sunrise on sail in
We have been to New Zealand before, but this is our first
time to Bay of Islands. We didn’t have a private tour here, but had booked a
Hole in the Rock cruise in the morning. Bob & Phyllis made their way there
with us. We all knew going in that the stars and the moon had to align to make
the timing of this tour work. It was paid in advance with NO REFUNDS and were
told if we didn’t make the first tender, the tour boat would leave us.
We got up early and waited in the Casino Bar where they
hand out the tender tickets. There was room for 20 people on the first tender
and we made it! The tenders took us to Waitangi Wharf. Then, we had to find the
free shuttle to Pahia, the town where we were to check in for the boat. Pahia
is a small resort town. They wait for that first shuttle and they radioed to
the boat that we were there. The second we stepped on the boat we sailed away.
Phew!
Our tour was booked with Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands Tours
Here is a description of the tour:
“Set off on a half-day Bay of Islands cruise in search of
dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy the views from our catamaran Dolphin
Seeker as we journey right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula, to the
famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island.
According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle
through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops
of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your
skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space... and if you get
dripped on, consider yourself lucky!”
in the shuttle bus to the tour boat - we crossed a small bridge
the tour boat
Today was a beautiful sunny day. It was a cool start, but it warmed up quite nicely in an hour or so. Since I stood outside for a couple of hours in the stiff breeze as the boat sped through the water, I was glad I brought a wind jacket. The boat slowed in certain areas for picture taking and dolphin watching. We saw NO dolphins. We did see lots of birds in the water and flying by.
our ship from the boat
another tour boat - way more cramped than we were
Russell stop
There was a second pickup point in Russell where we stopped to load more people before exploring the islands. Russell is a historic sea side village. There are 144 of them and the area is gorgeous! Having near perfect weather added to the beauty.
me waving to Greg up on top
Greg up on top
We saw Moturoa Island which is the second largest in the
Bay. We passed by the Black Rocks, an extensive chain of unusual volcanic
rocks, bird rookeries and interesting flora. Marsden Cross (Rangihoua Bay) is
80 acres of Department of Conservation land.
Assassination Cove is where Marion du Frense was killed in
June 1772. Roberton Island is where Captain James Cook anchored the “Endeavour”
off this island.
Moturua Island is a scenic reserve with rapidly regenerating
native forest.
Motukiekie is a privatey owned island of 28.8 hectares.
Urupukapuka Island is the largest of the islands in the Bay.
Waewaetorea Island is a popular recreational reserve with
nice sandy beaches.
Okahu Island is a scenic reserve.
lots of birds in the water
The Cape Brett Lighthouse was built in Thames on the
Coromandel, barged up the coast and winched 490 feet above sea level. The
lighthouse keepers lived and worked here from 1910 when the light was first
lit, until 1978 when a hew automated light when into service.
Cape Brett Lighthouse
approaching the hole in the rock
another boat going through it
we're approaching to go through
our boat progressing towards it
we made it! (yes we got dripped on)
the other side of the rock as we look back at it
interesting formation
Piercy Island was named by Captain Cook after the First Lord
of the Admiralty at the time. Renowned as the Hole in the Rock, Piercy Island
stands 478 feet above sea level. What a
breath-taking experience it was to go through the hole.
On the way back we did a stopover on Otehei Bay. American
author Zane Grey lived here in 1926. Zane Grey is known for making game fishing
famous in the Bay of Islands. Beautiful beaches, nature walks and camping
facilities are found here. We had some time here to hike to the top of a hill
for glorious views of the islands. Dad, I thought of you today because I know
how much you loved his Westerns.
our boat off loading people to visit the island
2 other boats coming ashore
small sheep pen
hill to walk up
view of the farm from the hill
we continue up to the top
still continuing up to the top
the views were worth it!
starfish next to the boat
On our way back to the wharf we finally saw some dolphins.
New Zealand has strict laws on when they can “dolphin watch” and it was now not
in that timeframe. They are allowed to slow way down and make their way through
them. So, while we couldn’t stop and watch them, we did get to see some leaping
out of the water and following the boat.
finally a few dolphins
going back to the pier
photos of the inside of the boat
We returned to the Wharf around 1:00.
We picked up the free
shuttle that brought us and they dropped us at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
where we planned to spend the afternoon.
Here is the description of their program:
•Admission to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
•Entry to the brand new Museum of Waitangi
•The Waitangi – Birthplace of a Nation introductory film
(22 minutes)
•An informative Guided Tour with one of our local guides
(50 minutes) Every hour on the hour to 4pm
•A high-energy, entertaining Cultural Performance (30
minutes)
We had lunch at the café there and it was very good. We
had a chorizo pastie and a lamb pita.
restaurant
Bob & Phyllis
duck in the pond next to our table
After lunch, we had time to see the Museum before
starting the guided tour. Our guide was a descendent of the signatories to the
Treaty. He told the story of visiting the museum to see it and when they asked
his name he wrote it down for them and they then took him to show his ancestors
pictures on the wall.
He was very interesting to listen to and he really helped
us understand the relevance of the Treaty in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand.
our guide
He showed us their native dugout canoes. One is in the
records book as the largest in the world. It took 3 large trees to make it and
is only taken out once a year when they have their Annual Treaty signing day
which was the day before we arrived. So, the boat was still wet from the day
before.
two side by side
you can see our ship in the distance
male House Sparrow
female House Sparrows
New Zealand Pigeon
We were getting antsy as we knew we had one time slot
left to watch the Culture Show and thought we might have to bail and head
there, but the guide said he was keeping an eye on the time so we all would
make it in time. He also took us to other areas on the grounds before leaving
us at the place where the performance was. 
Treaty House
kids playing cricket
The resident performance group, Te Pitowhenua, gave us a
special introduction to New Zealand’s unique indigenous culture in Te Whare
Rūnanga. We enjoyed a performance of waiata (singing), poi, stick games, Māori
weaponry, as well as the famous haka. The performance began with a traditional
Māori welcome outside the meeting house.
After the show, we had the opportunity to interact with
the performers, ask questions and have our photo taken with the group.
where the treaty was signed
back of the Treaty House
After a stop at the gift shop we did some birding on the
trails there and Bob & Phyllis stayed to watch the movie.
We did see some interesting birds before walking back to
the tender station. We caught the very last tender back to the ship.
sunset
Tonight we had dinner upstairs as we got back too late
for our dining time. The entertainment was Karen Beckett with an all new show.
We skipped the evening Game Show to upload photos and get ready for our day in
Auckland tomorrow. What a lovely day today was!
With 2 port days in a row and only 3 sea days before our next port to organize photos, I'll add them when I can.
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