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Hauraki Gulf - New Zealand
Cruising Notes
Auckland - Westhaven Marina
The largest marina in New Zealand with 1456 walk-on berths plus 399 pile
moorings and 85 swing moorings. Westhaven is the premier mooring area
in Auckland, not merely from its size but also from its close proximity
to the central business area of the city and from the range of facilities
in and adjacent to the marina complex.
Rangitoto Island
This 800 year old volcanic island of 2310 hectares is included in the
Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, the ranger living at Islington bay. The island
is a prominent landmark from every direction, rising to a cone shaped
summit with three nipples.
Waiheke Island
Further on, you'll come to Waiheke Island, home to some of New Zealand's
best wineries, where you can wine and dine in superb style among the olive
groves. Besides beautiful white sandy beaches, the island boasts a range
of local crafts, potting, weaving, leatherwork and art.
Whangaparoa
Although there are a number of bays, along the Whangaparoa stretch of
coast, they hold limited appeal to the yachtsman. With the exception of
Hobbs Bay on the southern side of the peninsular this is home to the Gulf
Harbour Marina. Close by is a golf course with a number of facilities,
including a restaurant. There are a number of limited visitors' berths
available, pre-booking is advised.
Kawau Island
This later island has had an interesting history down the years, as firstly
it was a home to manganese and copper mining, then in the late 1800's
the Governor, a Sir George Grey made the island his retreat. His rather
handsome but mall home Mansion House, much later became a hotel, until
more recently administrated and staffed by the Dept. of Conservation.
The home is now a Historic Home museum. The island is though, a very popular
spot with may sheltered anchorage. All on the West side.
Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island, 32km (16 miles) in length and with a permanent population
of less than 1000 is the 'must see' for cruisers visiting NZ. Over two
thirds of its area is public land and there is an extensive network of
walkways and tracks, and much of Great Barrier is heavily forested.
Port Abercrombie
The north coast of Port Abercrombie has several small bays offering good
fishing and diving about this area. Nagle Cove near the north entrance
to Port Abercrombie offers some shelter from west winds. This cove as
once a shipyard utilising the extensive Kauri forest, which graced the
surrounding slopes. The 409 tonne Stirlingshire was built here in 1849,
being the largest sailing shop launched in NZ at a cost of £5,000.
In 1850, this 3 masted barque made a record breaking voyage from Launceston
to Sydney, a distance of 550 miles in 67 hours. Nagle Cove is now privately
owned farm with no traces of either the forest of shipyard. To the south
of Nagle Cove, on the north of Kaikura Island are several good anchorages
in Bradshaw and Overlook Coves.
Port Fitzroy
A good starting point for a cruise at Great Barrier Island is Port Fitzroy
Harbour. This sheltered harbour is virtually landlocked, Kaikoura Island
protecting it from the W. Within the entrance on the N shore a white sand
beach lies at the head of an attractive bay which is protected from the
N and E by bush clad hills, with deep water fairly close inshore on a
mud sand bottom.
10 days - Typical Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Auckland
Day 2 Waiheke Island - 15nms
Day 3 Coromandel Peninsula - 20nms
Day 4 Great Barrier Island (Fitzroy) - 48nms
Day 5 Great Barrier Island (Tryphena) - 13nms
Day 6 Kawau Island - 30nms
Day 7 Auckland - 30nms
For the more experienced sailor, cruising between Auckland and the Bay
Of Islands opens up 120 miles of fabulous sailing, as you explore the
coastline between our bases.
Visit delightful fishing harbours such as Leigh and Tutukaka. The coastal
harbour of Whangamumu makes another idyllic overnight stop. Remains of
an old whaling station are still visible on the shoreline.
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