We said our goodbyes to the south-west and finally headed north.
After stopping at the Whangarei I-Site (info center) about 2 hours north of Auckland, we learned about a couple of places we had to see.
First we took a walk to Whangarei Falls on the north-east coast. These falls were just 2 minutes off the main road. Nature is never far away in New Zealand! A friendly local volunteer welcomed us at the entrance and was happy to hear we were re-visiting the falls.
Then we took a loop road and stopped to hike to a couple of beautiful bays and beaches. (I know we've posted many, many pictures of the water. It may all look more of the same, but we just can't resist taking pictures.) So here goes:
After the visits to these bays, we finally arrived to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. We really love it here and it is our fourth visit. There are still some new places to see (and others worth re-seeing!)
Today we did something new: We walked the 14 km. loop track Paihia-Opua-Okiato-Russell-Paihia, which is a combination of a coastal walk, a bush walk and two ferry rides. It took us about 6 hours (including a quick meal in Russell) and was utterly wonderful.
And then climbed through the bush.
We saw old gnarled trees...
...and some that looked like they were carved.
More bush walking:
We ended up in Russell, the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. It was briefly its first capital from 1840-41 before moving to Auckland. In 1865 the capital moved to Wellington.
Today Russell is a very quaint and charming sea-side town with shops, cafes and tourists.
After stopping at the Whangarei I-Site (info center) about 2 hours north of Auckland, we learned about a couple of places we had to see.
First we took a walk to Whangarei Falls on the north-east coast. These falls were just 2 minutes off the main road. Nature is never far away in New Zealand! A friendly local volunteer welcomed us at the entrance and was happy to hear we were re-visiting the falls.
Then we took a loop road and stopped to hike to a couple of beautiful bays and beaches. (I know we've posted many, many pictures of the water. It may all look more of the same, but we just can't resist taking pictures.) So here goes:
On the trail
Matapouri Beach
Continuing on the trail
The views are so spectacular:
Today we did something new: We walked the 14 km. loop track Paihia-Opua-Okiato-Russell-Paihia, which is a combination of a coastal walk, a bush walk and two ferry rides. It took us about 6 hours (including a quick meal in Russell) and was utterly wonderful.
Map of our walk
The walk started along the shoreline...
And then climbed through the bush.
We saw old gnarled trees...
...and some that looked like they were carved.
A bird?
Ferry from Opua to Okiato--see the Christmas tree on the boat?
More bush walking:
Giant fern trees
No kiwi sightings--they are nocturnal
We walked quite a while on a raised wooden platform walkway over mangroves.
Mangrove field in the marshes
We ended up in Russell, the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. It was briefly its first capital from 1840-41 before moving to Auckland. In 1865 the capital moved to Wellington.
Today Russell is a very quaint and charming sea-side town with shops, cafes and tourists.
Santa climbing into a Russell window with presents in his backpack!
WOW. First Whangarei Falls, Matapouri Beach, then your ambitious walk on the loop track from Paihia-Opua-Okiato-Russell-Paihia. Incredible. Spectacular views all around, for sure. One can never tire of these wonders of nature, which you capture so well. Water, water everyone and so picturesque.
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