Wellington

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====Overview====
====Overview====
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On the east coast of New Zealand, in Hawke Bay, 260km north of [[Wellington]] lies '''Napier''', a small coastal city of about 60,000. Napier is a tourist focused localality with many attractions, especially in the Summer. Napier is an ideal point to stop for a few days whilst waiting for a weather window to continue your passage either north or south. As well as the many attractions there's a well run and good value marina (the Napier Sailing Club) with handy visitor's berths. The Manager has a home beside the Club House and is very helpful, seemingly working 24 x 7.
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Wellington lies at the southern end of New Zealand's North Island. It is often the stepping off point for those wanting to cross Cook Strait and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Wellington’s harbour, called Lambton Harbour is a beautiful horse shoe shape, surrounded by many forested high hills. The entire harbour is safe for large and small ships, with few rocks, good depths in almost every part, and a modest tide of no more than 1 ½ metres (excluding spring). But of course like anywhere in the roaring forties, it can get rough and very windy.
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A unique feature of the city is its art deco architecture. The area was devastated by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in the style of the day. In February there is an art deco festival with the locals dressing up in the fashions and style of the thrities.
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Wellington city itself has a population of about 185,000, and taking account the wider population of its four satellite cities the total population is 380.000. Public transport around Wellington is good, although a little expensive, with frequent bus and train services.
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For the cruising yachtie Wellington isn’t somewhere you’d typically choose to go except either as a stop off on your way to the South Island, or you have residents there that you wish to visit. That’s not to say that Wellington doesn’t have attractions and charm, it does in abundance, but for those on their way to the Marlborough Sounds consider the alternative of a layover at Mana near the satellite city of Porirua, assuming you’ve passaged down the North Island’s west coast. Refer to the information on marinas below.
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Attractions for Wellington city itself include the world renowned Te Papa, the national museum. Te Papa is a new addition to the capital and one of the world’s first ‘interactive’ museums. Te Papa is set right on the water front, in the midst of the central business district. It’s actually a very short walk from the Chaffers Marina.
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Wellington once had a reputation for being dull and grey, full of dour civil servants dressed in drab clothes. But since around 1985 that reputation hasn’t been deserved. The city is now vibrant, busy and colourful with outdoor bars and cafes throughout the inner city. The culture of Wellington City is one of relaxed shopping. Try a ‘flat white’, New Zealand’s own contribution to coffee drinking. We’ll discuss some of the attractions below, but if you do stopover you will enjoy your stay.
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Revision as of 18:55, 12 August 2013

Wellington, New Zealand (Port of Entry)

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39°27.01′S, 176°52.37′E
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Photo gallery
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Local chartlet

Overview

Wellington lies at the southern end of New Zealand's North Island. It is often the stepping off point for those wanting to cross Cook Strait and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Wellington’s harbour, called Lambton Harbour is a beautiful horse shoe shape, surrounded by many forested high hills. The entire harbour is safe for large and small ships, with few rocks, good depths in almost every part, and a modest tide of no more than 1 ½ metres (excluding spring). But of course like anywhere in the roaring forties, it can get rough and very windy.

Wellington city itself has a population of about 185,000, and taking account the wider population of its four satellite cities the total population is 380.000. Public transport around Wellington is good, although a little expensive, with frequent bus and train services.

For the cruising yachtie Wellington isn’t somewhere you’d typically choose to go except either as a stop off on your way to the South Island, or you have residents there that you wish to visit. That’s not to say that Wellington doesn’t have attractions and charm, it does in abundance, but for those on their way to the Marlborough Sounds consider the alternative of a layover at Mana near the satellite city of Porirua, assuming you’ve passaged down the North Island’s west coast. Refer to the information on marinas below.

Attractions for Wellington city itself include the world renowned Te Papa, the national museum. Te Papa is a new addition to the capital and one of the world’s first ‘interactive’ museums. Te Papa is set right on the water front, in the midst of the central business district. It’s actually a very short walk from the Chaffers Marina.

Wellington once had a reputation for being dull and grey, full of dour civil servants dressed in drab clothes. But since around 1985 that reputation hasn’t been deserved. The city is now vibrant, busy and colourful with outdoor bars and cafes throughout the inner city. The culture of Wellington City is one of relaxed shopping. Try a ‘flat white’, New Zealand’s own contribution to coffee drinking. We’ll discuss some of the attractions below, but if you do stopover you will enjoy your stay.


Cruising the region

Napier is the only safe haven on this rather bleak (and sometimes most hostile) coast, in either direction between Gisborne and Wellington. There's really nowhere to cruise or gunkhole.

Charts

Land Information NZ
NZ571 Approaches to Napier (1:75000)
NZ56 Table Cape to Blackhead Point (1:200000)

Radio Nets

Local Weather

Local weather conditions?

Sources for Weather forecasts:

Approach and Navigation

Napier Marina and small boat harbour (The Iron Pot) is at the western end (see map above). At the eastern end is the small shipping port (keep away!). There's a reef to the north of the harbour, so keep well north in your approach. The route into the marina is well marked, although as with anywhere new, better to arrive in daylight. Don't hesitate to contact Napier Harbour control on channel 16 for help.

As with all New Zeland ports, lights and markers are carefully maintained and can be relied on to operate.


Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Napier is a Customs Port of Entry so if this is your first port of call you'll need to contact Customs and make arrangements as per the instructions for New Zealand.

Offshore Islands and Groups

Bare Island about 30 miles south east (off the village of Waimarama. It's name describes the island well., essentially a big rock, well charted.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Napier Sailing Club

Anchorages

Anchorages both outside and inside the small boat harbour but can be lumpy in an easterly swell.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Within a walking distance of the marina are numerous small boat supply stores, although most geared to small power and fishing boats.

Repairs/Yards

As above, with many small workshops and repair yards. As a rule you'll find these guys innovative and willing to tackle any problem. Appreciate that most locals will regard a visiting cruiiser as being very wealthy and so may not be concerned about taking a few extra hours or days on your project. So you really need to manage any work you need done.

The marina has a travel lift and hard stand area.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel There are several service stations offerring diesel, petrol and LPG within walking distance. The marina also has diesel.

Water The tap water is clean, free and drinkable, with taps all around the marina.

Electricity 240 volt

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Napier is a tourist centre, with many of the attractions on Marina Parade. It's a palm lined street beside the beach well worth an afternoon visit but have a few dollars in your pocket and there's charge for most sites. The Aquarium is world class.

If you expect to be in Napier for a few days there are several bus companies offering wine trails. The region is famous for its vineyards and wines.

Napier and its sister city Hastings (inland about 20km south east) are located on the Heretaunga Plains. Almost the entire region is flat and everywhere are cycle ways. There are several stores that hire bikes and its a great way to see the area.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Two major supermarkets within a short taxi trip of the marina.

Eateries

There are dozens of restaraunts, bars and cafes within walking distance.

Internet/WiFi

Check with marina

Laundry

Coin machines at the marina

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Several rental companies within walking distance of the marina

Garbage Disposal

Dumpsters at the marina along with oil recycling tank

Transportation

5kms north of the marina is Hawkes Bay airport. Several flights each day to Auckland with less frequent flights to other New Zealand cities and towns.

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc. To continue a southward journey, for most cruisers, you'll need at least a two day weather window to get to Wellington. In reality there are no stops on the way and you'll want to travel in a northerly. The scenery is excellent and interesting, but apart from a few villages the coast is bleak and you'l gain the impression no one lives in this area (almost no one does!).

Continuing a passage north, you're likely to want to get around East Cape. The Cape is nearly a 24 hour trip from Napier, running with a southerly and if it gets rough (and it often does in this part of the coast) there are several safe places you can ride it out. The most notable is Gisborne Harbour with several sheltered bays north of Gisborne.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.


References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

Personal Notes

A very friendly place.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

February 2013


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Grantmc


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