Bay of Islands, Paihia.

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We've had a great past few days in the Bay of Islands sadly the weather hasn't really been on our side, its been warm, yes, with a few sunny spells but it's mainly drizzling and cloudy. One bonus is that it's given Rich the chance to recover from his burns ?? ? However, we've been in NZ a week now and I'm still struggling to see any signs of a tanline. (white girl problems) I can dream..
Starting the morning on Saturday (6th Feb) with a coffee on the waterfront in Paihia at a place called Upperdeck, great views of the bays and top class coffee ?? We booked ourselves onto a Discover the Bays cruise for the afternoon. It was SO worthwhile! I would highly recommend. Even with the less than perfect weather conditions it was a great day out.. The captain was so informative and friendly, it gave us a really good opportunity to see the Bay of Islands and learn about its history. The choppy waters also meant that we were shook around and splashed a little which is always fun. On the trip itself, we went out to the light house at Cape Brett, saw the famous hole in the rock, visited Otehei Bay at Urepukapuka Island, plus, we were lucky enough to see Dolphins TWICE on the trip once on the way out and again on the way in. The second time around they were leaping out of the water and circling the boat which was amazing ? A definate highlight for me!

Sunday, we went to Waitangi Treaty grounds in the morning. This is the location of the signing of the treaty of Waitangi between Maori chiefs and the British crown in 1840. It marks the birthplace of New Zealand, where the English and Maori established British sovereignty (of some sort). It was quite a pricy entrance fee but I really enjoyed learning all about the cultural heritage of the country and seeing the original English & Maori treaties. It is set on a beautiful spot which was lovely to walk round and at the end we got to see a Maori cultural experience in a Marae which was also good. After some lunch a la campervan, we took the ferry over to Russell Island a historic kiwi town. It's a lovely little place and NZ's first licensed 'pub' is found there where we obviously had to stop and have a drink- it would be rude not too. That night we decided to treat ourselves to no washing up and eat out, by eat out I mean go to a Kebab shop on the waterfront that Rich had spotted earlier that day. Named 'Kebabulous'. I was sceptic. I associate kebabs with post drunken night out antics not relaxed evening meals. However, I'll eat my words. It was genuinely one of the best falafel kebabs I've ever had and for a meal for two under twenty bucks who can complain. I would suggest it to anyone going that direction.. It rounded up our Bay of Islands trip beautifully.

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Photos

Flat white at Upper deck

Ready for a boat trip ??

Discover The Bays cruise

Cape Brett

Hole in the rock

Splash ?

View from Otehei Bay

Otehei Bay

Dolphins ??

Dolphin watching ?

Sauvignon at The Duke of Marlborough

Russell Island