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Chasing volcanoes. Solo sailing around New Zealand's North Island
March 13, 2026 · 14 min · 22K views · Pazifischer Ozean
What this video covers
A solo sailor completes a circumnavigation of New Zealand's North Island aboard Reikscher, covering the east coast from the Bay of Islands south to Wellington. Highlights include a close approach to White Island, the active volcano where a 2019 eruption killed 20 visitors — the sailor anchors offshore alone, access prohibited.4:15 At Great Barrier Island, a tropical storm forces a two-day wait at anchor; a broken block in the furling system is sourced and replaced locally.2:47 Running downwind in building following seas, an accidental gybe threatens, controlled by a preventer rigged through a turning block at the bow to a winch.8:03 The self-steering struggles in steep following seas, and a forgotten two-stroke oil mix-up forces rowing the dinghy back to the boat.7:36 An 8-day car rental covers the volcanic interior: geysers, crater lakes, and the Whakaari/White Island zone, costing over NZ$300 in entry fees.9:48 The final leg to Wellington requires catching a precise 0500 wind shift to avoid a foul wind on the southeast coast; a rudder screw works loose at 0300, forcing a heave-to until morning.12:42 Reikscher arrives in Wellington on schedule to meet a crew member for the onward passage to Australia.13:55
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