BAY OF ISLANDS:
Our arrival in the Bay of Islands was timed to be when the All Points Rally festivities were planned. this week long event is an informative and action packet time. It was formed to be a big Welcome to all the cruisers who have arrived from the South Pacific. There are seminars to introduce you to the services in the area, and places to see, there was even one about the local "lingo".
We took a tour to the neighboring towns where I was able to purchase a New Zealand phone and SD card so now we will have internet. We also had a lovely trip to a local winery.
Many of our friends are now here so we have lots of fun at the Bay of Island Yacht club tasting the local brews and sharing our passage war stories, and our cruising plans for the season.
One great trip we make is to the Waitangi treaty grounds, Location of the first signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori Chiefs and the British Crown in 1840.
The Marina is very nice but we can't wait to get out and explore the other islands.
 |
| THE VIEW FROM THE WINERY |
 |
| FERN TREE FOREST |
 |
| WE TAKE A SHORT BREAK ON OUR HIKE THROUGH THE FERN TREE FOREST |
 |
| MAORI CEREMONIAL WAR CANOE, WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS |
 |
| CARVING DETAIL |
 |
| MAORI MEETING HOUSE |
 |
| BAY OF ISLAND MOORING FIELD |
 |
| BOTTLE NOSE DOLPHINS COME OUT TO PLAY |
 |
| HOW'S THIS FOR A BAY OF ISLAND SUNSET! |
WE ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND:
Here we are in the largest city in New Zealand, WOW a big change for us. Auckland is a fantastic city. We arrive and get a berth at the Viaduct Marina, right in the heart of the city. The Sky Tower is just behind us at night it is just beautiful, and it changes colors! It is so much fun to walk around this bustling area. There are trendy resturants, tourist attractions, and we are walking distance to many chandeliers, grocery stores. One night we even enjoy an out door movie. Our time is too short as we must move on to Half Moon Bay Marina where Mazu will be hauled out and left on the hard, where she will get a face lift with new paint etc.
We will return home for the Holidays... returning sometime in January or February.
 |
| MY FIRST NZ FISH |
 |
| ARRIVING IN AUCKLAND |
 |
| AUCKLAND'S FAMOUS SKY TOWER. WE CAN'T BELIEVE WE HAVE TRAVEL FROM ONE SPACE NEEDLE IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE TO ANOTHER IN THE SOUTHERN |
 |
| MAZU AT THE FAMOUS AUCKLAND VIADUCT HARBOR |
 |
| WE SEE "A" AGAIN |
No comments:
Post a Comment