Our arrival in New Zealand saw us making landfall at Opua, the port of entry in the Bay of Islands. This was a great jumping off point for exploring these spectacular waters en route to Whangarei, where we planned to be based for a little while.

 

The Bay of Islands is such an easy sailing ground when compared to the long passages, reef navigation and tricky passes of the Pacific. Plus, we were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather, visits from orca whales, sharks, dolphins and penguins to add to the magic of our time there.

 

Motuarohia Island, we took a lovely walk up to this lookout point.
Motuarohia Island, we took a lovely walk up to this lookout point.