Log: 25/7

Morena whānau
Just a quick update to let you know the team are settling in well, making friends, and getting the hang of the shipboard routines. Day 1 has kicked off with a bracing cold plunge before brekky! We’ll keep you posted on our adventures each day around this time…ish.

Log: 26/7

Tēnā koutou katoa

Day 1 saw us sailing north to Motu Kawau. It was a beautiful trip, and everyone got a taste of what they signed up for, with visits from our marine mammal friends along the way.

Log: 27/7

We covered 30 nautical miles yesterday and were once again treated to plenty of marine visitors along the way. The Trainees are starting to think it’s normal to spot all this magnificent wildlife every day – it really is something special! Once anchored near Colville, we had an in-depth lesson on how sails work. Charlie, Liv, and Ruby all say hi.

Log: 28/7

We had an incredible day yesterday setting sail early and making way for Aotea. Once again we were visited by more of our marine friends which is awesome and humbling to watch nature existing in all its beauty and power. On arrival the team set off ashore for games a to stave off cabin fever. And to all the worried parents out there. We're keeping a close eye on the weather and intend to respond as it evolves. The Trust holds high value in safety, good seamanship and the well-being of everyone aboard.

Log: 29/7

Dear loved ones, Speaking on behalf of a wet and happy crew. Yesterday we had a very exciting day ashore, starting with some volunteering on the mighty Great Barrier Island and finishing off by completing 18,000 steps. Don't worry parents we all trust captain Nick and his crew and only a few night watch cookies have been stolen. If you cant tell already this computer was stolen by Cheyenne, Liv, Luka, Brooke, Sampreeti, Belle, Sasha, Ruby, Helena.... Give me back my computer you rascalsss.

Today we're keeping warm and mostly dry with fun activities onboard while anchored in Port Fitzroy near Smokehouse Bay, one of New Zealand's most sheltered harbours.

Log: 30/7

With all the stormy weather yesterday we had an onboard at anchor day. We had lots of lessons on sailor stuff. We went swimming and danced around in the rain like cabin fever depended on it. There were games and fun and yarns about values. All in all we kept ourselves busy while the wind blew.

National Advisory: Tsunami activity – expect strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore Wednesday 30 Jul - last updated 12:57 pm
According to the National Advisory and forecast map the maximum surge is 0.3 - 1m. This is only a danger to people near the water's edge or small boats. But to be sure the Spirit of New Zealand has suspended all swimming and shore activities and will depart Port Fiztroy Harbour and head out to deeper water until the advisory is cancelled.
By moving away from the land to deep water there is little effect by possible unusual currents or surge.
We will keep you updated with our movements until the advisory is over.

Log: 31/7

With a lovely dinner to warm our bellies, the ships company have hauled anchor for some night sailing and to get out to deeper water. Our plan is to head in the direction of Coromandel, keeping out and away from land.

Don't worry if you can't see the ship moving real time on the map, it's not a live feed. Our GPS pings the satellite every hour-ish and that's when you'll see our location update.

Log: 31/7

It’s been a beautiful evening so far, mates first watch finished and the second watch group is an hour in. The stars are shining and there is some phosphorescence in the water. It is very peaceful out here sailing around, the troops seem to be enjoying the night sail they wanted at the beginning of the trip!

Log: 31/7

Morena whanau, we've had a beautiful night at sea under te matou a Maui, and watching matariki rise. The midnight watch were visited by bioluminescent dolphins as we sailed in ghostly silence. Our trainees were expecting our night to look something like a scene from pirates of the Caribbean but it's been calm and peaceful. Our plan today is to sail around and find a deep water anchorage later this morning outside of harbours and away from the shore, safe from any potential unusual currents or unpredictable surges. Will be listening to civil defence and staying away from swimming and the like until the advisory is canceled. Kātya says hi!

Log: 31/7

Kia ora kaotou. It's been a big day of waiting for this civil defence advisory to lift. The team have been tacking the ship, playing games and discussing what good leadership looks like. We're heading to anchor at the moment in a nice deep anchorage a little further off shore than we usually anchor. Until we get the green light we're staying outside of harbours and not swimming or playing in small boats, which is a bit of a bummer but these guys are super resilient and staying positive.

Log: 32/7

Kia ora koutou,

Tsunami Advisory: As of 08:10 this morning the National Advisory for the North and South Islands has been lifted, although strong and unusual currents will continue for the next 20 to 48 hours. This means surge is not a risk now, only “potential” strong and unusual currents. The Auckland Harbour Master has advised that they haven’t had any reports of unusual currents or surges in the Auckland area.

At the master’s discretion and with heightened caution; small boat and beach activities can now resume, including swimming in safe areas where currents are minimal. This morning the trainees are going to deep clean the ship, before hopefully going for an afternoon swim. This afternoon the trainees are going to hold an election to decide the captain, first mate, second mate, navigators, boson engineers and cooks ect. in preparation for trainee day which starts soon after.
Hi guys from Kei, peace and love to all.

Log: 2/8

Yo squad, the last 24 hours have been a success, which I'm sure you can tell seeing as SONZ failed to make the news in a ball of flame. We carried out a blind vote for crew yesterday evening, which, notably, saw a mainly female crew elected. The trainee crew sailed from Rotoroa to Motuihe under a combination of sails and motor. This was made possible by an outstanding performance from the navigators (Sofia and Ruby R), the mates (Natalie and Baylee) and the cook (Kei). Arrived at 14:00, after the mahi there had to be the treats: a raft waterslide and yard swing setup. Big thanks to the permanent crew for all their support in making today's events possible, the trainees are in high spirits. Shweet as! From Sasha :) (Your Trainee day Captain)