The Land of the Long White Cloud

Typical New Zealand

T R I B E alongside the quarantine dock in Opua, Rourke standing by to help fellow cruisers tie up along dock

Upon arrival we tied up alongside the quarantine dock in Opua, one of the places of entry in New Zealand.  New Zealand consists of North and South Islands and Opua is situated in the North of the North Island.


The customs officials arrived and cleared us in to New Zealand for six months.  These officials were super efficient and friendly.  All plants, honey, shells, dairy, seeds/pulses/nuts and meat products are confiscated.  Luckily we could keep our seafood as we still had our freezer full of lobster!  

Guest speaker talking to cruisers in marquee 

Straight after that we were welcomed by a representative of Opua and presented with a welcome basket full of local maps, information and gifts from the local businesses.   We were also informed of a marquee set up for all the arriving cruisers where we could attend talks given by specialist in the fields of Navigational Weather, Rigging, Fishing in local waters, Boat Yard representatives, tour operators and so on.  Food and drinks were provided (free of charge!) and this went on for a week, a great opportunity to meet and socialize with locals and cruisers alike.

T R I B E in the distance anchored in Opua 

Pahia beachfront

We were offered a bus tour of the areas and sights surrounding Opua.  We visited Chocolate Factories, Honey stores, Natural Costmetic and wood carving specialists, towns, restaurants and local organic food and craft markets.  We drove through vineyards, Kiwi fruit plantations and passed many dairy and sheep farms.  

lunch with the girls in Keri Keri, Becky and Di

Skyla and I started doing trail runs in the mornings and were inspired by the ever changing scenery...

Old Train Tunnel

Sky

This was our introduction to New Zealand, we were excited!


Next up…  a Daredevil Flying Trapeze