Tied up in Whangerai Marina. Looks great. X

Anchored here overnight and are up early to make the final miles up the river. We have to request the bridge to open so that's causing a bit of excitement (it's a new bridge shaped to look like a Maori fishing hook).

On our way to Whangerai and stopped for a night at Roberton Island. This was one of Cook's landing sites and he chose well! Beautiful view from the top of the hill and lots of birds and insects. I think I saw a Kiwi (but that could've been wishful thinking). Off this morning around Cape Brett and beyond! Woke up to a sunny and dare I say it 'warm' morning. Pinch punch first of the month and time to get the Advent calendars out!!

Woohoo - we are here! Safely tucked up at the Q dock in Opua for the night. We caught a tuna today so we're BBQing that on the dock to share with the other boats in quarantine (about 6 of us so far). So chilly it feels like a real Brit BBQ! Very good passage and so far from what we've seen, NZ looks beautiful. xxx

Nearly there! Just munching through the last of our supplies - there's been a rush of using up fruit, veg and eggs. I attempted to do something with the cabbage but couldn't muster the enthusiasm after ripping off the first 10 layers. Our ETA is 1800 local time to Opua - no doubt we'll be docking overnight on the quarantine dock but we'll be in good company! Sunday's planned party for 'Minerva Reef fleet' is currently up to 60 odd people! I note I've not included many sailing references here, so, erm, we are motoring with just the main up. The sea is very flat and the wind is coming from behind. I think that's everything.

All is well on board. We have less than 180NM to go and are all very excited. At this rate (we are motoring as expected) we should arrive in Opua tomorrow evening (our Thurs evening). Whoop!

Things we are NOT doing on Jade - hanging about, pottering, dawdling OR eating the cabbages! We are zipping along nicely and still in the company of Free Spirit who should be renamed Free Sparkle as their boat gives a little wink from their metal work every now and then. Long may the zipping along continue! xx

all fine on Jade

all well on board but it is getting chilly.

We have an arrival date in mind - based on weather report - and we are doing our best to get there in time. Full steam ahead! We are zipping along nicely at the moment in the company of Free Spirit. No luck with fishing but good luck with the stocks of fish and other yummy stuff in the freezer (which need to be entirely depleted before arrival or it gets thrown out). Getting very nippy - layering up and wearing our hats and gloves. Ferne playing an active role at the helm, Noah just playing.... All tickety boo.

The starter's gun has sounded and we are off! In fact, we left last night and are staying close to the wind (which has just dropped off - hopefully only temporarily). It's like Spaghetti Junction out here this morning we are with Free Spirit but also in the company of Galatee, Aquarelle, Velic and a few others! I don't think it will be long before the speedier boats from Minerva catch us up (they were leaving this morning) including our friends on Enough. NZ here we come!

Still in Minerva. It's now looking like Saturday is a better departure day. We had a lovely visit from the NZ Air Force yesterday. Their Orion plane circled the reef, taking note of all our of boat names. They also said they were taking photos that would be on the Orion Facebook site. If they did take them they should be keepers as it was a gorgeous day yesterday. A bit different weather here today but good to be here to sit it out. Tomorrow's forecast is much better. Lots of love xx

Possibly leaving here tomorrow (our Friday 18th) with Free Spirit and a few others. We will keep you updated! All is well.

There are now 25 boats here in Minerva all waiting for the green light. At the moment we think we can leave either Friday or Saturday. In the meantime, having fun, lovely reef walks and good company. Hope everyone is well. xx

Gulf Harbour Radio: Hello Patricia and David, we are a slow boat so would be interested in an early departure from N. Minerva (e.g like Velic on Friday or earlier) to reach Opua by the date David mentioned.

To friends and family: Hello, we are still here in the North Minerva Reef and although we are keen to get moving we are having a wonderful time. Alex caught 4 lobster, the kids sold pizza to boats for a Kiwi bird charity and made over $100NZ. Poss Supermoon Monday dinghy drift from the back of Jade tonight. At the moment it looks like we could be leaving here Friday. Will post an update as soon as we know more. All well - hope you are too. Lots of love xx

Just arriving at North Minerva Reef. Looks like there are about 7 boats here already. Will update soon with departure to NZ but expect it will be a good few days waiting here.

Arrived in Tongatapu. Lots of boats anchored and waiting for the weather window to NZ! All well.

Anchored at Ha'afeva island. Had a very slow journey (into the wind) from Va'vau but all was fine. All well and happy. Saw some dolphins this morning.

On a mooring ball. Seems like the middle of nowhere but there's a Spanish tapas restaurant and a floating jewellery/art gallery here! Sunny day today - yesterday was non stop rain but at least tanks are full. Looks like next week for the Ha'apai group...

Anchored with Enough. Meeting a group of boats here for a Tongan feast on Sat night. Spotted a whale on the way here!

moored and enjoying the Blue Water Festival.