There is a perception amongst some that New Zealand is a long, arduous
flight from anywhere. Some folk also imagine it's a difficult place in
which to sail, with capricious weather and a dangerous coast. While
these perceptions have some small basis of truth, they're not the
things remembered by those who have made the effort to sail New
Zealand's magnificent coast.
In reality, sailing around New Zealand often creates that all-defining moment when a boat owner savours the very dream that drove him to build and own a boat.
Transiting the Pacific Ocean on a comfortable aircraft bed at 10,000m, leaving a northern hemisphere winter behind, tends to rapidly dilute any prior reservations. On arrival at their South Pacific destination, cruising visitors are greeted by friendly and welcoming Kiwis, whose job it is to ensure their visitors enjoy the cruising experience of a lifetime. Most visitors report a familiar sense of belonging, an easy rapport with the locals, and a sense of community lacking in many other parts of the world today.
When it comes time to leave, the comment most commonly passed goes something like: "I wish we had allowed ourselves more time to really see this place!"
In reality, sailing around New Zealand often creates that all-defining moment when a boat owner savours the very dream that drove him to build and own a boat.
Transiting the Pacific Ocean on a comfortable aircraft bed at 10,000m, leaving a northern hemisphere winter behind, tends to rapidly dilute any prior reservations. On arrival at their South Pacific destination, cruising visitors are greeted by friendly and welcoming Kiwis, whose job it is to ensure their visitors enjoy the cruising experience of a lifetime. Most visitors report a familiar sense of belonging, an easy rapport with the locals, and a sense of community lacking in many other parts of the world today.
When it comes time to leave, the comment most commonly passed goes something like: "I wish we had allowed ourselves more time to really see this place!"
