The last few days have all been about the sea and water.  We have been out on the river in a raft and then to sea twice once on a fishing boat and then on a scenic tour of the islands.

Our first adventure was white water rafting on the Kaitiaki river which is near to Rotorua.  We had booked these tickets through Grabone and were looking forward to it.  We pitched up at the office and everyone was very laid back.  We eventually all got kitted up and a safety talk and then we were off to the river.  The trip started with a prayer in Maori to thank them for letting us go down the river.  We were off – there was only 5 guests in our boat and two instructors.  We all learnt how to hang on and to paddle – both which we needed during the trip.  It was great fun – we went through rapids and then over the highest commercial waterfall that you are allowed to go over.  Luckily no-one on our boat fell out but it was all very thrilling as we all went totally under at one point.  Bob was put at the front and got a true soaking when we went rapids surfing.  The whole trip only lasted about an hour but at the end we were all exhausted.  it was great fun and we would both do it again – maybe we will have a chance in the south island.

 

 

 

 

 

The fishing boat from Marsden Cove.  They day started out well with sun in the sky but we knew it wouldn’t last.  We were on a boat with 9 other people from all walks of life all out to have a good time fishing.  We went out of the harbour but not far into the sea before the boat lowered it anchor and we dipped our lines.  We both had a good day fishing – we caught loads of fish – some were too small to take home with us – but in the end we had 12 fish to take and cook up.  The rain came in just before lunch and didn’t stop for the rest of the day.  Luckily we had our rain coats with us and the boat did have a canopy so we didn’t get soaked through – however, by the end of the trip we were both very cold.  Two people on the boat managed to hook two huge cray fish while fishing – they were much bigger than the ones we saw in Australia and they would have cost at least $300 to buy – we did not have that luck but we were very pleased with the fish we did catch.  Everyone one on the boat had good catches – some more than others – but a really good day overall. 

 

This picture is the view we had from the window of “Tinny”

 

After the boat trip we were so cold we splashed out and stayed in a motel that night – we needed to get warm and wash all our smelly clothes!! 

A visit to Whangarei falls before we left the town and headed north towards Paihia. 

 

There is not much to do in Paihia except to go on the sea or go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.  We decided to go on another boat trip – this time round the ‘Bay of islands’.  there are 144 islands in total and our boat went round most of them.  We were hoping to spot dolphins but the sea was a bit choppy so none were to be found.  We did however, go through the ‘Hole in the Rock’.  Apparently if water drops on you as you go through you will have eternal youth – sadly none came our way – so we will get old!!!!  We didn’t see any dolphins but we did see some little seals having a play in the water – no photos as a little far away.

    

     

On the way back to Paihia we stopped off at Russell – which is a quaint little seaside village a ferry ride away. 

On the way out of Paihia we stopped off to have a little look at Haruru falls – where I think Bob would have liked to get in with his kayak and have a play about.  Unfortunately the weather was not on our side and the clouds were coming in and it was spitting.

 

After Paihia we headed towards the west coast and went to Hokianga Harbour where we enjoyed a scenic walk and a little bit of geo cache finding on the way.  Another stop off on the way back to Auckland was to visit the largest kauri tree Tane Mahuta it was absolutely massive – it is at least 51m high and has a girth of 14m.

 

 

We then spent another night under the hospitality of Gail and Mike before heading south towards Taupo.