Our last full day together today and it has been a full one whānau. This morning we awoke again in Oke Bay, had our morning swim, did our cleaning, had breakfast and went in to the beach. On the shore, we were met by Bhakti, our photographer from LiveOcean, Ness from Māori TV, and some of our lovely shore crew. All of the rangatahi quickly got engaged in some shore games: ‘Protect the Heke’ and ‘Red Light, Green Light’. They strategised well and eventually won vs the crew on their second try later in the day.

After shore games, the Tucker trainees went back to complete their Tucker Challenge climb up and out on the lower topsail yard for their Tucker bracelets. Everyone pushed themselves and succeeded together. They also got to learn how to drive the tender. While this was happening, Hinemoana trainees did seashore quadrat survey with our marine scientists, Rob and Katie.

After lunch, we all set sail for Waewaetorea passage and the Taniwha Cave. The trainees and many of the crew had karakia and faced the brief darkness before the light, swimming on the surface through to the other side. There awaited the best jump off swimming spot of the trip and all had a good go.

Dry and getting hungry, we set sail back to Orokawa Bay. There, Hinemoana and the Tucker rafted up together in the calm for our last dinner together – the best of the trip – the roast! Thank you Kym! Dishes are almost done, many conversations shared, and puku’s and spirits are full.

Hei āpōpō koutou katoa!
Much love and get your showers ready,

Us

(throwback photo to our trip to Motukokako yesterday)

Our thanks to Northpower for sponsoring this voyage.