NZ west coast

[azuredragon]

We are planning to sail the west coast of New Zealand from the northernmost cape to Stewart Island and would appreciate any tips or advice from others who have made this trip.

One stop we are planning to make is Raglan Harbour half way down the north island and would appreciate any first hand information about this stop.

Thanks.

Gary & Kay
S/Y Hornpipe

[Cowpoos]

Originally Posted by azuredragon

We are planning to sail the west coast of New Zealand from the northernmost cape to Stewart Island and would appreciate any tips or advice from others who have made this trip.

One stop we are planning to make is Raglan Harbour half way down the north island and would appreciate any first hand information about this stop.

Thanks.

Gary & Kay
S/Y Hornpipe

Most sail down the east coast and then up the west coast of New Zealand. THere is a New Zealand Forum called crew.org.nz where you will likely get lots of specific advice on this trip.

[Tillsbury]

Clockwise is considerably easier for the South Island, certainly. There is some information on noonsite of a recent circumnavigation from a non-nz viewpoint: https://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue...cumNewZealand/

Bear in mind there are very long passages of no shelter along the coast of New Zealand, particularly on the west coast where you also have a lee shore with the roaring forties hitting it. Planning and weather forecasts are critical. On the other hand, you won’t have to worry about annoying other boats in your anchorage

[NoTies]

Agree on the clockwise. Forget any decent shelter from the Fiords to the top of the South Island in anything but a southwest. Stay about 60 miles off around Cape Taranaki (Egmont) if possible to stay out of the shallows (called the rolling ground for a reason). Be careful entering Westport, Greymouth or any of the bar harbours with any sort of roll on the bar. Watch the sets and have plenty of throttle in reserve, speak to local fishermen (not the harbourmaster) for advice. Be prepared to be given the boot from New Plymouth harbour if a decent northwest comes up.

[azuredragon]

Thanks for the intel. Since we are about 30 miles from North Cape now and do not need to visit the Hauraki Gulf, the west coast route looks a lot shorter. We just haven’t made any decisions about stopping anywhere along the way before the north end of South Island.

[NoTies]

Take it easy and give yourself plenty of sea room. Not a lot of offshore winds there.