We arrived in Auckland at 0600 hrs on Wednesday 28th October on a grey overcast morning. Customs were relatively quick and efficient with the MPI guys going through every locker and even looked under a couple of floorboards. Fortunately little food was seized as we had pretty much cleaned out the fridge, freezer and grog locker given the much longer passage than expected. By 0900 hrs we were cleared to motor around to our new home in the Lighter Basin at the Viaduct in downtown Auckland where Pam & Birgitta were waiting to welcome us in. Finally Goran got his feet in New Zealand soil - not having been permitted to get off the boat in Great Barrier!


Savarna in the port of Atatiu in Rarotonga


Pam & Birgitta with the Harbourmaster - Atatiu


Lunch on the waterfront, Rarotonga the day of departure - little did we know we were heading for a 14 day passage!


It got cold quite quickly as we headed south


Typical view each day!


But the view occasionally broken by Goran catching a MahiMahi


And then back on the wind again


Many impressive sunsets but no green flashes!


The moon was a welcome feature most nights


Sometimes easier to sleep with all the gear on!


A welcome stop at Whangaparapara, Great Barrier Island for diesel under the watchful eye of the local pollce sergeant.


Motoring into the Viaduct - a big moment!


Under the drawbridge and nearly at our new home


The welcome home party a few nights later


Happy skipper makes a speech!

Savarna is now on the hard at Gulf Harbour getting antifouled and a few other jobs done before we head off on our first Christmas cruise in New Zealand for at least 10 years.

Cheers
Keith & Pam and the many friends who have sailed with us over the years