Paihia,
New Zealand
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Paihia is a nice relaxed place. It took a bit longer than I expected to get up here on the Magic Bus but then I again there were a couple of stops to look at giant kaori trees etc. Actually, some of the furniture made from the giant stumps of these Kaori trees is really impressive but costs an absolute bomb. I stayed in the Bay Adventure backpackers which was really good value as you had full us of tennis courts, hot spa, swimming pool, bikes and kayaik. I did a tour up to Cape Reinga which was included as part of the Spirit of NZ magic bus package. It was really nice up there and we got to do some sandboarding down some giant sand dunes at 90 mile beach. It was a long day on the bus though and I really do hate tours. It is so much better driving to these places yourself. My last day in Paihia was spent mostly lounging around the hot spa after some doubles tennis. It is a tough life being a backpacker, honest : )
Oh yeah, I decided to change my flight so that I don't go back to Oz until 27th Sep. I really needed the extra week so that I do not have to rush around the north island so much.
