Bay of Islands, New Zealand - October 20, 2014

Bay of Islands, New Zealand - October 20, 2014

If Bora Bora was our "shades of blue" destination, then the "shades of green" port has to be the Bay of Islands!  From the pale green sea to the dark green pines/palms, the variety of green was breathtaking. 

We began our day with a 25-minute tender ride from our ship to Waitangi where the treaty between the Maori Chiefs and the British Crown was first signed in 1840.  From there, we took a shuttle bus to Paihia, a place of friendly locals, trendy cafes,  and people enjoying life minus any pesky insects or rodents!

Next, we took a ferry ride to the island of Russell, which was an established Maori settlement called Kororareka prior to Captain Cook's arrival. From the early 1800s, whalers found this beautiful island an ideal provisioning port. We definitely found plenty of provisions as Lana  enjoyed purchasing quilt fabric here, Rob even found a New Zealand Quilt magazine for her, as well as an awesome handmade wood shark puzzle for David. 

Our ferry boat driver used the term "y'all" which we hadn't heard since we left Atlanta!  After chatting with her, we learned that previously she  was a flight attendant from KY/VA and she met her future husband on an international flight.  She LOVES living in New Zealand, which is understandable.

The locals couldn't have been friendlier.  One example was a water dish for thirsty dogs in front of the local museum.  Another example was when we wanted to purchase a t-shirt for Lily, but the merchant didn't have the correct size, so she sent us down to the street to another store where she was certain I would find what I wanted.  By the way, they refer to their money as "kiwi" - LOVE THIS PLACE!  As we sailed away,  we watched a stunning sunset over the 144 islands for almost two hours.