Thursday 22 January, Friday 23 January

Our next destination was the Bay of Islands and as we thought we might be there for a few days we decided to go to a camp site and base ourselves there whilst doing day trips.

But on the way we had to stop for coffee and this time at lovely place called Mangonui

after coffee we drove along the coast up over the hills 

to Paihia where we based ourselves at the Bay of Islands Kiwi camp site, a lovely quiet site beside the river

We took a fast rib for the 30 minute trip out to Otiao Bay on the island of Urupukapuka

 threading our way through, somewhat enviously, the racing boats

and then arriving at a beautiful island where we were able to walk around, have lunch and generally laze around. We were free to spend as much time as we liked and catch one of several boats back in the afternoon.

We walked up the hill; great 360 degree views from the top

and then back down into the bay for lunch and a snooze

and then returned via Russell to Paihia. A great day out with the boat trip costing just $20  (i.e.£10) per head.