Picton to Opua, New Zealand / 570 Nm / 8 Days / CAT 1 Ocean Passage
The Category 1 – 570nm passage from Picton to Opua, New Zealand takes in a wide variety of coastlines, seascapes and weather conditions. Starting at the largest port in the Marlborough Sounds, we’ll sail out into the infamous Cook Strait, before heading NNW to round Cape Taranaki, into the Tasman Sea before heading north to New Zealand’s three northernmost capes of Cape Maria van Diemen, Cape Reinga and North Cape. We’ll then sail the final 80nm down the East Coast to Opua in the Bay of Islands.
The weather on the North Island’s West Coast is changeable and we are set to experience a variety of conditions and sea states. There are limited safe ports and harbours on the passage, so our timetable includes waiting for a weather window if any adverse weather is forecast. This passage is a great opportunity to build sea miles, confidence and experience prior to your first Category 1 offshore passage or an opportunity to sail a unique part of New Zealand’s coastline.
