Three Days in New Zealand
This is long overdue! I’ve already spent three relaxing days in New Zealand, and what a welcome it has been.
Checking in with customs was a breeze. Two officers greeted me at the quarantine dock with paperwork and questions. Since they already had my pre-approved arrival documents, the whole interaction was quick and easy.
I know I’ve said this before, but it’s worth mentioning again: New Zealanders are genuinely friendly. Whether I’m interacting with port authorities, customs officers, or biosecurity staff, everyone has been welcoming, professional, and witty.
One of the officers shared that he had lived on Mudge Island, BC, for a few years as a child. Even crazier, we share the same birthday and birth year. What are the odds?
After customs, biosecurity officers came aboard to inspect the boat. Their main concerns were eggs, pork, shells, and wood. Once I had officially cleared into New Zealand, I motored over to the marina, tied Sarantium up at the dock, and finally got a good night’s sleep.
For the past three nights, I’ve averaged 9.5 hours of sleep per night. That’s a far cry from the 3.5 hours I was averaging each night during the crossing from Tonga to Opua, New Zealand.
The rest has given me time to reflect on how fortunate I was with my timing. Perhaps I planned it well after all. As well, using the information from MET BOB, and hours of discussions with other solo sailors. Cruisers who arrived just four days before me encountered nasty weather, with one boat dismasted and another rolling over. Meanwhile, the cruisers arriving now, four days after me, have also been dealing with high winds and a tough sail. Sometimes, it really does come down to timing, good research, and staying put when others leave.
With the crossing behind me, I’ve been enjoying life ashore and exploring the coastline. I’ve walked along public trails that pass through private property, and people have waved from their windows or stopped gardening to say hello and ask questions when they hear my foreign accent.
I love the way people here seem to embrace the idea that, even when land is privately owned, everyone should be able to enjoy trails that run along the coast above the high-tide line. People seem genuinely happy to share their surroundings. There are no gates, no fences, and no “KEEP OUT” signs.
It got me thinking: when we have more than we need, why not share it?
I’ve also been out for a meal every night, catching up with sailors I’ve met along the way, including fellow cruisers from Nanaimo, BC. It’s been wonderful to reconnect, swap stories, and enjoy some time on the docks.
I have two more nights at the dock before making my way to Whangārei. Once there, I’ll haul out Sarantium and begin tackling a long list of major projects: taking down the mast and boom, replacing the tanks and chainplates, installing new solar panels, and much more.
For now, I’m back to watching the weather and waiting for the right window. This time, though, it’s only a one-day voyage. After the crossing from Tonga, that sounds pretty manageable!
For the moment, I’m enjoying the sleep, the friendly faces, the coastal walks, and the feeling of finally being able to stay put for a few months. New Zealand by boat has made a wonderful first impression
