Hukatere – Secala Kayak Adventures

19 – 22 October, 2018

The objective of this short excursion north was to round the three Capes (MVD, Reinga and North) in 3 paddle days from Hukatere. The return travel times to the Far North are such a grind that there needed to be some real benefit from making such a short paddle trip.

The prospect of clearing the West coast provided just the incentive.

Splitting the travel days between Friday and Saturday (19 & 20th) presented the option to get half a day paddling AGW.

Sunday (21st) and Monday (22nd) promised good paddle conditions with 1.3m surf conditions, light winds and an ebbing (north flowing) tide through the best part of the day (0800-1400). The plan was to utilise this strong tidal stream with the paddle north from Hukatere, through the Cape Maria van Diemen gap timing our arrival at Cape Reinga at slack tide (1400hrs).

The next day, the same tidal flow would assist with rounding North Cape if the forecast remained favourable. As it turned out I would only get in two paddle days …….. Continue reading “5. Far North – Hukatere to Tapotupotu Bay”

25 – 29 March, 2018

This weeks forecasts showed guaranteed paddle days on Tuesday and Wednesday with surf subsiding from 1.8m on Sunday and Monday to less that 1.0m and calm conditions. From Wednesday the surf would be rising to 1.8m again. However with the week off work we made tracks north in the hope of getting as many days on the water as possible. With two good long paddle days on the cards my hopeful target destination is Shipwreck Bay, Ahipara. I know by now, that although targets are necessary, the obstacles are always dynamic. Every day is so different that you just don’t know where the week will end up. It turned out to be Hukatere this time ……. Continue reading “4. Progress North – Glinks Gully to Hukatere”