We got up early to go to Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Bay of Islands.It took us longer to drive there than we had expected but at least we reached the grounds before closing time.We took the guided tour which was interesting.I had no previous knowledge of the Maori people and thought they were closely linked to the Aboriginals of Australia, but that was not the case at all.They are Polynesians just like the Hawaiians which I was familiar with.

That night we stayed in Paihia so we could explore the Bay of Islands the next day.We went on a sailing cruise with Explorenz which was very relaxing.I’d never been sailing before so it was a wonderful tranquil experience since the boat moved so fast through the water without the blaring of engines.We stopped at a gorgeous Island to hike/swim/snorkel/kayak.I only wish we had more time at the Island since we didn’t have time to do everything we wanted.

Bay of Islands

Then we had to drive back to Auckland because we had a very busy schedule to get through.We went to Lissa’s office where we had a lovely view of the city by night and she pointed out “The White House” to me on the way back to her apartment.Apparently it is a strip joint.

White House