Tag 22: Russell, Paihia & Hole in the Rock

Tag 22: Russell, Paihia & Hole in the Rock

This morning I was invited for breakfast by Paula & Gary (the owners of the B&B). They served muesli and toast with eggs and salmon. Very delicious! After that, Paula drove me to Russell. From there, I took the ferry to Paihia. I enjoyed it there so much that I just had to see the village one last time. There is also a restaurant where I would like to eat. I buy snacks for the day and eat at Kebabulous. It is really delicious. For a drink, I have a Bundaberg, which is an Australian lemonade. I explore Paihia a little more before I go back to Russell and wait for the start of my tour to the 'Hole in the Rock'.

The boat is slightly delayed and the clouds are getting thicker. Nevertheless, I am confident. Maybe we'll be lucky and see dolphins. The first stop is Motuarohia. Captain James Cook visited this island with its twin lagoon in 1769 when he visited the Bay of Islands. The next island is Urupukapuka Island. This recreational area and farm park covers 208 hectares and has many beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Suddenly, it gets loud on the boat: dolphins in sight! We are really lucky and can see about 30 dolphins. Apparently, there were none in the morning. There are even babies in the group. We continue and reach the Hole in the Rock. It is an 18-meter hole in the rock. As we leave, we can even see seals. They are lying around on the rocks and enjoying themselves. After that, we head back. In Russell, Paula picks me up and takes me back to the B&B.

Today I am invited for breakfast by Paula & Gary (the owners). Müesli and Toast with eggs and salmon is being served. Really delicious! After that, Paula is driving me to Russell. From there I take the ferry to Paihia. Because I really liked it there, I took one last chance to be there. There is also a restaurant in which I would like to eat. I’ll go and get some snacks for the day and eat lunch at the Kebabulous. It’s really good though. For a drink I take a Bundaberg. It’s an Australian lemonade. I go and explore Paihia for a bit before I go back to Russell to go on a cruise to the “Hole in the Rock”

The boat has a minor delay and the clouds are getting thicker. Still I am looking forward. Maybe we’re lucky and get to see some dolphins. The first stop is Motuarohia. Captain James Cook anchored the Endeavour off this beautiful island with its twin lagoons when he visited the Bay of Islands in 1769. The next bay is Urupukapuka Island. The largest island in the Bay, this recreatinal reserve and farm park covers approximately 520 acres (208 hectares), with many beautiful beaches and a range of walking trails. Suddenly it's getting loud: DOLPHINS! We are very lucky and are able to see about 30 dolphins. There weren't any around in the morning. There are even babies in the group. We continue the cruise and reach the 'Hole in the Rock'. It's an 18 meters big hole in stone. As we are leaving there we can even see seals. They are laying on the rocks and enjoying life. After that we're already on our way back. As I arrive in Russell, Paula is picking me up and brings me back to the bed-and-breakfast.