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Advice on places to stop TGA to Great Barrier


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After the Auckland Tauranga race we've taken some leave and have 9 days to get back to Auckland. 

Would like to spend 2-3 maybe 4 days getting up to Great Barrier. Have heard the Mercs are spectacular.

Thoughts on places to stop please? 

 

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Hi CD,

depending on the weather, of course, Mayor Island is amazing. SE bay can cut up if there is SE winds but around the corner is NW and Honeymoon Bay as an alternative. The water is crystal clear and lots of areas to snorkel and fish, landing on the island is interesting with a walk that circumnavigates the island (5-6 hr) with a koha ($5 maybe)  to be paid if you want to do this. Further on is Whangamata which has a marina that is shallow to enter but if there is no swell anchorage areas are in the southern corner or in the deeper water inshore of the islands. Next is Slipper Is. where the usual anchorage is on the southern end, if SW there is a small area close to Rabbit Is maybe (the southernmost islet). Tairua/Pauanui is a bit shallow and risky to enter but just north is Boat Harbour which is an enclosed bay sheltered to most winds except from the east, at the head of the bay is a stream that apparently leads to a goldmine. Then there is Hot Water Beach which is quite open, followed by lots of spots in Mercury Bay including Whitianga where you might find Deep Purple Cove. Through the Hole in the Wall westwards is Opito Bay which is great for West and Southerly winds. Great Mercury Island has many great spots and worth a few days there. Up the Colville Channel is Port Charles on the western side that is very sheltered if you are running short of time before rounding Colville. Watch out when passing Colville for the large current induced swells and for the reef that extends out further than expected from the mainland, a few bays can be nice in the right conditions like Port Jackson, then you are back in your home turf.

Looking forward to seeing you in Tauranga and fair winds, Andy

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5 minutes ago, ballystick said:

One unusual thing I have found when staying in Port Charles is a very strong catabatic wind coming off the higher land that can be less enjoyable in the evening

never experinced that,we have go in at low tide(just worked out that way)to almost touching and been comfortable,late february/march.

Biggest kings I have seen in there but very shy of a hook,ate all the srcapes we put in but would come in look at hook and turn.Bloody smart those kings.

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The Katabatic thing is really a Stony Bay issue.  Very steep behind the bay.

If it happens, head out to sea, quickly.

Yes Peachgrove Bay and surrounds has been voted best place in the world, by us.

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17 hours ago, Steve said:

The Katabatic thing is really a Stony Bay issue.  Very steep behind the bay.

If it happens, head out to sea, quickly.

Yes Peachgrove Bay and surrounds has been voted best place in the world, by us.

That area has regular visits from large dolphin schools and pods of Orca.

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On 18/03/2021 at 11:19 AM, CarpeDiem said:

After the Auckland Tauranga race we've taken some leave and have 9 days to get back to Auckland. 

Would like to spend 2-3 maybe 4 days getting up to Great Barrier. Have heard the Mercs are spectacular.

Thoughts on places to stop please? 

 

Have you managed to stop at the Mercs

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