Some light predicted showers overnight and still overcast and showery when we woke up. Hence decided not to do the morning boat trip - especially as day was unfortunately not meant to improve. After brekkie and some washing we made the short drive to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It had been promoted to us as a worthwhile visit and certainly didn't disappoint. The Maori cultural performance in the carved Meeting House was entertaining but the the hour long guided tour with a local Maori guide (apparently a direct descendant from an original Maori chieftain) was exceptional. We learnt a great deal about this location where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Was interesting to visit the Treaty House where James Busby and his family lived - the British government's first representative in New Zealand. And the world's largest ceremonial war canoe (35 metres long) had a fascinating story.
We drove back into the town centre area of Paihia to leave the van and caught the ferry across to Russell. (Even the afternoon departure of the boat trip did not seem like a pleasurable option - and we later discovered it did not make it to the famous Hole in the Rock due to weather conditions). Once know as "the hellhole of the Pacific" during the early 19th century when it was New Zealand's first European settlement, attracting fleeing convicts, whalers and drunken sailors - today Russell is an historical little sleepy tourist town. We enjoyed some lunch in a waterfront cafe and a leisurely wander though gusty winds were quite fierce. Christ Church, New Zealand's oldest church dating back to 1836, was interesting with its musket and cannonball holes and array of historical headstones in the churchyard. The Duke of Marlborough pub right on the watersedge was a great spot for a drink - especially realising that it was New Zealand's oldest licensed establishment.
Caught the ferry back to Paiha later in the afternoon. Fortunately the wind was definitely dying down so we returned to our Swordfish club balcony for a drink overlooking the islands. Met some lovely people from Auckland who we chatted with for a while before going downstairs for a delightful Thai meal. End of a great Bay of Islands day - and back to our van park.