Our first port in New Zealand was the Bay of Islands. It was a lovely day for enjoying the water and that’s what we both did. After walking around the town of Paihia, near the ship, Dale went with Bob and Brenda on the short ferry to Russell which had once been the capital of NZ and which by all accounts was a peaceful and beautiful town. I went on a traditional Maori waka paddle. After extensive instruction on the proper method of paddling and the Maori traditions behind the wakas and more we were off in wakas which held 30 people each to glide down the river under our own steam. Fortunately there was also a motor to get us back!
Although NZ is a very modern country we couldn’t help but smile at the phone booths.
And so begins our several days in NZ.
Jenni…I would have been paddling with you….what fun! And learning about the people….