Our voyage from Wellington to Tauranga had been stymied by strong easterly weather on the Wairarapa Coast. The Admiral and I were wary of this stretch. In 1998 we were finishing off a two year circumnavigation when strong southerlies meant Wild Bird surfed this stretch on bare poles. This time, we had access to infinitely better forecasting tools. The West Coast was a lake. Wind was light and from the NE quarter. The moon would be in full phase, and the sunsets would be divine. Everyone loves a good sunset. The colours and cloud patterns combine to make a great picture. Not as spectacular as the Southern Alps with their peaky egg whites, it is still a classic shape. Here, on a mid summer’s evening.
Mt Taranaki on the second night.
As we sailed north, each day finished with a good light show.
Rose tints are perfect for a great pic.
Stairway to heaven, the rays lighting up the sky.
Cirrus clouds above Mt Manaia
We anchored inside Whangarei Harbour. I just loved the colours playing on the clouds and the spectacular Mt Manaia was a perfect foreground.
Rangitoto Island from Islington Bay.
In Rangitoto Island anchorage of Islington Bay, we saw some colourful Autumn evening sunsets, and also a perigee moon rising over Motutapu Ilsand.
Hauraki Gulf
