Category Archive

A Yacht Renamed A Yacht Renamed

Saliander officially became known as Australis 1 back in late March, but we had a six month window in which to ticks all the boxes required. This week was the week. The last of her old name ‘Saliander’ removed, the lettering denoting our girl as ‘Australis 1’ to all was adhered to the stern and […]

The week that was 1 The week that was 1

We are still trying to figure out where time goes. It’s almost the end of August and with much remaining to be done, already we’re discussing when to head home to Adelaide. That aside, things are progressing. There is only one day of our time in New Zealand during March left to put online. A […]

2020 2020

  Then time for some sailing…..   Maps sourced from Googlemaps, 2020

New Zealand Bird Sightings! New Zealand Bird Sightings!

Paradise Cove, Urupukapuka Island to Awaawaroa Bay, Moturua Island With a change approaching, the decision was made to motor the short distance across to the sheltered Awaawaroa Bay on Moturua Island. Waiiti Bay, Bay of Islands Making the most of the weather window, a dinghy ride took us around to Waiiti Bay Bay. First, a […]

Stunning Cloud at Sunset Stunning Cloud at Sunset

Cloud over Russell, Bay of Islands Yes, we moved again. It’s amazing how much food four people can eat! There was even a rainbow!

Urupukapuka: An Island Delight Urupukapuka: An Island Delight

Urupukapuka Bay, Urupukapuka Island: New Zealand A dinghy ride onto the exquisite creamy white sand beach of Urupukapuka Bay led the four of us into a wanderer’s paradise. Camp sites set with toilets provided for the most basic of needs, whilst showers positioned in open meadows or beneath shaded trees, enabled visitors an opportunity to […]

Urupukapuka Island: A Perfect Anchorage Urupukapuka Island: A Perfect Anchorage

Paihia to Urupukapuka Island, New Zealand The intention had been to anchor in one of the protected harbours on Moturua Island. The best positions no longer vacant, Australis 1 was instead pointed toward the nature reserve of Urupakapuka Island. What a boon it proved to be, when late afternoon found us anchoring in Urupukapuka Bay. […]

Rainbow Delight in the Bay of Islands Rainbow Delight in the Bay of Islands

Clendon Cove to Paihia More gas and fresh foods required, a motor – winds just didn’t play fair for us – into Paihia. Winds 6-9kn when we awoke increased to 15kn as Australis 1 departed. Exiting the protection of the bay, true wind was, in actuality, 24kn+. Oh to raise the sails. Perfect conditions for […]

Windy Day in Orokawa Bay, New Zealand Windy Day in Orokawa Bay, New Zealand

Orokawa Bay to Clendon Cove With winds increasing over the past few days, our delightful anchorage had become just a little uncomfortable as the fetch built. Already, one of the smaller boats had dragged – and rapidly! Fortunately, there were moorings for the single hander to grab hold of and attach a line to. As […]

Time For Food Restock Time For Food Restock

Orokawa Bay to Paihai to Orokawa Bay After some days spent relaxing and just being, in this peaceful bay, a major food restock was required. Anchor raised, and we were off. Dolphins twirling was the highlight: not just once but twice. Against the backdrop of the stunning landscape, they were an awe – inspiring sight. […]

Orokawa Bay: A Bay of Contrasts! Orokawa Bay: A Bay of Contrasts!

New Zealand and its Bay of Islands continues to amaze. No swell, pristine, peaceful, idyllic. This bay is delightful. Awaking as dawn was breaking, on looking out the portal I discovered mist arising in the valley over the hill. Drifting westward, it wended it way out over the water, gradually engulfing the distant yachts resting […]

Orokawa Bay: Pristine Peaceful Beauty Orokawa Bay: Pristine Peaceful Beauty

Having returned to Paihia, a dinghy ride into the township to stock up on fresh food led us to the local Countdown: how shopping had changed in a few short days! A Covid reducing Level 4 lockdown in New Zealand meant  a guard stood at the shop entrance. A minimum of ten people were lined […]

Motuarohia Island: A Wildlife Sanctuary Motuarohia Island: A Wildlife Sanctuary

Paroa Bay to Motuarohia Island Time for food restock, a return visit to Russell was required. Directly across from Paroa Bay was our lunchtime destination, the wildlife sanctuary of Motuarohia Island. As always, the beauty and vibrant colours of the surrounding landscape first attracted the eye. Upon entering the small bay neighbouring Cook’s Cove, heavenly […]

A Walk & A Dinghy Ride in Oneroa & Paroa Bays A Walk & A Dinghy Ride in Oneroa & Paroa Bays

First off, a dinghy ride into shore. Homes were well hidden amongst the greens. A walk upon Oneroa Beach. People were making good use of their time during COVID lockdown. I love the patterns found in the sand. There was our beautiful girl! Could the Bay of Islands get any better?   Well…….   1.5nm […]

Whale Bay, New Zealand Whale Bay, New Zealand

With perfect weather, there was time for a sojourn ashore. Dinghy readied, and we were off. A loop around Australis 1. It looked like we weren’t the only ones! The tide was coming in…… There was a bit of a climb ahead! Oh, the views were so worth the effort.  

Paihia to Whale Bay: New Zealand Paihia to Whale Bay: New Zealand

Covered in more than 150 islands, the Bay of islands was created when the rising sea flooded green river valleys, leaving in their place picturesque landscape and marvellous anchorages. This morning, a short motor took Australis 1 roughly 9km north of Paihia to the anchorage of Whale Bay.     Volcanic activity is evident in […]