hopped on a ferry that took us out to Tiritiri Matangi Island. This is a great example of the super job NZ has done in preservation. They have eradicated the ‘introduced’ predators (rats, rabbits, dogs, …) that destroy native species, replanted and reintroduced local plants and animals. They have a large group of volunteers leading group hikes, maintaining trails and studying the island and its ecosystem.
Our guide, Vishwa, has been volunteering on the island for 15 years. Above, he is explaining how the bird feeder works, including a system that tracks when birds arrive. Many of the birds are tagged with an RFID ankle bracelet, and each visit to the feeder is recorded.
After the hike, back at the cottage, we went for a quick swim. Well, I think Peggy only got in knee deep. But she’s working up to it!
Thanks for sharing your voyage with us! We’ll live vicariously through you! Keep having fun! ❤️
After five years of Lord of the Rings production — I can tell you the folks in New Zealand are some of the nicest and most interesting people you’ll find anywhere. I know you will love your stay there.