This photo is actually at the airport in Auckland. We’re waiting to get on our flight to Paihia. Little did we know what was about to take place! We boarded the plane in torrential rain and took off. About an hour into the very turbulent flight the captain announced we were not given clearance to land due to the weather and we had to return to Auckland! Once there, we spent several hours securing seats on the next day’s flight and accommodations for the night in a much less than any star motel!Finally departing in great weather for Paihia!We toured this walking track for Aruru Falls.Not as pretty or spectacular as other falls we’ve seen but worth the trip.
Day 2 in Paihia, Our Sailing Adventure
This is the catamaran we went on with Barefoot Sailing Adventures and or guide and captain, Luke.A beautiful morning for sailing too!Captain Luck had a map so we would’t get lost!He also showed us this about their bird sanctuary . He pointed out that the national bird of New Zealand is the Kiwi, which is a flightless bird and nocturnal, so rarely seen! He thought that was rather odd since there are so many beautiful birds there as well!The captain made us all very comfy for the trip out on the net in some bean bag chairs.This was the other couple who were on our sailing adventureCaptain Luke with Joni….Wait, who’s driving the boat!?!?A beautiful house with their own private dock and beach.Joni had to get a selfie with Captain Luke!Colorful sailboat!Captain Luke stopped at this secluded island beach and we had sack lunches he provided.He also provided some stand up paddle boards which the other couple who were with us took advantage of. Jan and I relaxed on the beach while Lane and Joni hiked inland to the other side of the island.Since this island is a sanctuary, they have lots of rules to follow.It was a very quiet, peaceful place for sure!Given the abundant foliage and terrain the girls hike didn’t last too long!Joni did get a few pictures of their hike, it looks to be pretty narrow of a trail!Their view back to the beach from up there.After returning from our sailing adventure, we had to have dinner across from the beach at The Tipsy Oyster!The next morning back to the Airport for our return trip to Auckland.This was a much calmer and pleasant flight than the two flights here! Don’t worry, the propellers were really working, this picture just stopped it visually!Our last views of Paihia.
We've been full time RVers since 2015 and have been fortunate enough to have seen all 50 states (we flew to Hawaii and alaska) and stayed in each at least one week! It's been an awesome adventure but we've decided to park our fifth wheel in Yuma Arizona, mostly because its warm year round!
By staying put in one place we can now do other travel both in the USA and abroad.
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