Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel Bay Of Islands

... lovely, considering I picked it semi-blind off the internet. It doesn't have a sea view, being slightly above and behind the town, but it makes up for it in comfort. The widely-spaced chalet-style blocks have rooms that are enormous - easily double the size of the one in Hong Kong and that's without including the private garden patio with table and chairs. <br><br>We don't stay there long though, but drive down into the village to confirm our trip to Cape Reinga tomorrow. I had tried to ...

... was caught a ferry to do a cruise around the Bay of Islands. It was such a pretty area. We saw the 'hole in the rock' a famous arch in one of the islands. On the return we saw a pod of doliphins. There were serveral there with some babys too. It was such a nice boat trip.<br>

... This s******ing eejit is the target of much tutting. But it is one of those just can't help laughing situation. We're then invited inside and treated to all sorts of singing and dancing and cheesiness - but it is surprisingly quite good. Maybe Michael Flatley can check it out and make a big Riv** Dance New Zealand out of it. And sure wouldn't we all be laughing then. A packed day - a good day - exhausted I hit the pit. On my iPod 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton

... Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Once settled into our motel, we'll have the chance to share a refreshment on the beach, perhaps?

Waitangi just north of Piahia is the place where the Waitangi Treaty was written and first signed in 1840 between the government of Queen Victoria and local Maori chiefs... For some reason the blog wants to put the dot for Waitangi in the middle of the southern ocean so I have given up on trying to make two entries.

... on my way to or from London). Otherwise, for someone who likes to drive, uh, like I do (she said delicately), the power and control of a manual transmission is unbeatable. The car also has a left wing mirror that seems to be possessed - it keeps flipping backwards on its own - and a satnav lady who sounds very angry at me. Her sounds effects also frighten me - it does this rather terrifying buzzer sound before it gives you a new direction, and ...

The treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Maori chiefs is still considered the founding document in New Zealand's history. The spot where this famous agreement was signed is now a national reserve with the restored Treaty House, a mighty 35 metre Maori war canoe as well as a beautifully carved traditional Marae welcoming house. It was a fantastic opportunity to visit such a nationally important sight that still bears such significance. With ...

... first appeared in the Jurassic Period 190-135 million years ago. -Kauri forests are among the most ancient in the world. -Kauri forests once covered a million hectares of the north. Now only 7455 hectares of mature forest remain. -Waipoua Forest is the largest remaining kauri forest in the world. -3/4 of Northland kauri forest were felled between 1800 and 1900. -Younger kauri trees (rickers) carry short branches up their trunks until they are 120 years old.

Destination 212: km114'882 Beladen mit Oel und Ausruestung (provisorisch) ging es am ersten Tag erst mal raus aus Auckland und auf einen Campingplatz bei Red Beach um alles besser zu organisieren und einen mittelgrossen Service am Motorrad zu machen. Anschliessend sah ich mich vor einer Zwickmuehle: Die Reifen (vorallem der Hintere) sind faellig und muessen ersetzt werden. Da es Wochenende war ...