251029 Minerva South to Marsden Cove, NZ

This was the final leg of the 1200 mile passage from Tonga to Whangarei, New Zealand. After stopping at Minerva South Reef to make final preparations we set off heading clockwise out of the pass to see if we could catch some fish to stretch our provisions. The plan worked and we landed two large wahoo which yielded a total of 120 steaks. We then had 2 days of motor-sailing in light winds before encountering heavy seas up to 5m leading to green water over the deck and some soggy cabins. This lasted 3 days and some sailing was possible although we also had to motor at times. As we approached Tawahi Rahi island the waves moderated while the wind stayed above 12kts allowing us to sail the last few hundred miles, even flying the asymmetrical for a time. As we closed on the coast we saw more wildlife including dolphins, pilot whales and a possible sighting of a sei whale. Arrival into Marsden Cove Marina was straightforward and well marked. We tied up to the 'Q' berth overnight to await customs and biosecurity clearance together with 4 other boats, one rafted up.