Bay of Islands

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What a brilliant 2 days we had at Russell. We took the ferry across the Bay to Paihia at one stage, to enjoy the best Pizza I've tasted this year and to visit the site of the Maori encampment at Waitangi (two days before the 170th anniversary of the Treaty). At W, we were treated to one Maori's perspective on the world in general and NZ in particular. Next day at the Pompallier Mission, we got a more nuanced version of early NZ history, along with instruction on how old printing presses work (and the Maori one in particular). We also found out the origin of words and phrases such as 'skiving off', 'upper case', 'lower case', 'in the groove', 'dab hand' etc - all of them directly or indirectly associated with the Printing Industry. The Maoris sacked Russell on 11th March 1845 when the British Government deliberately took away their privileges in order to promote Auckland (pop now 1.3 million) instead of Russell (pop now 2,400).

The weather was super. We had to be careful of exposure to sunlight, but the cool breeze made us feel healthy and fit. Oh, and the temperature of the sea was better than that of the Algarve (and no sea urchins yet!).
On our way down to Auckland I avoided using the car ferry, so we took the country route round part of the Bay and came across some gorgeous coves and inlets. Alas, though, the route was very circuitous and took us ages. (But we saved $11).

Incidentally, I found the perfect home for sale near the Russell flagstaff in a fairly sheltered spot close to a lovely quiet sandy beach. White with a wooden structure, large picture windows, five bedrooms and an exotic garden. And affordable! If I buy it, will you come out and visit us from time to time?

Finally, I ought to mention the meal on Thursday evening at the Duke of Marlborough (our hotel). Blue nose fish, they called it. Delicious!

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Photos

Russell Pier
Departure point for Paihia and Waitangi

Waitangi
Commemorating the Treaty of Waitangi - in Waitangi

A bit of Russell
Part of NZ's first town - from the flagpole above

Top of Flagpole hill
We wuz here

Pompallier Mission
View from the mission house out into the bay (No photos of the interior of the house were allowed!)

Comments

[Joanna]

Fish!
Well personally I love red snapper (restaurant in Putney) and freshly caught Norwegian salmon served in a roll in the open air in Bergen. I would happily try blue nose fish(!) in the Bay of Islands!

[Leo Gibb]

I'm exhausted just reading........
At last have had time to catch up with all your news. I'm exhausted just reading about your antics ! Sounds like a super trip and hope it continues as such. Hope injuries all healed and you have time to watch the grass ( or whatever is more appropriate depending on where you are) grow. Best wishes form the deepest New Forest.

[Agnes & Ian]

Perfect home
Just buy it Duncan and we will come and visit. Following your blog and enjoying all your adventures Snow forcast yet again for this week so spare a thought for your frozen friends back in Scotland

[Marion & Jonathan]

Catching up with your adventures
Hi, here we are at last, just caught up with your blog. Had a little trouble with the new laptop! Sounds like you are having fun despite the minor injuries. (Remember you promised to take care of my sister, Duncan) Did you say you will pay for us to come to see the 'perfect house'? Sounds wonderful, of course we would come. It's SOoooo cold here spare us a thought occasionally. Till next time, loads of love to you both

[Sue and Jim]

Just caught up with your travels sounds wonderful and so warm.Enjoying reading the documentry first hand.Sue and Jim