Wellington
From CruisersWiki
(→Local Weather) |
(Added weather) |
||
| Line 49: | Line 49: | ||
==Local Weather== | ==Local Weather== | ||
| - | |||
Sources for Weather forecasts: | Sources for Weather forecasts: | ||
* [http://www.metservice.com/ NZ Met Service] | * [http://www.metservice.com/ NZ Met Service] | ||
* [http://www.metvuw.com/forecast/ Met Victoria University] | * [http://www.metvuw.com/forecast/ Met Victoria University] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Wellington is located next to Cook Strait, which forms a narrow gap between the mountain ranges of the North and South Islands. This gap between the islands and mountain ranges accelerates the wind through the Cook Strait making Wellington a very windy city. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Wellington’s average wind speed was measure at 22 km/hr (source data for 1971 to 2000). During the same period there were an average of 22 days per year with wind speeds over gale force (63km/h). Wellington tops the mean wind speed comparisons (for New Zealand) with the notable exception of the Chatham Islands and ranks number 3 behind Kaikoura and Scott Base, Antartica for the number of gale force days. | ||
| + | |||
| + | October is the windiest month of the year with a mean 27 days of wind speeds over 15 knots, 19 of those days are over 20 knots. July is the least windy month with a mean of 21 days with wind speeds over 15 knots, 12 of those days are over 20 knots. October to January is the windiest time of year with the least windy months extending from February to July. | ||
| + | |||
| + | For wind speeds of 15-20 knots, northerlies are the most common a massive 80.6% of the time, the next closest frequency direction is from the South at 13.1%. Westerly (WNW, W, WSW) and Easterly (ENE, E, ESE) wind directions are not represented at all. Higher wind speeds over 20 knots show a similar distribution. The bias to direct Northerly and Southerly wind directions is probably slightly exaggerated by the North South alignment of the hills surrounding the airport (where the study was undertaken). | ||
| + | |||
| + | Wellington is not only known for its frequently windy conditions but for the strength of its wind. The Metservice reports the following extreme wind conditions in Wellington: | ||
| + | • Wellington averages 173 days a year with wind gusts greater than about 60 km/h (32knots) and gales in the Wellington region regularly measure gusts over 140km/h (75 knots). | ||
| + | • The strongest wind speeds where recorded at Hawkins Hill at an incredible 248km/h (134 knots) on the 6 November 1959 and 4 July 1962. | ||
| + | |||
==Approach and Navigation== | ==Approach and Navigation== | ||
Revision as of 18:37, 15 August 2013
Wellington, New Zealand (Port of Entry)
 (Click links for more information)
| |
 | 41°25.00′S, 174°52.00′E |
|---|---|
 | Photo gallery |
 | 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
Wellington and Porirua Harbours are the only safe havens in this rather bleak (and sometimes most hostile) coast south of New Plymouth on the west coast and Napier on the east coast of the North Island. Lying within the notorious Cook Strait there's really nowhere to cruise or gunkhole. It can also be very windy, with Cook Strait creating a natural wind funnel thorough the region.
Charts
- Land Information NZ
- NZ46 Cook Strait (1:200000) or
- NZ463 Approaches to Wellington Harbour (1:100000)
- NZ4633 – Wellington Harbour (1:25000)
- NZ4634 – Wellington Harbour Entrance & Wharves (chartlet scale varies)
- NZ4632 – Approaches to Porirua Harbour (1:16000)
Radio Nets
- See New Zealand
- Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
Sources for Weather forecasts:
Wellington is located next to Cook Strait, which forms a narrow gap between the mountain ranges of the North and South Islands. This gap between the islands and mountain ranges accelerates the wind through the Cook Strait making Wellington a very windy city.
Wellington’s average wind speed was measure at 22 km/hr (source data for 1971 to 2000). During the same period there were an average of 22 days per year with wind speeds over gale force (63km/h). Wellington tops the mean wind speed comparisons (for New Zealand) with the notable exception of the Chatham Islands and ranks number 3 behind Kaikoura and Scott Base, Antartica for the number of gale force days.
October is the windiest month of the year with a mean 27 days of wind speeds over 15 knots, 19 of those days are over 20 knots. July is the least windy month with a mean of 21 days with wind speeds over 15 knots, 12 of those days are over 20 knots. October to January is the windiest time of year with the least windy months extending from February to July.
For wind speeds of 15-20 knots, northerlies are the most common a massive 80.6% of the time, the next closest frequency direction is from the South at 13.1%. Westerly (WNW, W, WSW) and Easterly (ENE, E, ESE) wind directions are not represented at all. Higher wind speeds over 20 knots show a similar distribution. The bias to direct Northerly and Southerly wind directions is probably slightly exaggerated by the North South alignment of the hills surrounding the airport (where the study was undertaken).
Wellington is not only known for its frequently windy conditions but for the strength of its wind. The Metservice reports the following extreme wind conditions in Wellington: • Wellington averages 173 days a year with wind gusts greater than about 60 km/h (32knots) and gales in the Wellington region regularly measure gusts over 140km/h (75 knots). • The strongest wind speeds where recorded at Hawkins Hill at an incredible 248km/h (134 knots) on the 6 November 1959 and 4 July 1962.
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
|
|---|
|
Names: Grantmc |
| |
|---|
| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | New Zealand | Wellington | |
