Cutting the ties that begin to bind us to New Zealand

JJMoon Diary
Barry and Margaret Wilmshurst
Thu 29 May 2008 03:53
It is always hard to leave so here are just a few photos of those last few days in and around Opua and Paihia as a reminder to ourselves of the wonderful area, beautiful scenery and general paths our lives have taken us in New Zealand.
 
View over the Bay of Islands from the golf course.
 
Margaret took the opportunity to take a golf lesson.  The golf course was situated just behind the Waitangi Treaty grounds and had the backdrop of the Bay of Islands.
Following her lesson she was allowed to practice on their range free of charge and she found that on a beautiful day. with this spectacular view and a small ball to challenge her there was little more that she could wish for.
 
Opua marina officesRainbow looking out at the boats in the marina
 
 Opua marina offices seen from our pontoon at low tide.  The last few weeks of our stay showed us that New Zealand knows what rain is.  There were days when it didn't stop raining.  On the positive side we saw some spectacular rainbows.
 
Line dancing in Paihia during the annual Bay of Islands Country and Rock Festival
 
Our last weekend was the weekend of the annual Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival.  It was a great success.  Here we see the main street of Paihia closed for line dancing. 
 
Te Matua Ngahere
 
Before leaving New Zealand we visited Waipoua Kauri Forest.  Mags in particular wanted to get her fill of greenery and trees before leaving to cross oceans.
 
The picture above is of Te Matua Ngahere (The Father of the Forest) believed to be the largest and oldest Kauri tree in New Zealand.  It has a trunk over 5m in diameter and is thought to be 2000 years old.
 
Standing at the foot of Te Matua Ngahere
 
Him Big!