March 5 - Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Our 2nd port in New Zealand was the Bays of Islands. It's an area of Northern New Zealand and made up of 144 islands.

I headed out on an excursion that took us to The Kawiti Marea Caves, also know as Waiomio Glowworm Cave. They are caves, which are lit up by glowworms. Their bioluminescence attracts the insects they feed on. The hungrier they are the brighter they are. Here are some pics outside the cave, I was the lantern girl. We couldn't take any pictures inside. I can assure you it was a unique and awesome experience. Besides the glow worms, you could see the wonderful stalactite and stalagmite formations.

 

Here are some unauthorized pictures of the caves and glowworms

  

            

We then passed the Waitangi grounds in Paihia, where the first signatures where penned on the Treaty of Waitangi. It is New Zealand's founding document and an agreement made in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and (ultimately) more than 500 Maori representatives, ensuring Maori (indigenous people) rights. 

We visited Haruru Falls, not overly impressive. But, hey, a waterfall is a waterfall. 

  

Then we had a lunch break in Kawakawa Town. It is a very artsy town. Originally it wasn't until some crazy guy built an unusual bathroom. 

And then the whole town picked up on the vibe. Library and Store side mural

We went to the historical site of the Te Maimate Mission house, which is New Zealand's oldest European-style farm and one of the locations where some of the Maori signatures where obtained for the treaty. It is also off the first registered road in New Zealand, Route 1.

It is a working farm. Here is Momma and Baby cows

As a mission, it had a church and cemetery 

I saved the best for last! When we got back to the port the wind was so strong that they halted the tendering operation. This caused a huge line. Lucky for me the Bay of Islands Yacht Club was right there. 

I headed in and met the Supreme Bar Commander, luckily I had my Race Committee vest on. He was so excited to see me and explain his club to me. They had just finished their 'Foiling Regatta'. Art and Dean, you would love it here as their primary boat is the Wind Foil (foiling windsurfer). He then gave me a Burgee and I promised to send him one of mine. He also bought me a beer and gave me a 60% discount on a polo shirt. SCORE!!

 

I was having so much fun talking to everyone (and drinking), I lost track of time and never got around to getting a key chain. Oh well, a shirt and camaraderie is so much better. Don't worry Donna, I found a post card for you. 😁

Note of interest: whenever any of the New Zealanders talked about Australia, they refereed to it as the land across the DITCH. Hahahahaha