Russell and Moturua Island
The dawn woke us, and it wasn’t long before the smell of bacon and eggs encouraged late risers to stir whilst others had a swim before brekkie. With anchor weighed we headed for the delightful town of Russell, once known as the "Hell Hole of the Pacific". Russell was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand and Old Russell or Okiato which is just a few miles away was the first capital before Auckland then took on the mantle. Steeped in history there is lots to see, and we all went our separate ways before meeting back at the Duke Of Marlborough Hotel for a drink and swapped stories about where we had been and what we had seen.
We clambered back into the dinghy, returned to Te Kaihōpara, and went looking for another spot to anchor for the night settling upon an idyllic anchorage between a small private island and Moturua Island. Dinner was another feast, Averill did wonders in the galley spoiling us with a little sashimi to start, followed by roast lamb with all the trimmings, amazing. More games, stories and a little star gazing closed off the evening, a perfect ending to what had been a memorable last night.
Daybreak and another wonderful breakfast followed by a trip ashore in the dinghy. We had the island to ourselves and set off to walk around it, leaving a couple of the crew to look after the dinghy and have a more leisurely swim. About 90 minutes later we completed our circular walk of the island returning to the dinghy at about the same time as a tripper boat disgorged a boat load of passengers. It makes you realise how privileged we are to be able to experience these islands and bays in relative unspoilt isolation. After our exertions we were all ready for a swim and snorkel so hit the water before heading back to the mother ship! With anchor weighed it was time to head to Opua, our final destination. Our skipper Mick did an amazing job getting the boat into a very tricky berth and then it was time for a last drink together before hugs and farewells. Always tough saying goodbye, but somehow, I think there will always be a connection, and fond memories will live on…