Overnight in Kumutoto Bay

Early December last year, I cast off from the mooring late in the morning on a beautiful calm day, heading for Kumutoto Bay with an overnight trip planned.

As I neared Kumutoto Point after passing Allports Island, I saw birds feeding on the surface and a couple of Hectors dolphins - one small, so perhaps a cow teaching her calf to hunt.

I stopped to see if I could catch a fish, but the little telescopic rod I had aboard turned out to be broken, so carried on my way. I anchored off the little beach with the picnic area in the NE end of bay and went ashore to have some lunch. 

After spending some time relaxing in the sun, I motored over to the NW bay, rowed to shore and had a look around. I noticed there was no internet reception here, and there was a live string quartet performance streaming on RNZ Concert in the evening that I was keen to listen to, so would need to find a different spot for the night. 

The northern bay is the one with a campground. Once I got there I noted it had internet reception. 

I’ve been quite keen on the idea of one day writing a book on recipes to cook when out on the water, so brought out some stock ingredients with the intention of cooking a tasty stock and adding some fresh fish.

I remembered I had another spin rod aboard, so switched the reel from the broken rod and started casting, hoping for some dinner. I only caught a spottie and the vegetable stock I cooked was quite bitter, so not a good start to the recipe idea. 

Saw some dark shapes in the water. Noticed a stingray glide past later.

Listened to Brentano String Quartet live from Carnegie Hall from 8pm until late (HAYDN: String Quartet in Bb Op 33/4; BARTOK: String Quartet No 5; F MENDELSSOHN: String Quartet in Eb).

Managed to land two kahawai after sundown. Hooked and lost something bigger. I’d been keeping an eye on the Windy app - seemed accurate. Very calm.

Had a peaceful night. Caught another kahawai in the morning.

On my way back to the mooring, it was quite a rough and windy journey from Allports Island. The Windy app didn’t show any wind, but possibly the paid version that has hourly updates (instead of every 3 hours with the free version) would’ve shown it.

Nice trip, and it’s a lovely bay. It does have a designated waterski area though, so that tends to upset the serenity somewhat during the day in summer. Plan on getting back for a night before long.