The fine weather in the capital city has allowed the voyaging waka Te Matau a Maui to finally set sail from the harbour.
The double hull canoe was due to return to Napier a week ago, after spending a week in the city to celebrate the Maori new year, Matariki or Puanga.
The Ngati Kahungunu waka also faced a choppy journey to Wellington early this month, with strong winds prompting the crew to anchor in Island Bay for two nights.
Captain of the waka Frank Kawe says the crew hope to be back in the near future.
There is also talk among local iwi about getting a waka of its own.