Sailing from NZ to the Islands
SV Chameleon looks at the following factors when considering when to leave NZ. The crew does not like a rough passage so sea conditions are as important as wind direction if she is going to come next time! Although there can be late April opportunities we do not leave before May 1st due to insurance considerations. (updated March 2024)​
Topics arise from time to time that are of interest or are of current importance to cruisers. As the name "Flotsam" suggests, such items will appear here.  Feel free to contribute items of interest to cruisers.

Vanuatu- Checking in
This article covers in detail how to check into Vanuatu, especially if you want to enter a port like Tanna first.  Please follow the rules as this is a welcome addition to what has previously been allowed.

Cruising New Zealand
After travelling half way around the world it is tempting to leave the boat on a mooring or at the dock for a while. But if you want to toss away those dock lines here are some ideas for exploring parts of coastal New Zealand. To date it covers Northland, Great Barrier island, and south to Kawau Island ,the Maharangi inlet, the Haurakei Gulf and the Coromandel.  April 2024

Arriving in New Zealand
This ​article is updated as at September 1, 2020 and gives the response from the NZ Minster of Immigration to ​ my letters concerning the arrival of foreign yachts into NZ for the 2020/21 cyclone season. Not good news. NOW CHANGED. 2 May 2022 
​See BLOG
​https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-specific-audiences/covid-19-resources-border-sector/covid-19-maritime-sector#exemption)

​wintering The boat
Suggestions for preparing the boat for those leaving their boat for the winter - or living aboard but not moving during the Covid19 crisis. 

Drogues
​Drogues are very useful when handling bad weather in the Pacific. This article describes the drogue used on SV Panache - a catamaran.
Also included are instructions for making your own Series Drogue. 

Leaving the Islands for Nz
​Where is it best to leave from, and when? Lots to think about, especially in Spring.

Anetyum, Vanuatu check in
This details the process to follow when wanting to start your Vanuatu cruising in Anetyum/Anatom. It also covers the Mt Yasur Tanna charges.

visa extension process in NZ
There is sometimes a need to extend a visa for those that are waiting for better weather or still have repairs to complete. This clarifies the process

Bob McDavitt's cruising tips
Bob has summarized all the communication systems that can be used to access weather. April 2019

Weekend Arrival in Fiji
Fiji used to charge a significant fee for weekend arrival but if you are prepared to wait until Monday these charges have been dropped. However, the situation changed again mid 2019 so make sure you have up to date information.

French  polynesia -
​Long stay visa
In 2018, Tusi2, sailed to French Polynesia from Auckland. Mike and Helen, both New Zealanders, wanted to spend more than three months there so needed to apply for a long stay visa. They have kindly detailed the process for this complicated visa application to make it easier for others. Thank you both for taking the time to prepare this helpful information.
​

TONGA  visa clarification
Many cruisers will remember that last year there was a problem extending  a visa for the boat past 4 months in Tonga. Actually it was more of a problem. It was impossible! I have been working with NZs Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, since then to try and clarify the situation this cruising season. ​​ This is now done.

​FIJI TO NZ - A STOP ON THE WAY?
​A boat , who has not sailed to NZ before, asked whether it would be useful to stop at either Minerva Reef or Norfolk Island. Hmmm. Here is David's response. Note that there are two papers in the Gulf Harbour Radio Weather Library worth a read on this topic. "Sailing to NZ" and " Tonga to NZ".

nORFOLK ISLAND OFFICIAL FACT SHEET
On July 1, 2016, Australian took control of Norfolk Island. This official document, 3 pages, covers the requirements for yachts and small craft entering Norfolk Island waters. It includes where to find the reporting requirements and how to obtain a visa. This is now a mandatory requirement for all yachts planning to stop in Norfolk Island if they have crew who are not Australian or NZ citizens.

NZ Customs and Immigration Notes
For those nearing the end of their visa time. This applies to those that end up at the end of their 6months and the weather is not suitable for leaving.

LOST a boat? CONCERNED ABOUT CREW?
We often get contacted by family and friends concerned about a boat that is 'out there somewhere'. We also get asked how we follow up when someone stops reporting in to the net. ​ It is relatively easy for us to find a boat now that we have full AIS so you can easily find your family or friends.