Bay of Islands

Started our time here at Waitangi for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Lots of info and shows and buildings to do with the 1840 treaty to establish British link to NZ. Very Interesting and a great way to find out more about NZ history.

Then we met up with Linda and Keith, who Zoe had worked with briefly in Aus. They have a fantastic house in Kerikeri overlooking the river leading into the bay (and their boat!) We went for a walk to 27m Rainbow Falls (worth it) in the afternoon before spending the evening at some very rustic, smelly mud pools. Good fun, but we all smelt of bad eggs for 2 days.

The next day we were lucky enough to go on a boat trip with L and K who are both boat experts (having sailed round the world a few times). We sailed to Allens Bay, past expensive riverside houses. Scrambled/walked over the tip to Oyster Bay where we knocked fresh Oysters off the rocks to eat. Delicious (in small quantities). Then it was a swim in the bay, sunbathing/reading/fishing on the boat and we made our way home.

Thanks to Linda and Keith we feel like we really got a feel for the beautiful Bay of Islands and would love to come back here again. Thanks for being brilliant and kind hosts, we were sad to leave but looking forward to seeing you in Banbury soon!!!