Bay of Islands - Day 3 & 4

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On the morning of Day 3 we decided to rent a car to go up to the Bay of Islands and expolore Northland New Zealand. This was interesting because they drive on the left side of the road (the wrong side??). Pat drove and was quick to learn. Our first stop was in Paihia - a very cute, tourist town in the Bay of Isles. We found a great hostel, the Pickled Parrott and stayed there two nights. We met some really nice people including two girls from Switzerland that were biking around New Zealand for two months. Amazing considering some of the hills and the load of their supplies!
On Day 4 we explored the Bay of Islands. We went on a 4 hour hike to Haruru Falls where we saw nesting birds and a mangrove forest. Then we took the ferry to Russell which was so cute. As if our feet had not had enough we hiked to the top of Russell where the view looked out to the Pacific. It was spectacular. As we walked back to town we noticed another hike - Flagstaff Hill. As if we could pass that up - Go Lumberjacks! So we struggled to the top of Flagstaff Hill. The view was worth it!

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Photos

Flagstaff Hill - Russell
Go Jacks!

Fish Auction
There was an interpacific spear fishing competition in Paihia and the volunteer fire department auctioned off the catch.

Mangrove Forest
On our hike to Haruru Falls we walked through a Mangrove Forest on a raised wood walkway. We heard loud snapping noises and found out that the noise came from snapping shrimp that burrow in the mud of the manfrove forest. It sounded like bubble gum pops!

Comments

[Jacob]

The other side of the world.
It's so great to hear about your amazing trip so far! Keep the TravelBlog and pics coming... Much love, Your cousin Jacob