New Zealand, November and December 2001
(Return to the sailing adventures of La Boatique)
We arrived in New Zealand with Silver Heels on November 4. (Sliver Heels is pictured.)
We were tied to a mooring ball in Opua, New Zealand just off this tiny island. Dark clouds brought us continued rain.
During our trip to New Zealand every day we would listen to our single side band radio. The radio was tuned into Des from Russell Radio broadcasting from New Zealand. Des would predict the weather for each boat heading south to New Zealand. Before our trip and every day during our trip he gave us weather forecasts and helped us decide our course of action. He did an excellent job and helped us avoid nasty weather.
Opua Marina, Bay of Islands in the far north of New Zealand. La Boatique is the second boat from the end on the far right row of boats.
"Turkey Day" in New Zealand. New Zealand does not celebrate Thanksgiving Day as we do in the U.S. However, traditionally a big turkey dinner is served at the Opua Cruising Club. Julius and I helped club members carve the turkeys. A big tray of turkey meat is in the foreground of the picture.
Re-galvanized anchors and chain were unloaded off this truck at the Opua Marina.
This family of mallard ducks was waiting next to La Boatique for lunch. They liked bread best. Only one duckling survived and it was the only duckling to survive in the marina area.
The sea gulls in New Zealand seem to be dressed for a party with their gray, black and white feathers accessorized by their bright orange beaks and feet.
Instead of being dressed in a coat of black feathers, the cormorants in New Zealand are black and white. A wide assortment of birds share the marina with us.
Summer begins at Christmas time in New Zealand. The pohutukawa tree with these bright red and gold flowers is very common. It is known as New Zealand's Christmas tree.
Opua, New Zealand. Pictured at right is the warf and in the center of the picture is the car ferry.
Dancers in Pihia, New Zealand. To see a video of the dancers: ../videos/DancersZ.mpg
Sally (from Argonauta) and I smile for the camera at Kawakawa's tourist destination, the public toilets. The public toilets in Kawakawa are a work of eclectic art. The door to the ladies room has a propeller, a horseshoe, and an assortment of tools welded in with the grate. Empty bottles are molded into the brick wall behind us. Kawakawa is inland from Opua and lies in a valley. The tiny town does not have the majestic views most other towns have so it relies on its toilets to draw tourists.
To see more pictures of New Zealand: New Zealand Pictures
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