A wonderful time cruising through the Bay of Islands in autumn.
Skipper's Report
Date: April 19, 2019
Passengers: 13
Skipper: Timo
Weather: Cloudy with the odd shower breaking up into blue sky
Wind: SE tending East 10–20 knots
Crew: Austin, Sabelle, Joelle & Celia
Overnight Anchorage: Paradise Bay
Snorkel Spot: Waewaetorea reef
Island Visit: Roberton Island
Wildlife: Stingray, Dolphin, Fantail, Snapper
We all know summer is the most popular season to hit the Bay of Islands. The silver lining is that the Bay in autumn isn't as crowded as in summer — and the calmness of the sea, set against the enclosing islands, has a particular charm of its own. Most tourists flock north to see the Bay in all its glory in December, January and February. If you can't make summer, come between March and May before it gets seriously cold for winter. You'll still catch the sun and enjoy the outdoors, minus the awful sunburn.
Last weekend, 13 cruisers joined us on The Rock for an overnight. We welcomed new friends from Germany, South Korea and a bunch of Kiwi locals from Auckland. It was a little cloudy in the beginning but it eventually cleared out and the blue skies graced us with their presence — a perfect autumn weekend.
Everyone, young and old, had a lovely time dusk fishing at Paradise Bay, snorkelling at Waewaetorea reef, and taking in the view atop Roberton Island. The dinner feast was a success — everyone enjoyed the Kiwi cuisine the crew prepared. After dinner, we bonded by the fireplace with the calming sound of the ocean playing in the background.
On our way back to Paihia port the next day, that familiar feeling hit again. It was hard to believe all that happened in a single overnight. It felt like we'd been old friends with everyone on the cruise from different walks of life.
Video Credit: Celia Chalmers