Lovely Opunga Cove (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)

December 9, 2013

We motored in the still green water of this quiet bay, admiring the stretch of beach and historic-looking homes. While it wasn’t quite as impressive as some of the island anchorages, it was really lovely, and we enjoyed the birdsong and chortling from the local tuis.

Peaceful Opunga Cove. (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)
Peaceful Opunga Cove. (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)
The green water of Opunga Cove. (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)
The green water of Opunga Cove. (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)

Aside from being pretty, this bay had good holding, was well-protected, and very comfortable. One side benefit was that we felt no need to go ashore; so it was restful, too. This was the type of place that gave us that vacation-y feeling where we could put down the anchor and have the rest of the day to relax. Rich had something to do on the computer and asked what I was going to do. I told him I am going to sit here and be happy! And that’s what I did. Below, a small gallery of photos from the afternoon (click to enlarge and scroll).

That afternoon we had ducks and fish come over to visit and enjoy some breakfast crackers.

Feeding the fish in the clear water of Opunga Cove. (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)
Feeding the fish in the clear water of Opunga Cove. (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)

The bay was reputed to have drunken tui birds in the spring. We didn’t see any here but spotted one later at Urupukapuka Island that looked pretty wasted.

That evening was warm enough to sleep with our companionway hatches open; so when we woke up the next morning it was chilly in that wonderful way that feels great if you’re snuggled under the covers but a little cold if you get up. I lingered and dozed while Rich got up and made coffee for us. What a great morning!

Rich soon asked me what the agenda was for today, and I told him: rest and relax, more rest and relaxation, nap, a massage for the coffee maker (Rich), more rest and relaxtion, then move to the next bay where we didn’t need to go ashore; so rest and relaxation for the rest of the day.

So often when we travel I have activities planned like hikes, sightseeing, and various modes of exploring; so Rich was very thrilled with this day’s plan! All we needed to do today was motor to the next bay, and it was shaping up to be a beautiful day to head out to an island. –Cyndi

A still morning at Opunga Cove with ducks coming to visit. (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)
A still morning at Opunga Cove with ducks coming to visit. (Bay of Islands, New Zealand)
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