Hello all!

I have an especially exciting surprise for everyone today, and that is pictures! I'll add them in the appropriate places, so make sure you do some scrolling down over the next few days.

But on with the update!

So me, Ryan and PK picked up our rental car Tuesday and headed north. First stop was Goat Island Marine Reserve, NZ first marine reserve ever! We did some snorkelling, and some lying on the beach, which was enjoyable. Then we continued north along some serious windy roads until we got to Mangawhai. We stopped there because there was a campground with a pool. Sadly, the use of the pool require that we pay. Boo to that. Instead, Ryan and I headed to the local pub to play some pool. Poorly, I might add.

Next day we got all the way up to Paihia, which is uber touristy. But that's okay, because it's right on the gorgeous Bay of Islands.

So after a fantastic dinner and a fairly early night, we got up early and spent the day sailing on a tall ship.
We got to stop for a bit of a hike on one of the islands, and the views were spectacular, as you can see:

The next day I headed for the Waitangi National Reserve. The reserve is where the Waitangi Treaty was signed in 1840. Signed by the Maori and the British, its still controversial, and the basis of race relations here in NZ today. There's also a huge traditional canoe and meeting house, that were built for the 100th anniversary.


After spending two nights in Paihia, we headed for the west coast, and the tiny town of Apihara. There's not much going on there, except for surfing! So PK and I rented boards for a few days, and Ryan did a trip up to the northern tip of the island, at Cape Reinga.

Sadly, we had to ditch Ryan because he's hideously annoying, and though we did offer to drop him at the nearest bus station, he refused and went off with some Germans.

So PK and I headed south and drove through Waipoua forest, which is a nature reserve with many Pauri trees in it. Pauri trees are amazing. They grow to be super old, and are huge.


That night we camped in the middle of nowhere beside some lakes. Yay for lake swimming!

The next day we did a lot of driving, and ended up in a small town called Matamata. Which no had ever been to until a few years ago. Because the Lord of the Rings filmed there, and now you can go on a tour of Hobbiton. However, the tour was $50, and frankly, I'm not that big a fan. So instead, this morning we hiked up to see a 150m waterfall, which was gorgeous.

We're now in Rotorua, to check out some geysers, and I'll be sure and take some photos for everyone!