Lucy and Roo arrived on 8th November and after a day and a half relaxing we dragged them off to the Bay of Islands (240k / 3 hours drive from Auckland city) for a long weekend. We stayed at the very sublime Sublime Apartments in delightful Paihia, a small coastal town with a very European feel. Our first night found us in an Ibiza style bar (below) where it seems all the young trendy travellers hang out.
Friday saw us hiring two double kayaks and paddling energetically across the bay to Waitangi (where the treaty between the main Maori tribes and the British government was signed in 1840, fact fans!) via a tiny beach stop on a neighbouring island. It was great fun and we cut a dashing picture as we hauled our kayaks up onto Waitangi beach, picked up our paddles and strolled nonchanontly around the smart visitors centre in our wet shorts & t-shirts! After refreshing tea & cake which Roo & Lucy demanded, we paddled the long trip back to Paihia.
Fuelled by the previous day's energy we headed a little outside of Paihia (Opua) on Saturday for an exciting afternoon of horse-trekking. Our horse-experience ranged from beginner to advanced. Rachel had barely touched a horse before but kept up with the main group on the slightly stubborn Danish and even managed a little trot - very impressive for her first time! Lucy cantered off on her horse for a while whilst the rest of us plodded along slowly up hill and down dale. Roo's horse Po found the walk a big distraction to his constant desire to eat and Tom coped very well with Santos who almost threw him off whilst having an uncivilised disagreement with Lucy's horse!
In the evening we ventured over by ferry to Russell which used to be the capital city and is now a small tourist spot with a few shops and pubs. We didn't stay too long due to having to catch the last ferry back at 10 and Rachel being a little spooked by the old buildings and definite ghostly vibe to the town! Still, the ferry ride was lovely!
We left fairly early on Sunday to take in a few more bays on our way back to Auckland. The first beach we stopped at was a bit muddy but the sea was gorgeous so we strolled along and met a manic little bird running around making a racket - possibly to protect her little ones from such strange intruders as us.
Tom then had some off-road driving practice and we found ourselves at a gorgeous quiet beach further round the Pacific coast-line. After a tentative swim in which Lucy & Rache insisted on panicking at the slightest hint of some life under the water, and a thorough exploration of the beach, we headed back on the road for a while. Lucy and Roo were getting peckish and started to demand tea and cakes again, so as if by magic a gorgeous roadside Gallery and Cafe appeared!
Helena's Bay Gallery is a must stop off point when travelling from Bay of Islands to Auckland - the art work is prolific, eclectic and beautiful, the view is awesome and the food and hospitality as friendly and yummy as any you'll find in NZ - deeeelicious! Lucy & Roo made friends with the resident dog, disguised as a rock hunting bear.
more photos to come...
No comments:
Post a Comment