Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands

The next morning we got back on the coastal road. From Oakura we went North through Punaruku, and drove on Russel Road, we could see the Whangaruru Harbour just on the right of the road… clear blue water, with very expensive sailing boats and yachts taking sail. As we went through Ngaiotonga the road got pretty steep but the views were incredible. We then went by Elliot Bay…and turned around to find the nearest place to park! It was the most beautiful beach we have seen so far, definitely worth a stop! And it was only 10.30am so we had plenty of time in the day. Mikko went for a surf whilst I caught a few rays in the hot sun.

So… a few hours later we got back on route, headed towards Parekura bay, overlooking beautiful views of the coast. We then went through Frenchmans Swamp and Orongo Bay and then reached Russell, which was the main area of the Bay of Islands, this is where the passenger ferry takes people across to Paihia, but as we had our van we drove back to Orango Bay then turned right towards Okiato where we took the vehicle ferry to Opua. It was great fun! It was a tiny little ferry that could hold 12 cars, you could get out of your car and walk around, it was only a short journey but we enjoyed it! and it cost only $12.

Next we got on Highway 11 towards Paihia and stopped off again, it was lovely! We parked up the van right by the beach and ran straight to the sea for a well ernt swim! Which was quite warm, the sea is definitely getting warmer as we head further North. The last place for the Bay of Islands was KeriKeri, we took a short journey around the town before heading to KeriKeri falls.