Kiwifish 30 Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Before I tow my boat back to the compound, I may aswell take the opportunity to venture elsewhere, I have Great Mercury Island in my sights. Can you share some local knowledge on the place? Any must do's or must do nots? Is it all private land? Anchorages, fishing spots, dive spots? The plan is to launch at Koutuna ramp, head over and spend 3 nights exploring fishing and diving. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deep Purple 511 Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Fantastically beautiful spot. Private island but you can land/walk over it bar the forestry areas. Southern beaches are amazing with crystal clear water and sand so clean it squeaks. Peachgrove is the largest bay there and has a walk up to a waterfall and swimming hole. But there are 10 others all pristine. The main western bay is large and has the harbour at northern end along with another Cove like bay. Scallops there. The harbour is shallow from half way up with a few nasty rocks but you don't have to go far up it to get shelter. Beautiful houses. On the north eastern side is a large bay with a rock in the entrance but safe inside. Very safe in south and westerly winds but takes some getting to Somewhere you just have to go and will love. Whitianga only 14 miles away Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rafin 2 Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 As Sundreamer says, privately owned but owners kindly allow us to wander around the farm. The Cove is sheltered in most conditions. The bay mentioned is Coralie and very pretty. Consider launching at Whitianga as Kuaotunu can be lumpy at times and you might have fun getting out again. The people at Whitianga Marina are pretty helpful, give them a call and check re casual launching and vehicle storage etc. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deep Purple 511 Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Consider launching at Whitianga as Kuaotunu can be lumpy at times and you might have fun getting out again Absolutely, Kuaotuna is only really suitable for small fizz boats. Whitianga is accessible in all conditions and not that far away. Plus you get to take in some cool spots on the way there and back. It's not a lot further Some great fishing around the other Mercury Islands and check out Korapuki with it's hidden cove accessible through a cave, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bazzathemammoth 37 Posted September 27, 2017 Share Posted September 27, 2017 Peachgrove and coralie bay are my favourites, good snorkelling/spearing at both. If you are into spearfishing never fail rock is a good spot but can have lots of current. I haven't had much luck at the sisters. You'll love it. The mercs are amazing. Also the mount yacht club is doing a regatta there on labour weekend that is always a blast if you want to have some good company. It's one of the highlights of the year for me and what originally hooked me into sailing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
El Toro 97 Posted September 27, 2017 Share Posted September 27, 2017 You should be doing the coastal!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ex TL systems 63 Posted September 28, 2017 Share Posted September 28, 2017 Have had some great New Years Eves there too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harrytom 642 Posted September 28, 2017 Share Posted September 28, 2017 HaHa " Sundreamer" the bay with the rock. Yep left Tauranga 10.00pm with owner,left me to it to find my way out of harbour,5.00am quick squizz of chart as old man rock approaching fast and passed to seaward side. The owner wakes up as I started the motor takes control passes the beacon wrong side and Bang,did i saying ??just went and made breakfast while he checked for leaks,last time he took the helm until we got to browns island. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bazzathemammoth 37 Posted September 28, 2017 Share Posted September 28, 2017 You should be doing the coastal!!!! 50 hours of delivery for one race, or 4 races, no delivery, and lots of time for rum, diving, scollops and general fun. There's no real competition for me. If the boat was based in auckland it would be a different story. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chariot 243 Posted September 30, 2017 Share Posted September 30, 2017 Which is the best anchorage in a S/wester at Great Merc Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deep Purple 511 Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 The Cove or coralie Bay Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deep Purple 511 Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 The ramp at kouotuna today Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dagwood 57 Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 If you're going to use this ramp, I'd suggest you check it out at low tide to see where the rocks are relative to the transit marks. Also be aware that during a holiday weekend it turns into a zoo. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
muzled 140 Posted October 1, 2017 Share Posted October 1, 2017 Also be aware that during a holiday weekend it turns into a zoo. Not to mention when a 20 knot sou'wester kicks up it turns into a zoo on 'roids when everyone comes home at the same time... Great amusement if you're watching from the sidelines tho. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifish 30 Posted October 1, 2017 Author Share Posted October 1, 2017 Thanks Sundreamer, whitianga launching it is! Thanks everyone for all the info. Looking forward to the trip. I'll get heaps of photos and blog about it. Going to cross fingers for suitable spring time weather! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifish 30 Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share Posted October 23, 2017 Thanks for all the info! Amazing place. Read about our trip on my blog. Tons of photos and bullshit. https://gulfwanderers.blog/2017/10/23/great-mercury-island/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deep Purple 511 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Great story and glad you enjoyed it. The crap weather through the weekend out paid to my plans to sail over there Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harrytom 642 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Thanks Kiwifish,another good read, I was expecting you to say you came across kahawai at the ramp thats my luck, your mate and my wife would make a good team,nah save money and catch some ky. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ex Elly 197 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Sound terrible, snoring, bagpipes, and no fish. Should have stayed at home! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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