I definitely made the right decision coming to Paihia on Friday. Its a tiny little town that is a gateway to a collection of 144 islands called the Bay of Islands and they are absolutely beautiful! I met a girl called Amy and we had a wander around the waterfront and came across an hour and a half jet boat ride around the islands. The price for an adult was $95 which we reallllly couldn't afford. Then something happened which made me LOVE the kiwis. The guy running it goes "if you can pretend you're under 14 then I'll give it you for $40". We absolutely did not look under 14 but took the offer anyway. It started out really well even though it was quite overcast but about an hour in it started to rain. Having said that the Islands are incredible and we got to drive through the famous Hole in the Rock and Cathedral Cave. Even with grey skies the water was the most gorgeous shade of blue. We were shattered after a long day and had an early night as we had an early start the next day too.
On Saturday it was another 7:10am bus to Cape Reinga, the northern most part of New Zealand but it was so worth it. We stopped at a forest called Mangingina on the way which was nice. They have these centuries old trees there (completely forgotten their names) which, in Maori culture, are supposed to give you energy if you hug it. I was feeling pretty shattered so me and the tree had a long embrace. After picking up something for lunch the bus drove down Ninety Mile Beach. It was a special 4WD bus so we drove through the sand and even the sea at times which was cool to see the water cascading down all the windows as it sprayed up from the wheels.
Next we moved on to sand boarding which was so so so much fun. The only real way of describing it is with a picture.
One of the best parts of the day for me was lunch time and it wasn't even because of the food. We stopped off at a beach and a few of us decided to go for a swim. We'd not been out long when about a metre away from us about 8 dolphins started jumping through the water. It was so picturesque and beautiful. I got so excited and tried to swim out to them but then got caught by a wave and ended up with wet hair. And then didn't have time to dry off so was soggy for the rest of the day. But I really don't care as I got a few metres away from some dolphins.
Last but not least we headed up to Cape Reinga which the Maori people believe is where the spirit goes after it has left the body. Many people come here to say goodbye to loved ones and say things they didn't get to say before passing. Its a form of closure and a means of remembering your lost loved one at their best. Its also helps people see how blessed they are. It truly was a beautiful place, albeit the light house was slightly unimpressive.
We ended the day with fish and chips. The chips weren't proper chippy chips but the fish, oh my god THE FISH was absolutely delicious. Puts fish back home to shame. However, I almost fainted when they tried to charge $3.70 for some mushy peas. So I stuck to vinegar which was amere $1.70. One of the things that made the tour was the guide, Barry. He was reason 2 of why I love the Kiwis. He went round the bus finding out where everyone was from and saying hello in that language, he told the greatest stories and had an incredible sense of humour. He was just all round a top guy and I'd recommend that tour to anyone just to meet him.
After a slightly heavier night than anticipated (wine and jetlag don't mix well together, apparently) I had a nice lie in this morning. I'd booked onto something called "Te Waka" which was kayaking in a Maori kayak around the Bay but when I woke up didn't fancy doing it. It was too late to cancel though so I just went. The guy doing the tour was called Nick and he was late showing up and I was the only one doing it. I just wanted to leave but felt too rude to say anything and now, I'm so glad I kept my gob shut as I had the best morning. We set off at about 9:45am from the beach at Paihia and started to paddle. We decided to go to Russell which was just over the water. Russell was the first place the Europeans settled in New Zealand and promptly turned it into anyone full of brothels and booze. Now, its quite different; a quaint place full of 19th century buildings and lots of culture. Not a brothel in sight! Reason number 3 why I love the Kiwis; Nick bought me food. We sat outside a cafe looking out at the sea dotted with boats drinking a latte and eating the best nachos ever and a smoked salmon bagel. It would appear that food over here is always as fresh as can be and wonderfully cooked with the best ingredients. On the kayak back we talked about British food a lot and comparing chippies and he couldn't understand why people would have mushy peas and gravy together on the same plate. I found this hilarious but he was genuinely baffled. We stopped talking about food for long enough to jump out and have a swim. Even though the water was quite cold it was refreshing and beautifully clear.
I could definitely get used to the way of life over here.
Unfortunately I'm back in Auckland for a night now but am off to Hot Water Beach tomorrow which is on the Coromandel Peninsula. These first few days have flown by; I've met some fantastic people and had the best few days. Its a full bus tomorrow so hopefully everyone will be lovely.
I'm really hoping that I tan soon as its far too obvious that I'm British due to white with patches of red sunburnt skin.
Xxx
P.S sorry the pictures are in no order, can't organise them properly on this thing! The picture of 4 is Barry and some others from the bus, there's one which shows the lighthouse at Cape Reinga, the one looking down over the beach is where the dolphins were, the other beach picture was of Paihia this morning and I hope you can guess the other ones
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