Northland, Bay of Islands and Paihia Adventure - MP

For the last part of our Spring two week holiday we rented an Air BnB north of Paihia and the Bay of Islands. We arrived to the house in Te Ngaere Bay to witness this amazing view for four days and nights. Being very remote and on the east coast the views of the stars and sunrises were absolutely amazing. 

This was Grandma's last leg of her vacation from retirement back in London, Ontario so we wanted to show her the sights of Northland. Matauri Bay never ceases to disappoint. The kids used their skim boards to body surf on this very safe beach. The weather was at least 2 - 3 degrees warmer than down in Auckland so it felt like summer had arrived early. 

On the way north, we stoppped in Kawakawa for a photo opportunity at Bay of Islands College. Lynn and I taught here for 3 terms, 14 years ago. 

The next day we toured the Waitangi Treaty Grounds just north of Paihia. Having lived in Paihia for 9 months previously Lynn and I have realised that we missed out engaging in some really cool things the first time. We toured the grounds with a guide to learn more about the significance of the Treaty between the Maori People and the monarch. This is flagstaff hill where the original treaty was signed by northland chiefs before it was carried throughout New Zealand to be signed by other chiefs. 

We took in a cultural performance that always entertains!

Afterwards, the kids weren't interested in a photo opportunity so just Lynn and I jumped in.

Later that afternoon, we let Grandma and Lynn have a tour over to Russell on the ferry. They also had a quick opportunity to do a bit of shopping. The kids and I went to Adventure World to climb on inflatable Ninja Warrior obstacles! 

I did most of the photography and let Siena and Jonah work their muscles. Afterward, we were kindly invited to our friends home for dinner. Lynda and Dave are simply the best! Thanks for being such kind soles, even when we eat and run over your flower bed. Sorry!

The second day north, we decided to drive to the west coast. Along the way we stopped at the Wairere Boulders. This next picture doesn't show the large boulders. We all had fun hiking up this stream in and under the boulders. Jonah and Siena rated it a 9 and 10 out of 10 respectively. 

After this stop, we almost ran out of gas. We were in the middle of nowhere and drove past three small towns keeping an eye out for a gas station. There was no luck. Fortunately, the kids trust us so much that they fell asleep while the adults crossed their fingers that we would find a station. We the needle under the E, we arrived to our destination for a lunch break and a re-fill of gasoline!

After lunch we visited the west coast of Hokinga Harbour where I proposed to Lynn over 14 years ago. We had fun re-telling the story to the kids and Grandma. 

I proposed to Lynn at this bench looking west as the sunset over the Tasman Sea. 

Just south of Omapere and Opononi is Tane Mahuta, the large Kauri tree in New Zealand. It was nice to return to this natural wonder and pay our respect to nature and Maori history. 

To be continued... (Lynn and I are heading to a LuLu Lemon sale! While Grandma stays home with the kiddos).