February 15, 2022
It was time to say say good-bye to Great Barrier Island and head back to the Hauraki Gulf. Our final destination on the way back to Auckland was Waiheke Island, and I was particularly excited about this visit because we were going to one of our favorite places: the charming village of Oneroa. We’ve cruised around Waiheke off and on during our past (nearly) 2 years living in Auckland, but the wind direction was never right to visit Oneroa during those outings. Below, a map of our approximate route.
Today’s winds were light and variable, which meant motoring the entire 7-hour ride to Waiheke Island. Actually it was a very pleasant, relaxed trip, and it wasn’t until we were nearing the island that the wind started to pick up from the south.
Below, a few photos from our trip, leaving through the beautiful pass into Port Fitzroy before motoring through the Broken Islands, followed by a late afternoon sparkling sea (click any photo to enlarge).
Not only was it great to make it in ahead of the wind, but then we got treated to one of cruising’s best gifts. It happens like this: we arrive someplace after a long journey. Maybe it’s a passage at sea, or maybe it’s just a long time cruising out in remote places, but the end result is the same: we bring the boat, depleted of resources like fresh food and alcohol, into a bay, too tired to blow up the dinghy or do much beyond getting the anchor set. Then we get a call on the radio from friends in the bay, offering sundowners, nibbles, and to taxi us in their dinghy.
We’ve been lucky enough to have this happen on a few occasions, and this time we got the hail from our friends on Oasis, who had spotted us arriving on Marine Traffic. What a luxury to get taken to a welcoming boat, with plenty of wine and yummy nibbles, sitting out in a comfortable cockpit enjoying a summer sunset. Thank you, Bob and Julie, for that lovely evening.
Below, a photo from our arrival early that evening, and a nighttime scene of this anchorage with the lights of Oneroa under the stars. –Cyndi
