Villa Russell

... see the beautiful carvings and furniture created from this wood. The day included a very picturesque drive to the east coast and a visit to the historical site call Whaitangi where the Maori and the English signed a treaty agreeing to create the commonwealth country of New Zealand. I think their common interest was opposing the french! We are now at a campsite in Russell on an small island in an area call ...

... barefoot like all the other local kids. Karin and I take the dog for a walk along the beach and she shows me around the village including a wee church which shows the remains of bullet holes as the Maori's fought against the European take over. That evening I try yoga for the first time, but I can't quite seem to get the breathing right or the ideas behind it....maybe pilates would be better suited.... The next day I go out for a 3hr boat cruise to see ...

... swim. On the way out it wasnt windy enough but on the way back it picked up to a force 5 with the boat leaning at 45 degrees and I got to stear for a while. By the time we got back to Russell it started to rain big time, we didnt care as we had had a top day and they need the rain. It was valantines day and Bri went all out to treat me like a princess, I got to do the laundry and he paid for dinner.....take away fish and chips never tasted so good ...

... und ich hatten abgemacht lediglich 1 Monat auf Bier zu verzichten und nur die lecker Neuseelaendischen Weinchen zu testen. Was ja auch nicht ganz so schwer faellt. Denn neuseelaendisches Bier gehoert nicht gerade zum Weltbesten. Und nach dem ein oder andren Feierabend Bierchen bei Stan ist ein Bierfreier Monat glaub gar keine schlechte Idee. Auf dem padligen Rueckweg gabs dann noch ne internationale ...

... No prizes for guessing the restaurant's name - The Bounty. The following day, keen to learn something more of the history of N.Z., we took the ferry over to Paihia and walked the short distance to the Waitangi Treaty House, set amidst attractive gardens, which we explored. Here in 1840, the Waitangi Treaty was signed between the U.K and the United Tribes of New Zealand represented by a number of Maori leaders. This Treaty is considered ...

... s really beautiful up here, I can't even tell you - the drive up was fantastic, but it's been really overcast and a bit wet today, so I didn't stop as much as I might have done if it were nicer weather. It was about a three hour drive to the Bay of Islands, I left Auckland a little before 12, I reckon, after doing the car stuff and getting some petrol, and then I stopped for a late lunch, but I was here a bit before 4. Not too bad. Got my key ...

... than ideal weather we decided against a rather damp cruise of the Bay of Islands and instead ventured out onto the winding gravel back road that eventually led to Russell. Instead of the car ferry this road rather resembled a rally track but both Kim and Oscar passed with flying colours. Having heard so much about the quaint and picturesque town of Russell we left a little disappointed as the boutique gift shops and charming cafes were either dead, closed or non ...

... highlight of the day as time for sandboarding. The bus hurtles down Te Paki Stream, a quick sand estuary to get towards 90 mile beach. It cant go too slowly or the bus will begin to sink. the bus pulls in by a HUGE sand dune. We pile out and grab a boogie board type thing with a shiny bottom, and start the hard work, the climb to the top. A bit freaked out at the top, it looks a steep long way down and the stream/road at the bottom doesn't look too inviting, but kneel ...

... but the waves did make intricate patterns on the beach when they broke! And being at the northernmost point of any country is always interesting (although the cape isn't actually the northenmost point either - doh!). Most importantly the cape is one of the most sacred places in Maori culture, and is where the departed are brought to complete their journey to the other side. After which solemn reflection we scooted off to Tapotupotu Bay for a paddle, as ...

... that Bex & Hutchy had given us for Xmas. Cheers!

The fish itself was worth a mention because it had a very strong taste, almost like smoked mackrel, but it was a white fish. I've forgotten the name but I'll find out later and amend this accordingly. Takhita or something...

(Updated later - it's actually ...