Northward

Packed and ready to start our next leg of the journey, we set a course northward again. Past Leigh and Warkworth, we ventured further north than I had been before. This was mostly a travelling day, through the hills and forests, through Brynderwyn (a very small speck on the map with an awesome name), and eventually into Whangarei. Our final destination was Paihia in the Bay of Islands, but we had one stop to make along the way. On Dad's list of things to see was Whale Bay near Matapouri, so we detoured off the main highway for lunch and a little sightseeing. The menu, you guessed it, peanut butter and jam, mixing it up a bit with some plum rather than strawberry. Under the branches of a Pohutukawa tree we munched in the clearing mists of the day. The walk down was, as always, pleasant and green. The coastline seemed more rugged than Cathedral cove, the smooth edges replaced with more jagged rocky outcrops. As before, the green lush hills gave way to sandy beaches.

As if knowing we were coming, the clouds dissipated slightly to provide a bit of sun for us. The beach was a hidden gem with aspects for everyone. The rocky shores provided numerous invertebrates and algae for a wondering marine biologist, soft white sands with gentle lapping waves of cool water for the beach bums, clear blue waters for the swimmers, and plenty of picturesque views for those with their faces behind their lenses.

This picturesque spot was definitely a favourite of mine, and lived up to Dad's expectations as well. We spent a good hour just walking the shore and basking in the tropical feel for a bunch of Canadians. Geoff practically had to be dragged from the water. As time ticked onward, we were forced to retreat to the shade of the flowering Pohutukawa trees, dry off, and continue our journey. Although we would see many stupendous sights in the north, this one would hold a special place for me, and I will likely find myself here again!

The rest of the days journey put is into Paihia at a very quaint bach where we settled in to some supper and prepared for our next days excursion into the Bay of Islands.