Travel Notes: Bay of Islands — Day 3

If it’s Wednesday, we must be in the Bay of Islands

Wednesday, 19 October 2005

Kia ora! — the Māori way to say hello.

I’m in the north of the North Island at the Bay of Islands. For New Zealanders, this is their beach resort area. It’s beautiful—but a bit nippy (for me).

This morning we cruised the Bay, passing quite a few of the 150 islands scattered throughout it, all the way out to the mouth of the Bay at the Pacific Ocean. We saw the Hole in the Rock and the Cape Brett Lighthouse. The water was a bit rough, and we had some “green” passengers on the way out. After a short visit to Zane Grey Island (he did some sport fishing down here) and about an hour on dry land, everyone looked much better.

I’m writing to you from “Romantic Russell,” which just 150 years ago was known as the “Hellhole of the Pacific,” famous for its grog houses and sailors on shore leave. Today, it’s a beautiful little town, just a ferry ride away from our hotel.

We arrived in the Bay of Islands yesterday and spent the afternoon visiting the birthplace of New Zealand, Waitangi. The founding document of the country—the Treaty of Waitangi—was signed here in 1840. It was the agreement between the Māori and the British. Tonight, we’ll be seeing a play about the Māori and the signing of the Treaty, which I’m really looking forward to.

New Zealand is as beautiful as everyone says.

Yesterday we traveled through lovely green farmland, dotted with cows and sheep. There’s lots to learn on the tour, but my buddy Michelle and I are still managing to have some fun.

Tomorrow we’re back on the bus—oops, motor coach—and headed to Rotorua, the heart of the North Island, with plenty of geothermal activity and more opportunities to experience Māori culture.

I’ll keep writing. These emails may end up as my diary.

Love to all,
TJ