Day 8 was spent getting skiffs back from Mahurangi and sheltering from the rain.
The really keen even managed a yoga session on the lawn.

Great place to have bad weather all very comfy in the wonderful 100 year old Shakesphear family home now run by the YMCA as a lodge.

Plenty of things to do as its surrounded by an amazing park with loads of interesting walks and wildlife.

Had to bypass our plans today and make a run into Mahurangi with 18-20+ knots of NE wind and a lumpy sea it was too rough to attempt the Tiritiri passage. Still and enjoyable run into Mahurangi followed by a bus ride to Whangaparoa and our original destination for the day Shakespeare park.

Leaving Kawau island behind and via a quick stop for some on the beehive island it was a relatively short 4nm row to Motuketkete island where we enjoyed a picnic lunch and a swim before venturing on another 2.5nm to Motuora island a superb camping and one of our treasure islands protected from rodents and an abundance of native species including Kiwi.

Time for a day of relaxing and checking out some of the fantastic spots at Kawau island, A short tour of the upper reaches of Bon Accord harbour followed by a quiet lunch on the lawn at Mansion House bay once home of governor George Grey.

Also a chance to try out different vessels and get in some sneaky sailing in Wee Tawera. After lunch the die hards decided to row an extra 3nm to visit Vivian Bay and the splendid white beach before returning to the Kawau Boating Club for dinner

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A short 2 nm row to a snug little man made harbour  behind the wreck of the sailing ship Rewa for lunch.
Followed by a 4 nm slog into an afternoon breeze and choppy sea to Kawau island.

It was a good call to send the rowers back to camp on the bus. A very wet rain squall dumped all over us on the tow back.

The Mahurangi river provided the ideal setting for a handful of St Ayles skiffs, destination Warkworth with the incoming tide.