Kawakawa – Returning to Te Ika-a-Māui

50. Motukawanui – Mahinepua (CC5) – Paihia

Saturday, March 30: Rather cloudy with 20 knot easterly winds on the water, a drop of rain, and a few showers in the afternoon

Kayaking: 10.8 km

Jarrad’s

Wake up call for everyone was 7:30 and our breakfast was rather simple this morning: Muesli with the fruit salad thrown in and milk. Everything had to be packed in again, and the hut swept out as best as possible.

Because it might rain or otherwise be wet on the water we were advised to put on the dry tops, and I had all of the electronics under deck. The bay we were about to cross looked calm enough, but the problem was going to be the combination of high swell from the north with wind from behind us. Once out of the sheltered bay we were in the thick of it and Magnus directed us to stay together and aim for the point almost directly west, where we would then take a left hand turn. Read more…

43. Rotorua – Paihia

Saturday, March 23: Cloudy in the morning, a lot of places in fog, clearing somewhat during the day, showers in the evening

Jarrad’s (airbnb, $72.6)

A day for an early start. I had managed to get to bed before 10:00 last night, and was awake @ 5:30 for the alarm. Had the remains of the orange juice, a cup of coffee, then what was left of the milk. Everything packed up OK and I was ready to go by 6:30. Was down at the bus an hour before it left and realised I could have taken one of the city buses down, since they started early enough. Next time set the alarm for 6:00. Read more…