"When leaving the Solomon Islands the bow split due to constant pounding by the sea, thankfully above the waterline."
A fundraiser was held at Thirsty Whale on Monday night (which raised $400) to help the crew buy provisions and fix the bow. "We are hoping to leave before the weekend," Mr Smith said.
The crew endured some less than favourable weather conditions during their excursion.
"At one point we spent three days just drifting as the winds had died, we are totally dependant on the wind."
One of the most exciting and nerve-racking days for Mr Smith was battling winds up to 22 knots and six metre swells.
"We don't like to push our waka's too much, that day was definitely memorable."
Mr Smith said a three month stint at sea is a test of psychological strength as well as physical fortitude. He said they passed the time by telling stories, playing cards and fishing.
"The best aspect of sailing is the freedom," he said.
"No traffic, no bills, no hassles."
They would take turns cooking, however provisions quickly grew scarce.
"At one point we were eating fried rice with a side of fried rice."
A couple of pilot whales playfully followed the waka as they came into New Zealand.
With land on the horizon the crew became anxious to get on dry land. "Everyone was stoked when we finally made it, the legs were a bit wobbly but we got over that quick."
The pilot project was an initiative by the factory to find a sustainable and environmentally friendly shipping method.
"We think it went very well and are already in talks about future trips," Mr Smith said.
