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Published: February 25th 2011
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Wake me up for Tea
Simon takes a hard-earned break after lunch, following excessive bouts of sightseeing. Sunday 20th February – Water Theme Developing
A water based day, as we travel from Whangerei up a little further north to Kerikeri:
Whangerei Run – A quick run down stream and up hill to get the day started and try to stop the onset of obesity (Simon only!).
Rainbow Falls – Picnic lunch and well-earned snooze by Rainbow Falls (see pic) near Whangerei.
Water Garden – Freedom camping(ish) at the Taraire Water Garden, after a tour of said garden and connected bush walk – 85 year old owner (Aubrey) emigrated from Eastbourne in 1952!
Monday 21st February – Go North Young Man
Having talked to the locals we abandoned plans to return south, to the Coromandel peninsular, and decided to strike out for the far north tip of North Island:
Beautiful Bays – A slow meander through stunning little bays along the north east coast, such as Matauri Bay (with monument to Rainbow Warrior), Ngaere Bay, Whangaroa and Mangonui.
World Class Fish & Chips – It doesn’t get much better than the World Famous Mangonui Fish Restaurant – hadn’t heard of it before, but also won’t forget it in a hurry.
Cape Reinga – Another
Surfers in Matauri Bay
One of a few surfers, riding the waves below the Rainbow Warrior memorial (Maria, was the view when we phoned!). last minute change of plan to head straight for the tip of NZ. Spectacular views from lighthouse of the swirly bits
(technical oceanographic term) where Tasmin sea and Pacific ocean meet.
Tuesday 22nd February – Bay of Islands
A drive down to the Bay of Islands, coloured by the horror of the tragedy unfolding in Christchurch during the afternoon:
Quad Bikes – Impulse rental of a quad bike allowed us to explore the first 10 miles of the 90 Mile Beach, which heads up the west coast to the tip of North Island.
Earthquake – Breaking news as we travelled to the Bay of Islands, with events unfolding during the afternoon after the 1PM quake. We shared the horror and loss of the people of New Zealand, having been in the city only 2 weeks before.
Paihia and Russell – A pair of towns either side of a ferry across the Bay of Island – we chose Russell, being a beautifully kept, pretty town with lovely views of the islands in the bay.
Wednesday 23rd February – Adrenalin, Bay of Islands Style
A jam-packed day, sandwiched between a morning run into the hills
No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
The great lemon give-away at the World Famous Mangonui Fish Shop. and a lovely meal in a local establishment:
Russell Mini-tour – An informative and fun minibus tour of Russell taken by an ex-resident of west coast Scotland.
Excitor – 4 x 300BHP V8 engines propelled about 20 of us in the Excitor speedboat at some huge speed around the islands and through some deep swells – fantastic!
Parasailing – Just to add to the fun we both hooked up to a large parachute and flew 1,200ft above a speedboat in the bay, checking out the beautiful scenery below.
Thursday 24th February – Birth of a Nation
A hugely interesting day spent in the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the 1840 treaty between the Maori chiefs and Queen Victoria was signed:
Maori Waka – A 35m Canoe (waka) named Ngatokimatawhaorua and made from three sections of giant Kauri trees sits regally in the grounds.
Cultural Show – Plenty of Maori greetings, songs, hakas, long sticks, short sticks and pois helped to make this a fun experience.
Treaty House – The house built for the first appointed Resident of the Queen and then used to draft the Waitangi Treaty in 1840 contained a store of interesting items and
On Top of the World
Scenes from the tip of the North Island as Deborah plans our next holiday... facts.
Friday 25th February – Kicking Back in Orewa
A lazy last full day in New Zealand, spent relaxing in the laid back environs of Orewa Beach:
Van With a View – A second night in Orewa allowed us to switch to a site overlooking the beach – Sweet As!
Orewa Beach – Long walk into town followed by an early evening run along the waterside, making the most of the NZ coastline before heading to Fiji. Usual running stuff: warm evening sun, sea breezes, sunlight glistening off the waters of the Hauraki Gulf etc etc - jealous yet?
Final BBQ – Not sure if we’ll get a chance to cook al fresco again, so a final plate of cha siu pork
(thanks Julie and Pauline) and noodles special seemed in order.
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Tony
non-member comment
Greetings
Hi Simon and Deborah, I have been checking out some of your blog entries which make me want to go back to NZ again. Great to see what a brilliant time you are having. Simon - you always tell me to send your regards to the Colonel....you'll be pleased to know that I am not in Libya with the other poor Brits who are stuck in the desert; I am in hot and steamy Gabon for a change. I think (hope) the world will be saying 'goodbye' to the Colonel instead soon. Keep having fun, Tony