⚡️ Dodging Storms Down New Zealand’s North Island 🌊

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS0K22iW-RA

New Zealand sailing has quickly become one of the wildest places we’ve cruised so far. In this episode, we continue making our way south along the North Island, learning firsthand what this coastline is all about — unpredictable weather, fast-changing conditions, and some incredible scenery in between.

We spend some time exploring Auckland before heading toward the Coromandel, where we end up facing the biggest storm we’ve ever experienced.

From calm anchorages to survival mode in a matter of hours, this coast keeps us constantly on our toes.

Chasing Sun Between Storms | Sailing New Zealand ⛵🌦️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn2zyKvl70g

Sailing New Zealand has been anything but predictable — but that’s all part of the adventure.

In this episode, we find ourselves constantly on the move, dodging incoming weather systems and searching for safe anchorages. The conditions keep us on our toes, but every now and then, we’re rewarded with those perfect, calm, sun-soaked days that make it all worthwhile.

We take full advantage of the good weather to explore Kerikeri, diving into New Zealand’s rich history with visits to the iconic Stone Store and the Mission House.

As we continue north, we finally get back in the water for the first time since arriving in the country — a moment we’ve been waiting for. Along the way, we encounter incredible marine wildlife, hike (or “tramp,” as the locals say) through stunning landscapes, and slowly begin making our way south again as the weather keeps shifting.

We also stop at a historic whaling station, adding another fascinating chapter to the journey.

Despite being pushed around by the elements, this leg of the trip is full of unforgettable moments, wild beauty, and a deeper connection to New Zealand’s past and present. If you enjoy sailing adventures, raw travel experiences, and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, this one’s for you.

New Country, New Conditions 🌬️ Sailing New Zealand for the First Time + our Anniversary Celebration!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7JJXvYZwSU

Welcome to New Zealand 🇳🇿

After crossing the ocean, we’ve officially arrived on the North Island—and it already feels like a whole new world. From calm, foggy mornings to some seriously powerful wind, this place is all new to us!

In this episode, we spend our first days settling in, doing a bit of boat work on SV Goose, and finally getting a taste of what sailing in New Zealand is really like. (Spoiler: the wind here is no joke.)

We also take a break from boat projects to dinghy ashore to celebrate our 10-year anniversary with a visit to a Vineyard. Sitting down with a glass of wine overlooking the water felt like the perfect way to mark this special day. This is just the beginning of our time in New Zealand, and we can already tell it’s going to challenge us, surprise us, and push our skills!

⛵️ SV Goose is a Seawind 1260 that we’ve been sailing full-time after years of overland travel. So far, we’ve covered over 16,000 nautical miles—and we’re not stopping anytime soon.

Thanks for being here and coming along for the ride.