Adventure 20 – Sailing from New Zealand to Tonga and Fiji (2015)

Plan a short, well-timed voyage window and book the cabins early to lock in favorable winds and smooth port calls. On deck, you enjoy steady routines that keep fatigue down and the crew’s works efficient.

Begin with a steady leg from New Zealand’s coast toward Tonga, then swing east to Fiji, breaking days into short hops of 2–4 days to hit lagoons, reef passes, and sheltered anchorages. In Tonga, you stop at Nuku’alofa for a lovo feast and a stroll along the waterfront, while in Fiji you enjoy coconut plantations and fruit stalls along the coast.

The catamaran offers comfortable cabins and key amenities, with a well-equipped galley, solar power, and reef-safe gear. A weekly check-in helps seasoned voyagers adjust the schedule to weather, with the hull designed to handle wind and swell confidently.

During the Tonga leg, the captain guides the keel across the Tonga Trench with measured turns and clear explanations of currents. At anchor, a local cook leads a lovo feast demonstration, and seasoned voyagers help unload provisions before the next leg. In Fiji, plantations along the coast show green growth, and you can snorkel in clear water near welcoming coral gardens.

This itinerary serves to expand horizons, weaving a cadence between reef passages, quiet anchorages, and village bazaars where artisans share pandanus mats and shell jewelry. For families or professional teams, the weekly schedule offers quiet evenings aboard and energetic days ashore.

For readers seeking a compact yet rich exposure to South Pacific sea culture, Adventure 20 delivers with a clear, practical format, a capable vessel, and a tempo that balances action with rest. The schedule keeps guests comfortable with ample amenities, and the crew’s welcoming approach makes each stop feel natural and safe.

Winter Crossing Plan: New Zealand to Tonga and Fiji

The plan begins with a staged offshore crossing from Auckland to Tongatapu, then onto Fiji, targeting a 9–12 day leg to Tongatapu. Two parties share watches on a 4-on/4-off rotation, with crews split between cabins to keep comfort high. griffin leads the offshore leg, equipped with a geneva-style galley to sustain long watches. Weather data arrives twice daily; received forecasts guide speed, with a rate around 120–150 nautical miles per day when winds stay 14–22 knots. The departure window runs from late May to early June to avoid cyclone season, with a contingency to adjust leg one by a day or two if squalls appear. At the beginning, the crew reviews ETA, weather, and pace; the house log is updated after each watch, and all safety gear (life jackets, harnesses, EPIRBs) gets a final check. That sets a solid tone for reliable offshore progress.

Next, Tongatapu becomes the waypoint for the second leg toward Fiji, with a target of Suva or Nadi on a 5–9 day reach depending on conditions. A conservative plan keeps the watches at 4-on/4-off, ensuring cabins remain comfortable for both parties; griffin continues as lead on the long arc, while charters handle communications and spares. Onboard, the culinary plan emphasizes simple, nourishing options: baked fish, steamed rice, vegetables, and curries for rapid meals during busy watches. The cuisine relies on fresh provisions when possible and durable staples thereafter. The geneva-style galley supports hygiene and efficiency, and the crew shares tips and stories as vast horizons wrap the sea in blue. We also keep a small deck toys kit for youngsters to tell fun moments when seas calm in the evenings, preserving morale for the next watch.

Provisioning and safety detail: plan for 28 days of supply for two parties, plus reserve water and fuel. The crew keeps a few safety items and a deck toolkit; the toys kit includes simple games and a few magnetic charts for the kids. The plan includes a 15–25 knot sailing envelope and an optional engine-assisted leg if winds dip below 7 knots; we avoid overloading the sails to protect the rate. Each leg ends with a thorough check: hull, sails, rigging, batteries, and AIS; the next waypoint is confirmed. The Fiji leg targets a favorable window of 15–25 knots with seas under 3 m, allowing comfortable passages and efficient rest in the cabins and the house systems. The crew remains mindful of speed control and hedges fatigue by keeping the pace steady and safe.

Pre-sail boat readiness checklist for a winter cruise

Do a formal maintenance audit two weeks before departure and keep a separate file that records tasks, parts, dates, and responsible people for the organization. The included plan defines a course of checks across engine, electrical, rigging, hull, and safety gear, with owners assigned and deadlines set. Gather manuals and current information, pin them to the suite you use onboard, and confirm all crew received their copies.

Apply a minerva-style approach to the engine and propulsion checks. The maintenance masters sign off after a full oil and filter change, impeller replacement, belt and hose inspection, and coolant test. Run the engine under load for 15-20 minutes to quickly verify heat distribution and exhaust sound. Keep spare filters, impellers, belts, and a compact diagnostic kit in the maintenance kit. Note any abnormal readings and log them.

Electrical readiness: verify battery bank state-of-charge, test alternator output, secure shore-power connections, and confirm battery-monitor accuracy. Inspect solar panels and wind charging, clean surfaces, and review mounting hardware. Check cables for corrosion, test the inverter and circuit breakers, and ensure 12V/24V systems have proper fusing. Run navigation electronics, VHF, AIS, radar, autopilot, and GPS to verify data flow and reliability. This step highlights particularly critical systems that keep you safe and informed: engine, electrical, and navigation. Record voltages and state of charge in the information log.

Safety gear and lifesaving equipment: inspect PFDs, harnesses, lifelines, and life jackets for wear; service fire extinguishers and test the EPIRB and distress beacon. Verify life raft condition, hydrostatic release, flares, and signaling devices. Assemble a reserve MOB kit and rehearse a drill with the crew to keep a lovely, calm response. Keep spare man-overboard gear ready and accessible. Follow a royal standard for safety checks to maintain discipline and boost soul.

Hull, deck, and rigging: inspect hull for blisters, cracks, and fouling; check through-hulls, seacocks, and the stern gland. Verify keel bolts if accessible and reseal fittings as needed. Inspect anchor, chain, windlass, and rode; test deck hardware for corrosion; lubricate winches and blocks and inspect halyards. Examine standing rigging and fittings; replace any worn parts. Log traveled miles and wear trends to plan replacements before the next season.

Provisioning and cold-weather comfort: plan a lean but sufficient pantry with non-perishables; store at least two weeks of drinking water per person and extra fuel for heating. Inspect refrigeration and fuel lines; test stove or grill unit (grilled meals are possible with a safe plan) and ensure ventilation. Avoid lavish additions that add weight and complexity; maintain a simple, balanced menu that can be prepared quickly.

Operational planning and documentation: lock in a winter course from New Zealand toward Tonga and Fiji, then review global weather outlook and potential settlement stops at anchorages. Confirm permit requirements, radio schedules, and distress procedures. Keep emergency contact numbers and crew rosters in a single information hub, included in the overall suite and accessible to all masters aboard. Regularly update the information as your traveled path evolves.

Seasonal weather windows and wind/sea state expectations

Recommendation: Target the mid july to early august window for NZ–Tonga/Fiji crossings, planning 8–12 days of steady trades and seas averaging 1.8–2.5 m. Depart after a 2–3 day weather buffer; boarding should occur once a stable wind pull is confirmed. Rely on national meteorological forecasts and the latest captures from model runs, and build a backup plan for a midway stop among well‑provisioned islands if fronts come through. Load rotis and other staples, keep batai aboard for deck comfort, and ensure the crew is ready to move if conditions demand a quick rethink.

Seasonal pattern: In july, the subtropical high tends to sit south of the Tasman Sea, funneling SE to E trades across the corridor toward Tonga and Fiji. Expect 15–25 knots on most days, with 20–28 knots near passing fronts or squalls. Sea state generally sits around 1.5–2.5 m, with 3–4 m swells when fronts cross or diurnal convection spikes. Mornings often offer lighter breeze, while afternoons can hold a steadier grip on the sails. Times between waypoint checks run 12–24 hours, but be ready to shorten cruise legs if a front line starts to show on the horizon. The weather book still whispers changes from the china region and near Africa–current patterns in the model captures help you stay ahead. The plan remains natural and robust for anyone born for blue water, whether you’re pursuing efficiency or comfort.

Routing and pacing: Divide the passage into roughly 500 mile segments to maintain a steady grip on sail trim and shore checks. This built approach reduces fatigue and keeps you aligned with a potential late‑july to early‑aug window. If a low develops east of the date line, tilt your path toward the lee of islands to preserve speed and safety; keep a 2–3 day weather buffer and allow for a mid‑route stop at a protected anchorage if needed. The hannah and simone crew notes from current operations highlight that model captures can shift a day or two, so stay flexible and ready to adjust. Bring extra provisions to cover unexpected delays, and plan a straightforward boarding procedure if you need to secure the boat quickly.

On‑board realities and options: The seas can offer breathtaking sky‑to‑water contrasts when the wind aligns with the waves, and you can sense a mega swell pattern building before a front clears. The provisioning list remains practical: rotis for a natural, satisfying meal and cuisines variety to maintain morale during long days at sea. As you pursue the best window, keep eyes on the current forecast and whispers from forecasters, and be prepared to adjust your step by step plan to stay dry, safe, and efficient. The route will reward careful timing, careful grip on the helm, and a calm crew–two days ahead can change your outcome, so use the 500 mile segments to pace your progress and stay capable if conditions shift.

Route planning: step-by-step routing and waypoint selection

Plot two parallel routes and choose the one with the strongest forecast window for tongans entry, keeping a contingency path to Fiji if conditions tighten.

1. Define objectives and constraints: NZ to Tongatapu covers roughly 1,200–1,400 nm depending on route; plan 8–11 days at 140–180 nm per day under 15–25 kt trades with 1.5–2.5 m seas. Build a reserve in time and fuel, and set crew rest rotations that keep interiors fresh and alert.
2. Gather data and tools: use pacnsave for weather overlays and model comparisons, and cross-check with Royal forecast products and regional bulletins. Monitor times of favorable winds, garder forecast updates, and any events that could shift routing choices.
3. Draft the waypoint chain: start from NZ (Auckland/Bay of Plenty), include a mid‑pacific staging point to optimize weather windows, then reach Tongatapu. Add a Fiji option (Nadi or Suva) as a fallback. Suggested structure: WP‑NZ Start → WP‑MidPac → WP‑Tongatapu → WP‑Fiji (optional).
4. Generate two routing options and compare: Option A runs NZ to Tongatapu in a direct long leg; Option B staggers via a northern easterly leg to catch steadier trades and smoother seas. Evaluate predicted wind angles, currents, and seas for each leg, and prefer the option with fewer crossings of heavy squalls and better horizons for daily progress.
5. Validate candidate tracks: check reef zones, shipping lanes, and waypoint accessibility; ensure safe harbors are within reach if conditions deteriorate. Confirm waypoint distances of roughly 150–250 nm for longer legs to balance fatigue and flexibility.
6. Operational planning and provisioning: map watch schedules, water and fuel margins, and galley needs (culinary planning, cups and pots handy for quick meals). Plan for visiting crew needs and morale boosts, including short stops or anchorages if calm shelters appear at almost regular intervals.
7. Finalize and communicate the plan: lock first-dast route with listed waypoints, note alternates, and share the listing with all hands. Include a return-to-home option or a China‑issued forecast fallback if needed, and set times for routine weather checks to adjust quickly as conditions shift.

During the crossing, greet Tongans with a warm bula when you reach Nuku’alofa, and log impressions from visiting fleets and parties along the way. If you started with the NZ coast, you’ll soon find horizons widening as you travelled farther, and you’ll value the calm moments where you can enjoy a cup of tea and reflect on the profound balance between weather, wind, and willpower. pacnsave helps you compare multiple models fast, and the final listing should feel natural and flexible, ready to adapt to events and changes in the sea state.

Provisioning, fuel, and water planning for long hops

Must carry a diesel reserve of 150–180 gallons (570–680 L) for a 900–1,000 nm leg and provision 140–210 liters of drinking water per person for 10–14 days, plus a watermaker capable of 6–12 L per hour to replenish at sea. This baseline prevents a grave delay when currents or weather push you off the most direct track and keeps the crew fed, rested, and focused on exploring the wonders of the vast Pacific. Only a thoughtful core plan, laid out months before departure, pays dividends on route and in harbor.

Water planning starts with daily use: aim for 8–12 liters per person per day (drinking, cooking, and hygiene), then add a 20–30 percent buffer for heat, laundry days, and sea spray. A practical target is 140–210 liters per person for a 10–14 day stint, with a watermaker handling 6–12 L/hour to refill during calmer legs or at anchor. Bags of dry goods and cans go in alongside; a five‑person crew can easily accumulate countless bags of staples, yet you must balance weight, space, and distribution across the galley and lockers. In fijian ports or shops, inquire about fresh supplies and local fruits, since shops in coastal towns often honor quick turnarounds and provide a chance to restock without detours.

Fuel strategy ties tightly to leg length and weather. Compute the leg in nautical miles, estimate your average motoring percent, and set a contingency of 20–25 percent for headwinds, currents, or reroutes. For a typical 40‑foot cruiser with a modest diesel burn of 0.8–1.3 gallons per hour at cruise RPM, plan engine hours equal to roughly 15–25 percent of the leg’s distance in nm divided by your cruising speed, plus the contingency. If a 900 nm hop requires about 180–210 engine hours under modest headwinds, budget 180–260 gallons (680–980 L) of diesel. This approach mirrors the caution of a whaler’s long‑range plan, where every mile counts and every refill matters. In practice, carry a reserve tank or jerry cans at a dock near shops to avoid last‑minute runs. Inquire with charters or local operators about fuel stations along the route; some fjords and island harbors have limited access, so plan ahead.

Food provisioning centers on feeding the crew for months away from major resupply. Favor versatile staples: rice, pasta, dried beans, canned vegetables, and five‑minute meals that save time when conditions are rough. Pre‑package meals into labeled bags for easy portioning; five bags per day per person is a strong baseline for long hops. Share the load across lockers so no one bag dominates space. For fresh fare, target a weekly cadence when near shops and markets; you love seeing local fijian greens and fruit, and the crew loves the color they bring to the galley. When you take the opportunity to stock during a stop, note that countless sailors rely on the rhythm of port visits and local markets to keep morale high and flavors lively. A well‑planned pantry reduces stress, honors the crew’s preferences, and turns long hops into a manageable rhythm rather than a grind.

The nautical toolkit also covers gear that supports longer passages. Pack sturdy kayaks for exploring lagoons or river mouths during layovers; they double as rescue gear and as a way to map nearby coastlines during calm seas. Keep durable bags and dry sacks for possible offshore excursions and shore‑side errands; in small fijian ports these items speed up purchases and make inquiring at shops straightforward. For crew entertainment and social bonds, set aside evenings in the salon to review weather, plan the next day’s route, and share stories from the voyage–these moments earn honors among the crew and deepen the passion for exploration. Notes from port days, along with a warm meal and a clear plan, turn an ordinary long hop into a profound experience that the crew will remember for years.

Safety, communications, and contingency procedures

Publish a 72-hour safety and communications plan before sailing and rehearse it with the crew. tony, our guide, runs a concise MOB drill on deck while winds are light and everyone knows their roles. In that moment, a calm briefing prevents chaos when weather shifts, and the crew stays focused on keeping guests safe.

Assign a Safety Officer, a Communications Officer, and a MOB spotter. Each person wears a PFD whenever on deck, storms or rough seas. The spare life raft is inspected monthly. Keep en-suite cabins stocked with a flashlight, first-aid kit, and a whistle. Place a cobo beacon, spare GPS, and a satellite phone in a water-tight case in the lounge for quick access. The tour chefs prepare meals that maintain energy; in summer heat, store water, sunscreen, and snacks. Include a small assortment of waterproof toys to keep children engaged during calm spells, reducing distractions and maintaining focus on safety.

Communications: Daily weather checks from official forecasts; use the internet when in range at ports; at sea rely on VHF radio for routine calls, with a satellite link if needed. Assign a daily reporting time and share the route with the crew; keep a shared logbook and a simple call-out list so everyone stays informed about position, wind shifts, and sea state. The crew moves with the calm focus of someone skiing on a groomed slope to stay balanced when gusts hit, surrounded by open water. If new risk appears, the crew decided to adjust the plan quickly.

Contingency procedures: If winds rise above 25 knots and seas build, reef sails and reduce speed to conserve energy; maintain a steady helm and have crew double as lookouts. If winds stay relentless, further reduce sail area and consider aborting a port call. If power fails, switch to the emergency generator, preserve battery life, and minimize energy use. If a man overboard occurs, throw a ring buoy, shout MOB, and circle back while maintaining visual contact; establish a rescue pattern and coordinate with the nearest port. If medical needs arise, apply first aid from the kit and call for port medical advice or a medevac if required. If communications drop, switch to the satellite phone and use emergency channels; inform the closest port authority and follow their guidance. Surround the vessel with lights at night and place markers if you drift near traffic; use a red flare if danger is imminent. The crew remains composed and keeps guests calm, with enthusiasm and excitement, and a professional, steady approach; everyone on board stays engaged, eager to help, and never panics. Then we conduct a debrief and log any changes to the plan, which allows us to react quickly and keep safety truly high.