After the long bus journey yesterday, we had a relaxing day around Paihia today.We walked out to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds just on the outskirts of town, and had a look around.This was where an agreement treaty was signed between the Maori people and the British discoverers to share the land of New Zealand under British rule.The grounds had a traditional English house and a Maori house build right next to each other to signify the agreement.It was really interesting to see, and gave us a better understanding of the mix of cultures in New Zealand.There was also a huge Maori canoe, which seated up to 80 men at one time, carved out of a Kauri tree.The detail was so intricate, it must have taken a long time to make!The park gave us some stunning views over the Bay of Islands, miles of endless blue sea and white sand…what more could you want?!

We spent the afternoon at the beach, sitting in the shade and had a swim in the sea.It was a wee bit chilly, but once we were in there it was very refreshing after such a hot day!Later we bought a disposable BBQ and some good meat and had our first barbeque back at the campsite…mmmm!Definitely a good day!

-S