A Rocky Start...

The view from our (moving) room...

After Auckland, we visited the small coastal town of Paihia, mainland to the infamous Bay of Islands, for two nights. On the way we visited a waterfall far bigger than we expected. The short walk starts at the precipice, which you cross via a tiny metal bridge with no railings... And if that wasn't treacherous enough, the rainfall from a recent cyclone had evidently caused the rapid river below to swell, leaving no more than a couple of inches between the bridge and the water. 

(Pictures of waterfall to follow)

Once in Paihia, one night saw us in a standard hostel, but our first night was an overnight stay on the Rockboat some mile or so out at sea. To say this was a rocky start to our New Zealand tour was an understatement, but also a pretty good pun too. Sian sat in a zombie-like state in our cabin while the big boat rocked like a see-saw, while I contemplated throwing a rubber ring in the water and paddling us both back to shore where we could check in to a hostel that wasn’t sat on undulating waters. But after a few hours, things got better, especially as the sea calmed.

Sunset at the Bay of Islands

The overnight stay included a variety of activities, from fishing from the back of the boat to late-night kayaking. We participated in none, but we did enjoy some lovely meals and socialising with our tour group as dusk fell. And while we were both somewhat terrified of lying down on our bed, given the ongoing rocking of the boat, we miraculously ended up having one of the best night’s sleeps on the trip so far.

Surprisingly a very level picture 

In the morning we took a dinghy over to one of the 144 islands (hence the area's name), where we climbed to a viewing platform. Luckily, following a cyclone that had hit the coast in the days prior, the weather was beautiful. With clear blue skies and an ocean to match, and a majestic view of some of the islands and their white beaches, it was simply unbeatable. At least that’s what we thought at the time. Just when you think you can’t see anything more epic, New Zealand finds new ways to surprise you with its brain-busting scenery.

(Pictures from island to follow)

All in all, the Rockboat was, if nothing else, an experience. It may have felt like the world’s worst hangover to start with, but it’s worth it for the trip to the island alone. That, and a new-found appreciation for solid ground. Speaking of which, before leaving Paihia we enjoyed a hike in a deep forest, starting at a waterfall, following the river, and crossing a bridge as well as a winding boardwalk across a shallow lake. 

Luckily there are no crocs here in New Zealand