Bay of Islands

Trip Start Jun 11, 2005
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Trip End Dec 22, 2005

Flag of New Zealand  ,
Thursday, November 17, 2005

From Whangerai we drove up the coast road into Russell, which is a historic pretty town that is now a very desirable place to live and has a bit of a snooty atmosphere. It was too expensive for us to stay so we took the car ferry across to Paihia from where all the boat trips exploring the Bay of Islands are arranged.

We stayed at another Backpacker establishment, actually a "resort" with a studio, swimming pool, spa and tennis courts, along with all the other usual facilities. These hostels are really efficient but all have the same studenty feel and are like built out of Meccano kits.

We decided to cruise the Bay of Islands in a purpose-built tall ship which proved to be an excellent choice. The weather was fine again and it was fun helping to hoist the sails. Jerry climbed up the top of the mast to the crow's nest - the rope ladder was quite wobbly in the wind but it was worth the effort as the views were brilliant. Maggi of course stayed safely on deck!

The ship also had netting underneath the bowsprit which you could clamber on to - great fun looking down at the water!

We also enjoyed a great bonus as we spotted a pod of Orca (Killer Whales) and Pilot Whales, though they proved impossible to photograph. It is very rare for Orca to come into the Bay so we were very lucky. They are beautiful creatures with very high dorsal fins and black and white bodies. The presence of the Orca meant there were no dolphins but we'd already seen them in Kaikoura so we didn't mind.
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