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Day1
Saw us on the water mid morning and paddling out into Mahau Sound from Moenui in Mahakipawa Arm over the hill from Havelock . Head winds made for slow travel and as we rounded Black Point the wind increased in strength, funneling down Hikapu Reach. At this stage Pipi Beach , our destination, seemed beyond our abilities as we pulled into Whatanihi near Rimu Bay . The locals assured us that the wind would decrease late afternoon so a late lunch, a rest, a ramble and a cup of tea with a resident of the bay filled in the afternoon. The wind did die away and so we decided to continue to Pippi Beach after tea. This turned out to be an enjoyable 1½ hour paddle on a flat sea, arriving around 8pm .

Day 2
We took a small side trip into Nydia Bay to visit the D.O.C. campsite in Chance bay – it took some finding! Back into the main stream we paddled onto Jacobs Bay D.O.C. campsite, arriving mid afternoon. There is a pleasant bush walk to Dillon Bell and Fairy Bay . Some geocaching was also done by John and Heather, with the cache found after a short time.

Day 3
The question this morning was whether to Paddle to Tawa Bay in Tennyson Inlet or not? With a possible southerly change forecast, combined with the long paddle to Tawa the decision was made to stay another night at Jacobs Bay .A paddle to Tawero Point and round the corner, gave good views of Maud Island and Tawawitinui Reach. Back to the Point and we were heading into the wind which made for an “interesting” crossing to Marys Bay . [the chop on Lyttleton Harbour came to mind.] Murray was keen to visit the Homewood Memorial Hall – the only public hall in the outer Sounds, with a pleasant beach for a lunch stop. An easy hours paddling took us back to Jacobs Bay .

Day4
Retracing our route we crossed the sound to Yncya Bay and onward. Paddling along the shore line toward Turn Point [and not turning left!] we paddled straight ahead into Nydia Bay . Only when well down the bay did we realize our mistake! A lunch stop was called for! In spite of two GPS’s and two compasses among the group [unused!] we had missed the left turn at Turn Point. Others admitted to the same error. Our first rest stop for the day at Whatanui in Rimu Bay was where we decided to camp on what had once been a tennis court. This had been a long day on the water and it being New years Eve,the locals festivities made for a late night.

Day 5
An easy day was called for! A 3 hour paddle to the D.O.C reserve near St. Omer was spoilt only by a stiff head wind as we crossed the final bay to our campsite. This was our first real sandy beach – very suitable for swimming. After tea Don and Murray paddled round to an old boat wreck near St. Omer.

Day 6
This was another easy day in this attractive Sound, with many sandy beaches. We stopped at the D.O.C. campsite at Putanui Point for lunch , and Don, Heather and Murray walked the track to the lookout at the point. [ see panoramic photo.] A good viewing point and a nice bush walk. Back on the water and in easy conditions, Don was able to use his umbrella as a sail. An hours paddling took us to the D.O.C. campsite at Moutapu Bay . It is right on the point of this double bay with more sandy beaches for good swimming. Other kayakers were camped there and this led to an interesting discussion on the merits of our various kayaks.

Day 7
Homeward bound – an easy hours paddle along the shore line took us back to our put-in point at Moenui

This is a very pleasant paddling region with lots of campsites to choose from.

Note: The travel times are very dependent on tides, wind, and party strength, and where mentioned should be only used as a rough guide.


	Pelorus Sounds Christmas Trip Sunday 28^th December – Saturday 3^rd January 2004 Day1 Saw us on the water mid morning and paddling out into Mahau Sound from Moenui in Mahakipawa Arm over the hill from Havelock . Head winds made for slow travel and as we rounded Black Point the wind increased in strength, funneling down Hikapu Reach. At this stage Pipi Beach , our destination, seemed beyond our abilities as we pulled into Whatanihi near Rimu Bay . The locals assured us that the wind would decrease late afternoon so a late lunch, a rest, a ramble and a cup of tea with a resident of the bay filled in the afternoon. The wind did die away and so we decided to continue to Pippi Beach after tea. This turned out to be an enjoyable 1½ hour paddle on a flat sea, arriving around 8pm . Day 2 We took a small side trip into Nydia Bay to visit the D.O.C. campsite in Chance bay – it took some finding! Back into the main stream we paddled onto Jacobs Bay D.O.C. campsite, arriving mid afternoon. There is a pleasant bush walk to Dillon Bell and Fairy Bay . Some geocaching was also done by John and Heather, with the cache found after a short time. Day 3 The question this morning was whether to Paddle to Tawa Bay in Tennyson Inlet or not? With a possible southerly change forecast, combined with the long paddle to Tawa the decision was made to stay another night at Jacobs Bay .A paddle to Tawero Point and round the corner, gave good views of Maud Island and Tawawitinui Reach. Back to the Point and we were heading into the wind which made for an “interesting” crossing to Marys Bay . [the chop on Lyttleton Harbour came to mind.] Murray was keen to visit the Homewood Memorial Hall – the only public hall in the outer Sounds, with a pleasant beach for a lunch stop. An easy hours paddling took us back to Jacobs Bay . Day4 Retracing our route we crossed the sound to Yncya Bay and onward. Paddling along the shore line toward Turn Point [and not turning left!] we paddled straight ahead into Nydia Bay . Only when well down the bay did we realize our mistake! A lunch stop was called for! In spite of two GPS’s and two compasses among the group [unused!] we had missed the left turn at Turn Point. Others admitted to the same error. Our first rest stop for the day at Whatanui in Rimu Bay was where we decided to camp on what had once been a tennis court. This had been a long day on the water and it being New years Eve,the locals festivities made for a late night. Day 5 An easy day was called for! A 3 hour paddle to the D.O.C reserve near St. Omer was spoilt only by a stiff head wind as we crossed the final bay to our campsite. This was our first real sandy beach – very suitable for swimming. After tea Don and Murray paddled round to an old boat wreck near St. Omer. Day 6 This was another easy day in this attractive Sound, with many sandy beaches. We stopped at the D.O.C. campsite at Putanui Point for lunch , and Don, Heather and Murray walked the track to the lookout at the point. [ see panoramic photo.] A good viewing point and a nice bush walk. Back on the water and in easy conditions, Don was able to use his umbrella as a sail. An hours paddling took us to the D.O.C. campsite at Moutapu Bay . It is right on the point of this double bay with more sandy beaches for good swimming. Other kayakers were camped there and this led to an interesting discussion on the merits of our various kayaks. Day 7 Homeward bound – an easy hours paddle along the shore line took us back to our put-in point at Moenui This is a very pleasant paddling region with lots of campsites to choose from. Note: The travel times are very dependent on tides, wind, and party strength, and where mentioned should be only used as a rough guide. Party: Don and Margaret Dawson, Heather Summerton, Murray Rowden.
The map of wanderings (red out, brown in)		It all starts here at Moenui Bay

Calm as a millpond		Heading up to Pipi Beach

Peace and tranquillity		Full up at Jacobs Bay...

Around Tawero Point looking down Whitinui Reach		Jacobs Bay from the point...

Tree of "lost Soles"		Round the corner into Kenepuru Sound

What a life!!!!		Whatanihi Bay

Ferndale Reserve in Kenepuru		Murray and Margaret

Ship wreck at St Omer Bay		Up with the brolly....for two!!

Panaoramic look at Pelorus Sound (left) and Kenepuru Sound (right) from the trig on Putanui Point