Killer Whales in Bay of Islands

Trip Start Sep 13, 2006
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Trip End May 08, 2008


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Flag of New Zealand  , North Island,
Tuesday, November 13, 2007

It was a couple of hundred km drive through Northland up to the Bay of islands... Soon as i arrived there i was likeing the place... beaches, islands, stunning water and a real relaxed feel in Paihia. I booked into the Saltwater hostel and checked out the area in the evening. It was up early in the morning and off out on a full day dolphin swimming and watching trip in the bay.. they also visit a famous landmark called the hole in the rock and throw in lunch on a private island with golden sand beaches.. All this is showered with sunshine.. Anyway half an hour into the trip a pod of about 40 dolphins comes along so it was wetsuits out with masks and snorkles and into the ocean for a swim with the dolphins which was a lot of fun... very curious fish altogether and they come right up to you not a bother.. Once we were on our way then out to cape brett where the hole in the rock is the captain spots a couple of Orca Whales (killer whales)... seemingly these whales only turn up here maybe once every 3 months or so.. so to see them is very rare so was pretty pleased they turned up they day i was there. orca whales
orca whales
 . Anyway these boys eat everything including the dolphins, so that scares all of them away and who can blame them when you see the size of these Whales... They are just enormous (top of food chain) and followed us in the boat for quite some time. The Male orca whales came right up beside the boat and u can see their black and white colour clearly through the water. Their dorsal fin is about a metre on its own.. Photos just dont do them justice but was totally worth it and was so impressed.. the whole in the rock and private beach island was all good but the whales made the trip.
Back on land and after dinner hit the town for a nite out with a group from the hostel. Paihia is quite a lively place and the lighthouse club is the place to go mid week so all good. It was off then to see where the treaty of Waitangi was signed... waitangi day over here is in feburary and you get a day off work for it so thought would have a look at the museum.
Back on the road then for 90 mile beach and cape Reinga to the north.
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