We were all excited to welcome Helen aboard our 6 person camper van and before long we were crossing the Auckland harbour bridge and heading towards Kerikeri. Kerikeri is in the heart of the famous "Bay of Island" and is home to New Zealands oldest stone house ... in fact, the Bay of Islands is full of historical features, since it is the supposed first area of landing for the European settlers.
The Bay of Islands is indeed beautiful and we spent several days visiting Russell, Pauhia, Kerikeri, Waitangi (where the infamous agreement was signed) and many beaches.
It gave us the opportunity to spend even more time on and in the water - on kayaks, catamarans, body (or boogie) boards, and at last Delphine and Alister managed to do some scuba diving together.
Helen looked after Mattéo and Juliette for a few hours on a beautiful island in the bay, whilst Alister and Delphine took a virtually private guided diving trip to the Rainbow Warrior and Alister then had another fabulous dive off the Cavalli islands. We saw Sting Rays, Snapper, Desmoiselles, Blue MauMau, Big Eyes, Crayfish, multicoloured Nudibranchs etc etc. Great fun. On a seperate day, Alister dived at the world famous Poor Knights islands near Tutukaka for more fantastic underwater sightseeing.
We also took a trip further north to Taupo Bay (not to be confused with Lake Taupo) - which was absolutely stunning. Great surf waves, beautiful warm water, lovely beach, friendly families around night time campfires on the beach. Mattéo got quickly hooked onto bodyboarding and we could hardly get him out of the water. On the way back down we took a walk in a forest of majestic and gigantic Kauri trees.
I am writing this on Sunday afternoon (4 Feb) - we arrived back in Auckland last night and we spent a very nice evening (and barbecue) with Nick, Piper and Daisy (that we met at Antony and Sara's barbecue). Helen took her flight back to Wellington this morning and we even managed to pop into the campervan rental place to upgrade our van to a newer model.
We are now having a lovely lazy day with Nick and Piper and are making plans for our next adventures.
The Bay of Islands is indeed beautiful and we spent several days visiting Russell, Pauhia, Kerikeri, Waitangi (where the infamous agreement was signed) and many beaches.
It gave us the opportunity to spend even more time on and in the water - on kayaks, catamarans, body (or boogie) boards, and at last Delphine and Alister managed to do some scuba diving together.
Helen looked after Mattéo and Juliette for a few hours on a beautiful island in the bay, whilst Alister and Delphine took a virtually private guided diving trip to the Rainbow Warrior and Alister then had another fabulous dive off the Cavalli islands. We saw Sting Rays, Snapper, Desmoiselles, Blue MauMau, Big Eyes, Crayfish, multicoloured Nudibranchs etc etc. Great fun. On a seperate day, Alister dived at the world famous Poor Knights islands near Tutukaka for more fantastic underwater sightseeing.
We also took a trip further north to Taupo Bay (not to be confused with Lake Taupo) - which was absolutely stunning. Great surf waves, beautiful warm water, lovely beach, friendly families around night time campfires on the beach. Mattéo got quickly hooked onto bodyboarding and we could hardly get him out of the water. On the way back down we took a walk in a forest of majestic and gigantic Kauri trees.
I am writing this on Sunday afternoon (4 Feb) - we arrived back in Auckland last night and we spent a very nice evening (and barbecue) with Nick, Piper and Daisy (that we met at Antony and Sara's barbecue). Helen took her flight back to Wellington this morning and we even managed to pop into the campervan rental place to upgrade our van to a newer model.
We are now having a lovely lazy day with Nick and Piper and are making plans for our next adventures.
4 comments:
Just to show that we are reading about the adventure down there. You are evidentally enjoying the visit and weather.
Snow is expected over most of UK tonight (Wednesday) and in France too.
I go for a week to Dorset in 2 weeks & hope the snow will have gone by then.Love to all the family & families
Grandad
Hello from the USA!
Wow...this trip is unbelievable. I really liked the "Clarkes On Tour" t-shirt. Well done.
AMF - Noel
looks like your dad and I are posting within minutes of eachtother. Great minds think alike.
Hey Mr. Clarke!
It is cold and a little snowy over here in Washington DC.
I would mind being on a scuba adventure right now!
Noel
Glad you went to Waikaromona and the weather is so kind to you. Enjoy your last few days in Nz and we are proud grandparents of Holly Rose 8lb born 28 February
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