Hauraki Gulf Adventures

Our time in the Hauraki Gulf provided us with some of the best cruising we have experienced in New Zealand as well as a variety of weather patterns including Cyclone Hola (which passed well east of us while were at Gulf Harbour Marina), a Gale warning at Coromandel, beautiful beam reach sailing, the occasional rain shower and brilliant sunshine.  Over the past 10 days have sailed in company with Bonnie Lass, Blue Summit, Lola II, Mahia and Udder Life at Waiheke Island, and enjoyed a brief visit by the crew of Summer Lovin’ here on holidays from Melbourne.  Also with Blue Summit we had dinner with Rob & Jenny and Doug & Althea (Morepork) while in Gulf Harbour.

When we departed Gulf Harbour after the cyclone had passed with Bonnie Lass, Malakite and Manuhaea joined Blue Summit and ourselves at Coromandel.  A mini ICA Pacific Circuit 2017 Rally reunion!

Daily walks over coastal headlands presented us with spectacular views of the islands, waterways and sometimes a glimpse of Auckland in the distance.  Harvesting mussels from the dinghy, diving for scallops and collecting cockles as well as a catching the odd snapper added to our enjoyment. 

 Plus the inevitable beach clean up, a small contribution to addressing a universal problem.

Sunset drinks were planning sessions for the next day when our tour leaders - Jenny and Rob and their fellow NZ sailors shared their local knowledge and many useful tips that added to the experience.  

We enjoyed a few shared meals, mussels 4 ways on Bonnie Lass, a beach BBQ where we cooked our catch of cockles and scallops provided by Mike, then a grand Saint Patricks Day feast on Malakite - Guinness with scallops, smoked salmon with a Citron Vodka chaser, mains of roast vegetables, Collcannon Pie and fresh peas, then an amazing desert banquet of green jelly and macaroons with croissant bread and butter pudding followed by Bailey’s Irish cream and chocolates!  - with the odd Irish Jig playing in the background and a few Irish jokes there was much laughter.  

This was our last evening together as a group and sadly we farewelled Bonnie Lass and Manuhaea the following day and sailed back from Coromandel to Ponui Island where enjoyed a final sundowner with Malakite.  

Many thanks to Rob & Jenny for organising a fantastic 10 days showcasing their local cruising grounds and to Glen & Jillian (Malakite), Mike & Pete (Manuhaea), Justin & Linda (Lola 2), Wally & Celia (Udder Life),  Malcolm & Pauline (Mahia II) and Brian & Lisa (Summer Lovin)  for coming and contributing to a great experience for us visitors.  And of course our fellow visitors Steve & Kate (Blue Summit).