Paihia and Bay of Islands

When we got to NZ we headed straight up to Paihia to stay in a condo for a week. We had this place booked and were going to have fun exploring all the Northland of the North Island. Paihia was beautiful, it sat right on the bay.

Day 1: Shipwreck bay. We went in search of surf on the north west coast of the island. Unfortunately, the waves were only a few feet, but it was a beautiful area and drive. We stopped by the Haruru Falls on the way back for a quick walk out to them.

Day 2: Tutukaka coast. Again in search of surf but this time south east of where we were staying. Still no good waves, but absolutely gorgeous. Dreaming of a holiday home here one day and showing Justin my dancing skills. Day 3: My dad and brother flew into today to join us for the next 15 days. It was so good to see them and take on my brother in a game of chess. I had to play him when he was still drowsy off the flight or there would have been no way I could win. Day 4: Cape Reinga and the Giant Sand Dunes. We went to the farthest north part of the country and watched the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean come together. It was about a 3 1/2 hour drive from our place, but again an great drive. On the way back we stopped and played in the sand dunes. Day 5: We took a boat out through the Bay of Islands (theres about 144 total islands) and came across a massive pod of dolphins. They guessed there were total 45 dolphins and tons of babies. They were so active and jumpy, I loved it. We then cruised out to the Hole in the Rock (big enough to drive the boat through) and back through all the privately owned islands. We also came across a baby hammerhead shark about 4 ft. long hanging out with the dolphins. Day 6: we headed back down to Auckland to catch our flight down to Queenstown on the South Island.