I recently made the post below to the alt.sailing list. It was
suggested that a kiwi w/ the handle "the navagator" may frequent this
list, and could offer some local perspective? I'd enjoy here anyone's
perspective on travel and sailing about the island nation and the city
of sails.


I have the lucky opportunity to be traveling to New Zealand in the
month of November. Was wondering if any of you salts have had the
pleasure of travel (sailing) down there? If so, would very much
appreciate the shared knowledge (impressions / experience). Mostly some
advise on where / how I can get connected with other sailors (Auckland,
Tauranga, Wellington, etc.). I'll be traveling solo for about a week
and a half in the middle of Nov. and would very much like to get some
sailing in (Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Plenty, and/or Bay of Islands) Or
bareboat charter experiences would be greatly appreciated as well. On
the last portion of my visit, I'll be joined by some friends for some
scuba excursions. But am trying to convince them to sail in the Bay of
Islands as well. From some quick web searching, this looks like a
wonderful place to cruise. Perhaps one final question, I believe Nov.
is the start of "Hurricane season," How much rain can be expected, sea
/ wind conditions?

Thanks much,
-Darren


I have learned thus far that New Zealanders refer to Hurricanes as
Cyclones.