Hey everyone, well sorry this is a little late, but I have had such a busy time since we got back from Great Barrier. BUT, I must fill you all in with some details of the trip. Firstly though, I will not post any photos of the trip on this blog so make sure you check them all out at the link below. Also check out a basic map here if you want to reference the places I’ll mention.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanyouens/sets/72157604274692602/
Day One
Alright so we were up at 5am and headed in on the bus to the city. After our five hour ferry trip we finally got there and met up with the shuttle guys. lol There is only one main road on the island and not much is sealed and it is VERY windy. lol We were heading from the bottom of the Island to Port Fitzroy, near the top. lol So was a fun trip. Anyway we got there and set up out tent and picked up the kayaks. We decided to go for a short kayak to get us in the mood and to see what we needed to adjust on the kayaks. This was great, and meant come day two we were all set and ready for an early start. We got into bed at 2030, thinking it was about 2330.
Day Two
After sleeping for about twelve hours, we awoke and were all set. lol We realised that is IS very nice setting off when the tide is in, but when it is out, we had to trek over about 300m of rocks, shellfish, dead trees etc. But nevermind … we didn’t complain. So we headed off and we left Port Fitzroy, we straight down into Kaiarara Bay and found some cool bays and things to check out. We then headed across to Kiwiriki Bay and had some lunch. It wasn’t a nice bay to stop for lunch, lol but we were so hungry that we had to stop. Anyway, we then continued into Smokehouse Bay which is a great place and where you can set a fire and have hot showers, do washing, smoke your fish … and so on. After a few hours rest there we headed all the way home again.
Day Three
After again a very long sleep, we were set for our big trip day. We set out from Port Fitzroy and headed for Man of War Passage. This was great fun as is so narrow and there are so many boats that go through here, so it was a bit rough and lots of navigation. We stopped into Oneura Bay for brunch, which was the most FANTASTIC little bay. Obviously no one goes in there, and it looked out to sea. I tried some fishing, but no luck … despite being able to see them. Anyway we continued out towards Nelson Island which was a great stretch of paddling. Lots of great sea swells … and a great spot for some photos, looking out towards Little Barrier. Once we got around this head between Nelson Island and the top of Kaikoura Island, it was less windy and we relaxed a little. We gradually made it into Bradshaw Cove, but a small beach just in from one of the heads. There I made lunch and a VERY LONG story cut short, we got engaged (if you want more details you’ll have to email me). So anyway that was great and this was a wonderfully relaxing afternoon. I tried some more fishing but again, no luck. Thankfully I couldn’t actually see any fish this time. That night back at camp we had the Westpac Rescue Helicopter pop in to pick up an injured tramper, so that was fun.
Day Four
Well after the big trip on day three, we thought an easy day was in order. First thing, we paddled to the shop (one of two on the Island) and got a few bits. Then I went out fishing. After a few hours of heartfelt trying, I finally caught a big beautiful snapper. Fishing was always a bit of a trial as you always had the tide and wind blowing or pushing you somewhere. lol Anyway I got the snapper home and it was BEAUTIFUL. lol Mmmmm yes. That afternoon we took a walk up to some waterfalls as a bit of a break. That evening we went out to try and catch a fish (or few) for dinner. But despite Wendy catching a small Blue Cod, nothing sizable for dinner.
Day Five
Alright well last day of paddling, and we headed north. We set off and paddled up and into Karaka Bay. We then went further up and stopped on the top end of Port Abercrombie near Mohunga Bay. This was a great little spot and was nice a relaxing. A few hours later we headed back via Wood Island and back to drop the kayaks off in Port Fitzroy.
Day Six
Alright well time to go and so we packed everything up and headed for the store to get a ride to the ferry with the postman (who is also the shuttle). Of course once you get to this stage you just want to get home. Not bare the six hours it takes to get there. lol But anyway eventually we got there and very well deserved hot showers were had.
So a fantastic trip and totally recommend to anyone. For us was more a relaxing holiday than a kayaking adventure holiday, but you could do either way. We had the best time and so make sure you check out the photos.