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Northland & Bay of Islands
Wednesday 23rd November 2011 - Auckland to Paihia
So this is where it really starts to get going! Standing at the bottom of the hostel steps I got chatting to a couple of UK girls who were on their way up north. Unfortunately they are not on my bus so I bid them farewell and hopped onto a full bright orange bus (Stray Bus). With only three spare seats free it was time for some quick thinking "who shall I sit with!" So I ended up with next to a Birmingham lass who turned out to be as irritating as me! A few polite words and I decided the only way forward was to take a power nap.
Upon waking up I scanned the bus for people who I thought were better off conversing with. With that three were spotted (couple of Scottish lasses and an American lad)
On our way to Paihia, we stopped off to take a look at a huge kauri tree which has stood for over 600 years. It's said that unless you hug the Kauri tree it will die. Everyone needs a hug ;-) The Kauri trees are now protected and are prohibited from being hacked down. The picture does not do this magnificent tree any justice.
Working our way up north to the Bay of Islands we stopped off at Goats Island and home to NZ first Marine Reserve. Taking a glass bottom boat out into the Marine I got a glimpse of what lies beneath our ocean and took some great pictures of the colourful yet cold waters (don't be deceived by the warm colours as it was bloody windy and cold).
Next stop was Whangarei were we stopped for a spot of snorkelling. Only problem here was that I had trouble mastering the art of not swallowing the water and tiny jelly fish which were floating in abundance.
Arriving at Phihia late afternoon we set down for the day. Phihia is a small town and placed perfectly with amazing views of the Bay of Islands. I checked into the Salt Water Lodge hostel (on-suite bathroom and only me and another Irish lad sharing a four dorm room - perfect!). Quick trip to the supermarket and a group BBQ at a nearby hostel. I really started to get to know some of the group I was travelling with and have started to feel a little more at ease with the whole travelling solo thing.
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