After 18,000-odd nautical miles, 19 months on the ocean and 20 countries later we arrive on home soil!! It's an emotional end to an incredible journey as we sail into Coffs Harbour. After relaxing in Coffs we hop down the coast to Port Stephens before our final leg into Pittwater. We hope you enjoy our final episode and thanks for sharing our journey!!!!
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We leave Fiji and head for New Caledonia, the final country on our adventure before home! It's a fast and furious passage to New Caledonia, not the most enjoyable trip but once we are there we are treated to underwater marina delights in Noumea, white sands and soaring pine trees of Ile de Pine and the sparkling turquoise waters of the south lagoon. A fantastic end to our sailing adventure before we sail for Australia!!
Where we arrive in Fiji is a hotly debated topic, decided enroute to Fiji as these things sometimes are! First off is Savsavu in the island of Vanua Levu, a place where tourists are few and local culture shines (even when the sun doesn't!!). Then it's a few solid days to cross the reef strewn northern coast of Viti Levu, ending up in sunshine, pool time and cocktails of Musket Island. It's a crazy mix of weather, landscapes and experiences but always we are met with beautiful Fiji hospitality. Bula!!
It's time to check out Tonga! We spend a few weeks in Vava'u, cruising the protected waterways and beautiful anchorages. We finish our stay with a much-debated humpback whale swim, getting to witness these majestic animals up close while reflecting on the ethics of this type of tourism.
After an incredible three months in French Polynesia, it's time to continue west to the Cook Islands. We chose to head to Suwarrow, an isolated and uninhabited atoll in the Northern Cook Islands. Suwarrow is also the largest national park of the Cook Islands, teaming with bird and marine life. It's a challenging week-long sail to Suwarrow, and another week onwards to Tonga, but worth it for the fun times in Suwarrow snorkelling the reefs, exploring the atoll and hanging out with cruising mates.
The final stop in French Polynesia is the much raved over Bora Bora. With high expectations and a craving for a little sun we sail to Bora Bora...and are not disappointed!! The soaring peaks of Bora Bora make for a spectacular setting from all angles, as we are treated to local Heiva performances, glide along underwater with tropical fish and manta rays and kick back in what is often described as the most beautiful island in the Pacific...a perfect end to the French Polynesian experience.
After the stunning scenery of Moorea we sail to the Society Islands of Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa. Rainy weather and strong winds accompany us for most of this time, leading to a few days confined to the boat and rushing to grab the sunshine when it was out to check out the ancient site of Taputapuatea, the brilliant coral gardens of Tahaa and the lush vegetation of Huahine.
It's time to explore the Society Islands of French Polynesia, starting with the sister islands of Tahiti and Moorea. We get involved in our first sailing regatta, see amazing local dance performances and swim with the stingrays, while getting to check out more stunning anchorages and island vistas.
Next stop in the Tuamotos after stunning Kauehi is the atolls of Fakarava and Toau, which continue to amaze with crystal waters, vibrant underwater life and dramatic sky-scapes. The Tuamotos quickly becomes our favourite sailing destination of the trip, as we dive, snorkel, spearfish and SUP our way through the turquoise lagoons in this paradise.
It's time to leave the magical Marquesas islands and head for the Tuamotos, also known as the Dangerous Archipelago!! The Tuamotos, made up of 77 atollls, is the largest chain of atolls in the world....and choosing which ones to visit was a tough call. But finally a decision was made and we entered a lagoon paradise of swaying palm trees, sparkling white beaches, colourful underwater creatures and all the shades of blue you could imagine. Welcome to Kauehi!!
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