Blogs from Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 8

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands » Paihia July 20th 2014

Poor Don was quite poorly during the night. He spent half of the night with his head either down the toilet or over the sink. No further information needed. After another delicious breakfast for Lesley, Caroline and Gwenlli. the rain had stopped enough to brave the elements. The girls wanted a walk, Don wanted to keep close to a loo and I wanted to stay dry. So we decided to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds. In 1840 a treaty was signed between the British and the Maoris. The British government representative was James Busby who drew up the treaty which was translated into Maori. The British consul who signed the treaty on behalf of the government was captain William Hobson. There were days of discussion until on 6 February 1840, with much pomp and splendour the treaty ... read more

Day 9 (July 19) Shabbat in Paihia

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands » Paihia July 19th 2014

Allegra House hosts Brita and Heinz Marti

the antipodean adventurers

Oh what a dreadful day we woke up to. It just rained and rained and we had wonderful thunder storms. So the four of us stayed in. We had our tasty Shabbat lunch and played Rumikub and Bananagrams. It was a relaxing shabbat and lovely to be together. Allegra House is very comfortable and the Martis have a very nice lounge which can be used by their guests. It even has a piano which Gwenlli was very happy to practice on. In the evening Caroline came with us for a short drive to forage for food. (SCROLL DOWN to see pic of Brita & Heinz if it inexplicably leaves this frame.)... read more

Day 8 (July 18) the Hole in the Rock

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands » Paihia July 18th 2014

Bottlenose Dolphins in Bay of Islands NZ

the antipodean adventurers

We were greeted by our host Heinz in his kitchen with freshly ground coffee, cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit and eggs to order. He was meticulous in ensuring that everything was strictly vegetarian with many vegan foodstuffs accommodating Caroline. There were only the four of us for breakfast and we sat chatting to him for quite a long time. He suggested that the weather might turn and whilst the sun was shining we should take a boat ride out to the Hole in the Rock. Being very involved with the tourist industry here, Heinz booked our tickets with a discount. The sun was shining as we walked down to the wharf. Don realised that it would be his brother Mike's wedding anniversary when we returned home so we bought a card and wrote it out and then ... read more

ONLY 10 MORE SLEEPS!

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands » Russell June 14th 2014

powerquilter

Well, it’s all over but the packing…all reservations are made, calendars filled, kilos lost in anticipation of the upcoming trip…we had a couple of hiccups tho, which was to be expected. Just when we thought it was safe to mentally settle into our apartment in the the Marais in Paris, we got a notification that the plumbing had crapped out (...sorry about that….) and we had to find other accomodation….during the busiest week of the year for tourism…..one month out….. Let your fingers do the walking, I always say….I found a hotel by Les Invalides for less than the apartment and booked it immediately. WWW.Booking.com is wonderful as most of the reservations do not require payment until arrival, and free cancellation up until 48 hours before. This was our backup, in case we couldn’t get an ... read more

How I busted my engine or it only took 3 days to get back.

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands » Paihia April 13th 2014

Sunrise off Northland's east coast

Hakura

Well, it is almost time for the 2014 adventures with Hakura, so I thought it was time to pull my finger out and get up last year’s story. So where shall I start the belated story of 2013’s big voyage to the South Sea Isles and Australia? In the middle maybe: Owen and I got back safe and sound and so did Hakura (well most of her anyway). The old motor was in the bin. So, now how did this all come about? Way back in the first half of the year I had decided to sail to Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and some islands in between and end the year in Hobart, Australia before spending the next year sailing the east coast of Australia. As part of this Owen Smith, my friend for the past 38 ... read more

The sails are up and ready - where's the wind?

Last day in paradise

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands April 12th 2014

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Louise and Pete

We spent a very lazy day celebrating Cheryl's birthday today. We visited the craft market at paihia. HAd a game of cards in the afternoon. Then we went for a beautiful meal on Russell Island (so David thinks it is an island). We are finishing it off with another game of cards. We are all a bit disappointed with the footy scores so far, except Cheryl of-course!... read more

Pahia

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands April 11th 2014

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Louise and Pete

Today Peter and I went for a ferry ride and then walked to Okiato. Okiato was the site of the first capital of New Zealand until it was moved to Auckland. We then made a return visit to Paihia and had a look around the shops And tourist spots. Peter and I are on dinner duty tonight and we are going to try and make seafood risotto.... read more

Another beautiful day in paradise

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands April 10th 2014

Kitchen view

Louise and Pete

We had a great day today starting off with a sleep in. We then took a ferry ride over to Russell. We went for a bit of a drive and had a walk through the kauri Forrest. We then went back to Russell for lunch and a bit of shopping. David checked out some of the historical sites. We then returned home on the ferry. The weather has been just glorious. I have included a couple of photos of the views we have from the house we are staying in.... read more

Fishing day

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands April 9th 2014

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Louise and Pete

David and I went on a fishing charter today. We had an early start at 6.30am. First up we had to catch our bait fish. This is the first time I have caught 2 lots of a 4 headed catch. The fish we caught for bait I would have been very happy to keep to eat if I had been at home. Then we went out looking for king fish. David caught the first one. The other two men on the boat caught another 3. Me, I caught none! Bugga!! I did catch some snapper though which was a lot of fun. I have included a photo of the fillet taken from the king fish as I didn't have my iPad with me to take photos. This one fillet fed the 4 of us tonight with ... read more

Paradise

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Bay of Islands April 8th 2014

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Louise and Pete

Here we are in the house swap that Cheryl arranged for us. She has done an absolute ripper of a deal. It is very beautiful here. The place we are staying at is built into the side of a hill on about 3 levels. It overlooks the bay. There are the same beautiful views from all the bedrooms, even the kitchen.... read more

Brief history of New Zealand

The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year...more history

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