Departed Auckland at 7:30am travelling North to the Bay of Islands. Drove for 5 hours through beautiful lush green farmlands and small towns. Lots of sheep, dairy cattle and natural forests.

Arrived Bay of Islands and went straight to the Waitangi Treaty

Grounds where the treaty between the colonial government and the Maori Chiefs from across New Zealand was signed in 6 Feb 1840. Within the grounds we visited a traditional Maori hut especially built to commemorate the centenary of the signing of the treaty.

Then a tour of the home of James Busby, the first Governor of New Zealand. Next we went to a long hut to see a Maori war boat which was powered by 60 warrior oarsmen.

We then boarded the "Dolphin Seeker" for a cruise of the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands has 140 seperate islands and is very beautiful.

Across the Bay 10 minutes is Russell - the original Capital of New Zealand. Here we collected some more passengers for the cruise.

Then we headed to the outer islands and came across a pods of bottle-nosed dolphins who put on quite a show swimming close to the boat and a couple jumping high out of the water. It was amazing to watch.

Then off to the 'hole in the rock' a geological formation where an arch-way has formed through a section of the island. The boat was able to sail through the hole.

We then headed for Otehei Bay where Zane Grey - a 19th century British author once lived. On the way came across a sea lion basking the the sun on one of the islands. A chance to get off the boat and explore the island. Vey hilly and needed to be a mountain goat to get around - but what spectacular views.

Back to Piahia for a quiet evening starting with dinner in the restaurant at the Tanoa Hotel - home for the next 2 nights.

The Bay and the Islands are idyllic - nothing like we have ever experienced.

Today's insights:
James Busby introduced grape vines and established the first vineyard in New Zrealand. He also was the first to produce wine - from all accounts not a bad drop either.

Lt James Cook (soon to become Captain) sought shelter in the calm waters of Robertson Island in 1769 just before arriving in Australia. A memorial plaque has been placed on a rocky outcrop just off the island.

Today's temperature: Min 8 - Max 17