Manganui Harbour to Tom Bowling Bay and Spirits Bay
We are still heading North, last month our last stop was Whangaroa ..
As always keep an eye out for bricks but usually the water is so clear you can see them from miles off.
1st Stop, Mangonui Harbour tucked up in the Doubtless Bay
This is a must do for Fish & Chips from the Mangonui fish shop, the best in Northland. There are a few bricks as you enter the bay so keep an eye on the plotter and out the window.
2nd Stop, Matai Bay & Waikato Bay 20nm north of Whangaroa
Another favourite is to tuck into the South-Eastern corner, you can fit a few boats in between the island and the main land, simply paradise…
A few rocks on the bottom but usually you will get your pick into sand. Great in a southerly!
3rd Stop, Cape Karikari / Rangiputa / Houhora
Karikari: White sandy beaches, great fishing, you can anchor in sand close to the beach
Rangiputa: Take a look into Rangiputa Harbour, strong tidal flow but fun to do and ok to stay, good sand anchorage
Houhora: last fuel in the north and a great fishing club. The channel into Houhora is well marked and it’s important you stay in it. Watch out for locals fishing off the Houhora Wharf, it’s easy to pick up their lines if tying up to the wharf.
Remember they are locals, you are not
4th Stop, under the light at North Cape, (Tower FL W 8s 18m), 26 nm from Karikari
No word for it! The loom of the lighthouse over the boat every 8 seconds, Good anchorage in the NE – NW, even light westerlies…
Go ashore and cook a cray on the rocks over a fire…
As Tina Turner says… Simply the Best!
5th Stop, around the corner you go… Tom Bowling Bay and Spirits Bay
Sandy anchorage, great protection from the East through west and perfect in light weather.
Time to Explore…