Waitangi and Kerikeri

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Hello again
Just back to Arcadia Lodge after about 10 hours sightseeing and having our evening meal
Caught the ferry from Okiato the old capital before it moved to Russell and then on to Auckland
drove a few km to the Waitangi treaty grounds where the Maori and the English signed the treaty in 1840 agreeingf equal rights to the Maori
Had a great guided explanatory tour with Vern a full bloodied Maori
Only about 3% of the 4 million population of NZ are now true blood Maori
After lunch went to Kerikeri to the Stone Store the oldest European built building in NZ
Originally built as a wheat and meat store for the Missionaries and has been and still is a trading store
Visited the Kauri craft works where we bought a few things made out of Kauri trees - they are not allowed to fell any more but can only use those dug up from swamps or that have fallen in gales but even then they need a licence to use it
Tomorrow we drive across to the west coast via Hokianga and take the car ferry there across the harbour.
Tomorrow night we are staying in the Kauri forrest area and taking a night walk so hope to see the kiwis and other night time wildlife
Bye for now
Derek & Joan

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Photos

Waitangi
The flagpole is the sight where the Treaty was signed

Waitangi
Treaty House

Waitangi
Maori meeting house

Waitangi
Where the English came ashore to sign the Treaty

Kerikeri
The Stone Store

Russell
Looking across the bay towards Russell