We finally managed to slow down off Cape Brett to have Giselle moving very uncomfortably with the short chop in the area so we put the sails back up to get comfort again. Luckily the wind shadow of the hills down to Whangarei allowed us to arrive all tied up in Marsden Cove Marina at a sensible 9 O’clock in the morning. Quarantine, Customs/Immigration were very efficient and chatty and we were able to get the afternoon tide up to Whangarei. We are now anchored in the river off Norsand Boatyard just below the Town.

This completes our 5th trip north/south across the Pacific in New Zealand waters. The winds for us have always been below 25 knots, so we have had a good ride across this patch of water known for catching cruisers in gale force winds and big seas. We were OK for the alcohol to celebrate the successful completion but quarantine had taken all the fresh food so the food was below Mary’s normal standard, just a delicious chocolate cake with cream to save the day. This is Giselle at sea signing off.

Position: 35°44’S 174°20’E [-35.74,174.350]