The Northland Region - Paihia, NZ

Then we were off to Paihia in the Bay of Islands.  This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.  Tom Cruise spends a few months a year moored in the Bay of Islands and there are many exclusive resorts in the area for upwards of 12K per night.

You can see the collection of islands off in the distance.

The little town has many unique shops and artwork.

We rented a water taxi to take us to Roberton Island.  We essentially had the tropical island to ourselves for the day as there were only two boats moored in the bay over the lunch hour.  The island is made up of three lagoons. 

The following is a aerial view from the internet that gives you an idea of the three lagoons.

We spent the day exploring and digging sand castles.  Of course the latter turned into a competition between the girls and boys.  We brought along our paddle boards and enjoyed catching some surf just outside the bay and exploring the calmer lagoons.  Rob managed to surf some swells even in the lagoons.  

We were impressed by the change in the lagoons between hide tide and low tide.  We enjoyed exploring the tidal pools at low tide as it trapped many fish and other sea life. 

High Tide:

Low Tide:

We did the short hike to the peak of island to take in the magnificent views.

The following day we visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.  The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand's founding document and is an agreement that was made between the British Crown and the Maori Chiefs in 1840.  It secured British sovereignty over the Island.  The treaty was re-signed in 1974 and is now a National Holiday.

We ended our time in Paihia with a paddle board up the Waitangi River to the Haruru Falls.  It was a adventure as we struggled to paddle upstream against a strong current at times but worth the effort in the end.