Boat trip to the Hole in the Rock

Clodagh and I went on a boat trip in the Bay of Islands, which had started from Paihia and we picked it up from the Russell Wharf.

 

 

We went at great speed across the Bay, which consists of about 150 islands, but then slowed for a sight of Cook's Bay. Captain Cook was the first European to come here in 1769.

 

He is said to have climbed to the top of what is now known as 'Cook's Lookout' and given the bay the name 'Bay of Islands'.

It became a favourite place of harbour for whalers.

We passed many beautiful and unoccupied islands.

And on some the occupation looked rather lonely...

 

 

 

...and on others the occupation looked a little grander.

 

 

Then the highlight of our trip, the dolphins. We slowed in an area where they jumped and...

...frolicked around our boat. A great sight.

 

We then got to the 'Hole in the Rock', which boats can often go through

 

 

 

 

 

but it was too rough for our boat to attempt it.

 

 

We then sped back from one hole to another. Russell had once been known as the 'Hell-hole of the Pacific', during the time it was frequented by the bay's whalers.

 

In the evening a walk round to Long Beach.

That was followed by a farewell dinner back in Russell at the Duke of Marlborough restaurant, courtesy of Lyall, with Simon and John and all the family, including John's parents.

The end of an interesting and very enjoyable stay in what must be one of the most beautiful of the world's holiday locations. One can well understand why Simon and John wanted to hold their wedding here. What a memorable week!

 

Robert Cole