Bay of Plenty - Katikati

I’m getting well confused with all the names out here - they are all so similar… so you have Katikati (Bay of Plenty), Kitekite Falls (Piha), Karekare (Piha). And then there is Piha, Paihia (Bay of Islands)….have to say it’s definitely challenging my simple little brain somewhat! 

Now Chris and Kate go way back when we first met them in New Zealand during our pre-kids young and care free status 12 years ago. I have to say they haven’t  changed a bit - with the exception of now having 3 more in their family and it was so good to catch up - just like the old times. Their house is such a find with beautiful views over the reservoir and the kids didn’t need much of introduction - in fact within 5 minutes they were all off exploring having a little adventure in the mangroves right on their door step, while the adults opted for a far more relaxing rehydrating bottle of beer watching the last hour of sunshine over the river; beautiful! 

Sunday started with a leisurely breakfast followed by the spot of fishing on the river... 

Mud socks

... while Kate and I took a leisurely Mother's Day stroll along the 'Bird Walk' into town for a coffee. 

The kids were in their element and I have this horrible feeling that they are going to feel their lives are so dull when they head back to their pad in Takapuna!

In the afternoon we went to Waihi Beach… the most amazing surfing beach which stretched as far as the eye could see. Really felt we were on a set of Home and Away, just needed a teenage tragedy (forward 4 years) and we’d fit the bill perfectly! 

It didn't take long before the little ones were in the water floating over the surf in their rubber dingy, having way too much fun. 

Alas, Dan and I forgot our togs so Kate had the honours of taking the kids out on the surf... debatable really who is the biggest kid me thinks! 

New to us were these round disc like star fish otherwise known as sand dollars which were dotted around in the sand along the beach, pretty cool stuff.

Sand Dollars

Kids out of the water, reclothed and warmed up, fed and watered, it was time to say our farewells again and head back to our pad in Takapuna - such a lovely weekend.

Bay of Plenty - Mount Monganui

With only two more months left here and potentially wet ones we are trying to squeeze in our last few items on our to do list… and this weekend it was the Bay of Plenty. We should be well into autumn now - much cooler and more rain, but the sun fairy is still sticking around and we had yet another glorious weekend. 

The Bay of Plenty is what I’d describe as the 'Land of Orchards' and we past some vast fields with rows of tall fir trees or strips of dense bamboo boxing in predominantly kiwi and avocado orchards. It was amazing to see these magnificent trees just laden with fruit - their lower branches nearly touching the ground due to the vast weight of the fruit on them. I have to say I loved the whole area… I can’t put a finger on it… possibly the all the neat rows of orchards one after another along side the beautiful beaches.

Our first stop was Mount Monganui where we trekked up the winding path up to the top. It probably took us around 45 minutes to get to the top, with lots of stops as it was fairly hard going… well we found it a slight challenge, but it has to be said that no word of a lie, more than half the people we passed enroute were either running up or down the path. There sure was a lot of lycra to be seen on the pathways, including a couple who had to be well into their 70’s….with back packs on… who zoomed on past while we were taking a little breather… really put us to shame!!! All the effort was so well worth it - with some stunning views of the town and stretch white sandy beaches below. 

The town itself looked pretty busy too and actually reminded me of Hurstmere Road in Takapuna… our road with all the main shops and restaurants on, but a few years ahead of Takapuna… more developed, more high rise hotels and far more people.

Once at the bottom we then headed for a long overdue catch up with our friends Chris and Kate in Katikati.

Wairere Boulders near the Bay of Islands

It has to be said that Wairere Boulders are a bit out the way and you need a certain level of fitness to go and see them - winding paths, climbing up over rocks, squeezing through crevices, but they are definitely worth a visit. En route to the boulders we had to make several stops for random cows and the odd horse roaming loose on the road; definitely gave us the impression we were in the middle of nowhere... but still we ploughed on.

On arrival we entered an information shed/ shack where we were greeted by a friendly lady called Rita Schaad, who enthusiastically gave us the low down and information about the walk. It turns out that the land was owned by Rita and her husband, and through a labour of love the two of them endeavoured to build the walkways and bridges along the walk to allow people to come and see these magnificent rocks and boulders on their land. 20 mins debrief and $35 later we headed off on our walk.

I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it - this relatively small plot of land filled with massive boulders and it beggars the question, how on earth did they get there in the first place? As the Rita explained the interesting point is that these rocks are not limestone but solid dense basalt - but they have a pattern of ridges flowing through their surface (flutes) - which is believed to be created by the acidity of the Kauri tree that once lived in the area.

After our stroll round Wairere boulder filled valley and various weight lifting exercises, we then headed back to Takapuna, stopping off for a quick cuppa at one of Dan's collegue's bach in the Bay of Islands... a beautiful little spot with the most amazing views... thank you Tim, a true stunner!

Bay of Islands - Jet Boat and Hole in the Rock, Grand Cathedral Cave & Russell Island

Well the day just gets better and better. We left Waitangi Treaty Grounds and headed over to Paihia to catch our 'Mac Attack' Jet Boat out to the Hole in the Rock. Dan has had this overwhelming desire to get on one of these high speed boats so finally he gets the opportunity to get it out of his system. So life jackets on and off we go.

Note... really advisable to wear a pair of sunnies as the wind really gets in your eyes when at full speed.

Now we were told we might come across some dolphins, and there I was expecting them to be wee specks in the distance, zoom lens on waiting and ready. How wrong was I? Yes we did get to see dolphins but they came right up to the boat, at which point the boat slowed down and we were told we could get up and walk around the boat.

All I can say is "wow", what a truly magical moment! I've never seen dolphins out in the wild and they were so beautiful gliding along side the boat. It even brought a tear or two to my eyes... looked across at Dan who gave me 'the look'... here go the hormones again... tut! Cruising right along side the boat some of the dolphins even rolled on their sides to have a look at all their spectators, and the boys got a squirt of salty snotty sea water when they passed by and blew through their blow holes... "their way of saying hello" I told the youngest so he was chuffed to bits. Have to say this was to go down as one (of the huge list) of New Zealand memories we will all take back with us.

The boat then made its way though the Hole in the Rock which I have to say was pretty impressive and then cruised on past various islands and hotspots showcasing the best of the Bay of Islands, finally dropping us off on Russell Island.

Russell is a quiet uncommercial little island with quite a sleepy laid back feel to it. It was fairly late in the afternoon by the time we got there so had time to have a quick wander round some of the art shops on the island, a visit to Christ Church (NZ's oldest church which still had old musket holes on it's external wooden cladding), sneaky drink at the Duke of Marlborough (looks like a really good place to stop and eat) and a wander along the beach to catch the sunset, before catching the ferry back to Pihia.

A truly memorable day!