We are continuing to enjoy fantastic weather in the Bay of Islands.
Nesting TernsThere was a good breeze on the weekend, which filled Freewind’s sails and made for a great sail all around the Bay. After a stop at Roberton Island (the twin lagoons) for lunch and some site-seeing, we carried on to Urupukapuka Islands, where we anchored for the night, sheltered from the north-westerly wind. Returning on Sunday, we sailed close to Black Rocks on the western side of the Bay, where the terns are nesting at the moment.
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Sailing into Roberton Islands (Motu Arohia) | Freewind anchored at Roberton Island |
The trail up to the lookout in Roberton Island is one of the most popular tracks in the Bay of Islands – short and steep, it gives you a great opportunity for some exercise with a very rewarding prize – one of the best 360-degree scenic views in New Zealand (the photo on the right was taken from the lookout at the top of the track).
More good news from DOC (the NZ Department of Conservation): 
Due to combined efforts of DOC staff, boaties and the Bay of Islands community, the eradication of rats and stoats from the eastern Bay islands is bringing back many native birds, including the endangered New Zealand Dotterels – they can now nest and breed safely there. A few breeding pairs are being monitored by DOC and the Guardians of the Bay on Urupukapuka and Roberton Islands; anyone stopping at Twin Lagoons in Roberton Islands will notice the cordoned area right on the beach that encloses the delicate Dotterels’ nesting ground. We are hoping this year will be a good one for the NZ Dotterels, which number only around 1700 and nest on the sand, just above the tide-line, where we all love to roam. So please, if you see DOC signs of Dotterel nesting grounds – please take care.
The New Zealand Dotterel (Tūturiwhatu)Due to combined efforts of DOC staff, boaties and the Bay of Islands community, the eradication of rats and stoats from the eastern Bay islands is bringing back many native birds, including the endangered New Zealand Dotterels – they can now nest and breed safely there. A few breeding pairs are being monitored by DOC and the Guardians of the Bay on Urupukapuka and Roberton Islands; anyone stopping at Twin Lagoons in Roberton Islands will notice the cordoned area right on the beach that encloses the delicate Dotterels’ nesting ground. We are hoping this year will be a good one for the NZ Dotterels, which number only around 1700 and nest on the sand, just above the tide-line, where we all love to roam. So please, if you see DOC signs of Dotterel nesting grounds – please take care. From our Guest book [today, Mon, December 13th, 2010]:
“Thanks very much for the time aboard Freewind. We all had a great time and loved being up in the Bay of Islands. The hospitality was excellent and with Ron’s knowledge of sailing and the Bays, it was a real treat. I hope we can do it again soon.
Regards
Stuart and Ula"
See you on the water,
Ron and the crew
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