If a cyclone does end up coming in April

The weather has been lousy for days. It’s raining and it’s cold. In Vanuatu, a low-pressure system is making its way toward Fiji. Fortunately, it’s only grazing the islands with its outer bands. Nevertheless, preparations have been made there, and they’re bracing for the worst. So while it’s raining constantly here, Fiji is also facing winds of up to 50 knots. However, the low-pressure system is turning south and is now heading straight for New Zealand. In Whangarei, winds of 30 knots are expected on Sunday, with gusts of 50 knots. Things you don’t need in real life. Katinka Enjoy is well secured, but I’d still prefer it if the low-pressure system would move on. We’ve winterized our boat. The cockpit is protected by a sprayhood, but that also makes it more vulnerable to the wind. It remains to be seen whether the rain cover can withstand wind gusts of 50 knots. We already got a taste of that in Auckland. We’ve set up camp on a rocky cliff at the very eastern edge of the city, with a view north toward the open sea. We’re looking the cyclone straight in the eye, so to speak, as it approaches. Hopefully, the wind won’t blow the roof right off our heads.

Cyclone Vaianu

At least we had a beautiful, sunny day today. We’re making the most of it and going for a hike along Mangemangeroa Creek. The trail leads steeply down the cliff to a small marina. 

Small, idyllic marina, Auckland, New Zealand 

As we’ve come to expect from New Zealand, the hiking trails are well-maintained and clearly marked. The path winds uphill and downhill, and we realize once again that we’re out of shape. Still, we enjoy the walk along the river. The sun is still strong enough to push temperatures above 22°C. At times, we walk through the gardens of the summer homes lining the riverbank. Eventually, we find ourselves in the forest, surrounded by the chirping of exotic birds. And all this right in the middle of Auckland.

Hiking along the river, Auckland, New Zealand

With a population of around 1.4 million, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. Auckland was founded in 1840. The landscape is characterized by 53 dormant volcanoes. From our residence, we look out over the Hauraki Gulf, which stretches east of Auckland. Hauraki roughly translates to “northern winds,” which can blow quite strongly in this region at times. The Hauraki Gulf was formed after the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago. The ice melted, leaving behind a coastline with wetlands and a lush coastal forest landscape featuring numerous sheltered anchorages. Not least, this is also the reason for the many sailboats one encounters in Auckland. Incidentally, the city is nicknamed the “City of Sails.” After Russell was abandoned as the temporary capital, Auckland served as the capital for about 24 years. The British colony of New Zealand was founded in 1840. In 1841, Governor William Hobson chose the city as the capital and named it after his friend and patron, Lord Auckland. In 1865, the capital was then moved to Port Nicholson, now known as Wellington. Starting in 1842, the first immigrant ships from Great Britain began arriving in Auckland. While the eastern areas of the city were reserved for government officials, the western part of the city was primarily settled by artisans. This social division persists to this day.

Map of Auckland, New Zealand

Back to our cyclone, which now has a name. Vaianu is moving south at eight knots and has winds of around 50 knots near its center. Winds of 47 knots are still expected within a 120-mile radius of the center. Today, it will continue moving toward the south-southeast before turning southwest tomorrow. There should be no doubt by now that it will hit New Zealand’s North Island. The only question remaining is: How intense will it be? The eye will pass southward slightly east of Whangarei. On the leading edge, wind speeds of up to 48 knots from the southeast are expected, along with heavy rain of up to 21 mm per hour. On the back side, as the rain subsides, wind speeds of up to 53 knots from the southwest are expected. We’ll know in two days at the latest whether the forecast holds true. However, the outer edge of the cyclone’s cloud band has already reached us. It looks spectacular on the satellite image. Let’s hope it turns out just as mildly for us as it did in Fiji. One thing is clear, though: Cyclone season runs from November to April, and even though the season is officially over, you still have to expect an event like this, especially at the very end. We hope it ends without major damage for us. You’ll find out next week what the cyclone has done. Until then, fair winds and keep a stiff upper lip.