New Zealand North Island Pt. 1

So I got really really far behind on updating this thing BUT I guess thats a good thing because I have been having a crazy full schedule here in NZ.
We sailed into the Bay of Plenty near a town called Tauranga. The only time we have ever had a very scary storm was that day when we tried to come into the bay. The waves were 20ft, the wind was 30+ knts and our steering and motor were broken! It was pouring so hard you couldn't see past a mile in front of you. We were getting really close to the shore and I was getting really freaked out. But than all of a sudden I looked to my left and saw a Penguin swimming by. In that moment I was like dam NZ is gonna be sick and was no longer afraid. We got into the harbor perfectly fine with some help of a Pilot Boat and were instantly treated so well. The people of NZ overall are so friendly and truly want to help you.
On Dec 28th my best friend April flew out to hang with us for a few weeks for her Christmas break. That kept me super busy because she loves to adventure and we would just do something cool and random everyday.

But sadly April left on Jan 16th. My friend Alex though flew in on the 11th and is with us till the 23rd. On the 16th we took the ferry from Wellington to Picton on the South Island and we will be here till Feb 24th! Heres a picture of my dad surfing in Raglan. We went there for a few days to try out the longest left break :)