4. Fiji to New Zealand (or Australia) This voyage can be made any time from about May to December but most head south to New Zealand from the Pacific Islands in October. Look for a stable weather pattern and good 7 day forecast. If a typical cold front is moving across the Tasman Sea during the voyage, head as far to the southwest. The northwesterlies often change to southwest at the front and blow hard. In bygone years when heading to New Zealand after a yacht race to Fiji which I have done on countless occasions, we simply sailed SW till we could see Norfolk Island then turned towards New Zealand. Today we have weather forecasts that are really good for the entire 8-dqy voyage. Best known is Bob McDavitt who has a free blog http://www.metbob.com as well as offering customized weather routing. It is also worth contacting Gulf Harbour Radio at https://www.ghradio.co.nz which has a daily chat on HF radio. In general, expect the last 400 miles into New Zealand to be more challenging. 15. New Zealand The requirement for advance notice is enforced. The form or the information can be sent well in advance by fax or email. https://www.customs.govt.nz › personal › travel-to-and-from-nz › yachts. In addition, it is a good idea to contact Maritime Radio on Ch16 VHF when about 30 miles out from North Cape to confirm ETA. Most yachts enter at Opua in Bay of Islands which is an easy all weather entry port with a special customs pontoon for arriving yachts. Whangarei at Marsden Point is a good alternative. Most fresh food is removed on arrival, especially meat, vegetables, eggs, and honey. https://www.mpi.govt.nz › border-clearance › vessels › arrival-process-steps. Arriving yachts are inspected by underwater camera. If there is light fouling, some barnacles and slime on the bottom the yacht will be cleared to move about the country freely. Heavier fouling may require haul-out at the adjacent yard for a clean and antifoul. Costs are typical and less than at Auckland boatyards. Once cleared yachts are free to travel anywhere in New Zealand. If crew members are intending to join a yacht from overseas they are required as of 1 October 2019 to have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) available on line. Some nationalities are required to hold a visa. https://www.immigration.govt.nz. Crews on board arriving yachts are NOT required to have an ETA. Their details are included on the advance arrival notice. There are no costs for clearing into New Zealand. However, all persons entering the country are required to pay a levy of about $NZ20 (£10). .