30 October 2024 –First Day New Zealand
I was woken from a deep sleep at about 7.30am having gone to bed about 4.30am. It was the customs coming to check us in. They warned us that all bacon and eggs would be seized so eat it quickly or it will go. Watty needed no excuse and we soon eat all the bacon we had and some of the eggs in a feast in majesty of a cooked breakfast.
The Biodiversity Lady came first and asked a number of questions. She examined the anchor and anchor chain for weed. She checked our fridges and freezer and took all frozen pork, chicken, beef and opened vegetables. She took all fresh vegetables and fruit. She took the remaining eggs and any dried legumes, nuts and jars of honey. NKeith W was mortified that his Eccleshill Honey was being taken (Keith keeps bees and makes his own honey). Joyce had eaten quite a lot of it so only about a third of a jar went. This was all taken away in bags together with the rubbish that we had accumulated on our trip. I showed her the receipt for the hull cleaning that I had had in Tonga to show that I had cleaned the hull. She cleared us and we were given an official form. They take the risk of introducing bugs here very seriously. She even examined the bottoms of our shoes and walking boots.
The customs guys came next and went through a whole load of questions, form filling and checking. They allow a temporary import for the boat and need to do a valuation and you cannot sell it. Passports were stamped and we were released into NZ. We were official. I must say the officials were all very polite and welcoming which was nice.
Once cleared we headed over to the fuel dock and filled up with 481 lts. We then went to our berth G10- which was interesting as it is a long pontoon but also has piles in the middle between the pontoons. I had been told that we would go front in so we had the fenders on the port side ready for this. When we got there it was a starboard side mooring so I reversed in instead which was tight but we got in without any damage and secured ourselves. The crew were impressed and said 5 star boat manoeuvring. I guess I have had a little practice now I guess.
Mike from Seapower was there to meet us as I had emailed him in advance and there were a few jobs to sort out like the heads, leaking tap in the galley and AIS etc. You cannot connect shore power here until it has been checked and verified so we will have to wait until the morning for that.
I checked in at the marina office and they were very helpful and the facilities were very clean and modern. There was a large launderette with lots of machines and driers next door so the girls set about getting on with that. We cleaned up and defrosted the fridge and then all had showers etc. It was good to be in an English speaking country where you can get everything etc.
We went to the Opua Cruising Club for a drink and super which was nice -overlooking the bay and sailing racing going on. Whilst we were tired we were in good spirits and enjoyed the relaxation. The temperature was cold so long trousers and socks was required and we even put the boat heating on when we came back which made us warm and toasty. It felt good to be here and we now need to plan what we are going to do and see before we get to Auckland where Stormbird will be lifted out. Time for a good night’s sleep. Keith and I had a wee dram before bed which was a treat -albeit it was called Sheep’s Dip!! It certainly did not taste like it !!
The picture of the day is of us having a celebratory beer at out mooring. We had done it.
Opportunity Year Two
In year two I will be going from New Zealand in early January 2025 across to Sydney and up the Eastern Australian Coast, Indonesia and then through Bali, Singapore and on to Thailand to end year two about the end of November 2025. I will need some more crew.
If there is any interest do email me at hine.nick9@gmail.com
The blog will continue as we move through French Polynesia and beyond. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com