Hello again.

We headed up to Paihia - part of the Bay Of Islands for christmas. It took about 4 hours from Auckland. On arrival the weather was much better - it was sunny with few clouds about. As we found our way to our hostel we walked along the sea front. At first the place struck me as a quiet village, almost a place for anyone who had passed retirement. As we got closer to the hostel we noticed it was geared for tourists with the vast numbers of bars and other backpacker resorts.

That night we managed to stumble into town and found their version of a night club - it was fine for what we were looking for.

The next day we headed into town with the intension of booking a trip to swim with dolphins on xmas eve. As it turned out - we got chatting to a few girls from Sheffield who mentioned it was available xmas day. So xmas day it was then - swimming with dolphins. Later that day we headed to Hanaru waterfalls. It was about 30 minutes to the track from out hostel and another 1.5 hours along the track. It was a 5km trek through bush and forests. The waterfalls were nice and worth the visit - the walk back was a killer mind.

Again we graced town with our presence that night, and again we disturbed the guy who was staying in our room with us, as we stumbled in late. When we apoligised the next day he seemed understanding although he didnt room with us again.

Christmas eve was a quiet day (compared to how they usually are back home), we went into town and got a few bits, watched some Premiership highlights and played pool. That evening was also quiet as we headed to our "local bar" and had a few drinks before heading back. It was an early start xmas day (7am - to be at the harbour for 7.45am).

We boarded the boat about 8am - it was a small boat that helf no more than 50 people. We were briefed on what was happening, what we were looking for and what was expected of us etc. We cruised around the bay for about 10 minutes before coming across our first pod. They were bottle nose dolphins (the really playful ones). They would come right up to the boat but as they had mothers and babies we were not allowed to get in with this pod. We hung around for about 30 minutes before heading right out into the ocean. We didnt see anything for about an hour before coming across our secoond pod. These were common dolphins that were not as playful - but as they had no babies we were kitted up in wetsuits and snorkelling gear and lined up along the boat. We were right at the front so when they made the call we were straight in. They treated it like a military opperation. The water was freezing so when i got in it was head down and go like the clappers. As soon as i put my head under one of these dolphins swam right under me. I tried to turn and swim with them (thats what your told to do), but they were so quick they had shot off before i could get another look.

Although it was only a quick experience it was still awesome to see these dolphins swimming around you in the water. We dried off in the boat and headed back to the bay - we got some good photos, i ll put them up later.

The rest of that day was sat in the bar - with our christmas dinner (nothing on a proper English xmas dinner - we had Chicken, Beef and Ham instead of Turkey, no sprouts and BOILED potatos). It was fine thought and we sat there until the evening party kicked off.

It was a great day and boxing day was used to chill out and recover mainly before leaving Paihia on the 27th heading back to Auckland where we are now.

Right better go and do some exploring - so hope you all had a nice xmas once again and have a good new year - speak soon