I guess I put away the camera before the second course of eggs, ham, sausage, etc arrives....but suffice it to say, we start the day on a full stomach!
Our day begins with a Bay of Islands cruise.....too many islands to count....100 or so, we think. Here is pictured the lighthouse, at the entrance to the Bay of Islands. Erected in 1910, fully automated in 1978.....hence the small cottage below no longer housed the lighthouse keeper and now is available for rental....at a rate of $180/day....you can walk there (15 miles), take a boat or a 10 minute helicopter ride ($500)
Dolphins along the way were plentiful and playful.
This is known as "Hole in the Wall".....20 miles from our starting point.
On a calm sea day, our vessel goes through the "hole"....with only 3' allowance on either side. This is not a calm day....we only looked through the hole.
"Bird Rock"....so named because many species of birds use this as a resting spot on their migrations....check the top of the rock....it is whiter than the rest, not due to shadows, but due to bird poop!
We have arrived at Urupukapuka Island where everyone has an opportunity to get off, walk a bit, have lunch, etc.....thanks to Inge, we are staying the afternoon to explore, walk, have a picnic and catch the last return boat.
Our walk starts as many others have....
The scenery changes dramatically, very quickly
These walks are amazing....just walkin along.....and BAM!! round a corner and breathtaking!
The path was narrow in some places and the steps were not as easily crossed as in Golden Bay...
Our goal is Otehei Bay....we are good so far...
Climbing higher....and even more beautiful
We stopped along the way to sit on some driftwood and have our picnic.....
As we start our return, we can see the small harbor we entered and a similar tour cruise vessel.
Post card picture perfect
As we approach this sight, I comment to Tom "That looks like a hura".....which is a Maori headstone.
This is the view of the entire gravesite....pause for reflection....humbling site.
Back in Paihia....the brown vessel on the left was the first car ferry between the two islands...looks like it carried only one car at a time.
