So this morning we wake up as the engines start to turn back and the ship stops! We anchor up in the Bay of Isles however it is cloudy and drizzling - sad but not the end of the day! I think the picture above is upside down or a great reflection - hard to know.

Up for breakfast and then onto a tender vessel to get to shore - no bay deep enough for this little ship. Today was our helicopter flight over the Bay however despite all intents and purposes - no go...Helicopter grounded so...off on a bus trip. Russel is the township however, Paihia is where we landed. This is a popular holiday area which are originally founded by missionaries in 1823. It is also the location of Waitiangi Treaty Grounds where, in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori Chiefs and the British Crown. So there ends the first history lesson for today.

on to Haruru Falls a few clicks inland from Paihia. The waterfall is horseshoe shaped - a very rare and quite spectacular although not very high; Like our aboriginal culture, the Maori legend has it that a tanwha (water monster) lies in the lagoon below. Our second bit of culture.

Several hours of wandering around and then back to the ship for an arvo rest (for the old boy).

Love to all.
We will talk again soon.
xxxxx