Walking up in our own apartment was a change from the usual banging of doors and sounds of shouting we have become accustom to in the world of Hostels. The apartment has a beautiful terrace at its front which provides some great views of the scenic Bay. We briefly enjoyed the sounds and flutters of the birds before we realised we were hungry. Tom complained that the shreddies monster was pounding his belly. We decided we needed to act quickly so we walked down towards the local town.
We have become used to a few bits of bread and croissants for breakfast, Mike wanted a good old greasy breakfast to remind him of jolly Ireland. After our feast we were full to the brim. The activity we had planned for today was the Mack Attack. We made our way slowly towards the harbour to book the trip. They told us that they had an opening for straight away so we decided ya what’s the harm in going now. We got kitted up for the Mack Attack.
We boarded the speedboat and were told all the places we were going to visit. The highlight of the trip was going to be a hole in the rock which didn’t sound amazing but we went into it open minded. As the boat began to gain speed the experience became to live. The boat was skimming the top of the water and we were being thrown from left to right to left again. As we rose up Gary shouted I hope my breakfast doesn’t come up with me. The ride was thrilling and almost back breaking. The driver slowed down the boat and told us that he wanted to speed things up by 30% and for the less adventurous people to move to the back. Of course we being thrill seekers we decided to step to the front to get the best of the impact. The boat was actually out of the water this time. The brochure really didn’t sell the rush the bouncing up and down provided. After an hour of this we reached our destination. We had found the Hole in the Rock. It was in an impressive Island called Persie Island. We drove into the Hole and got to see just how erosion had created such spectacular scenery. Persie Island also has an underwater cave that is described as being the second best underwater cave dive. On the way back we saw a rock in the shape of Princess which legend says protects the Maori. She looks after them while they are at sea. Mike was shocked at how real she looks. Cape Brett was viewable on the way back which has a wonderful lighthouse. It was great to see Brett again ;-)
After getting off the boat it was impossible to walk and took us ten minutes to adjust. Once we were adjusted our next point of call was Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This ground would give us a more depth insight into the history of New Zealand. This is the single most symbolic place in New Zealand for the Maori. The location provided history that provided similarities between Ireland and New Zealand. It told the story of New Zealand’s struggle for its identity. The grounds included the Treaty house, Maori Meeting house and a War Canoe as well as a fantastic look out over the bay. The Treaty house is the location in which the Maori leaders signed the declaration of independence. The War Canoe was impressive and in times of war would fit 76 Maori warriors. After the history lesson we decided to head back to Sublime Apartments.
We got kitted out and went for dinner to discuss the good day we were having. We still haven’t fully adjusted to New Zealand customs. As a result of our time in South America we only headed out for dinner at 10. The restaurant was considering not serving us but after a few smiles we were in business. A good meal with some nice music only helped improve spirits. We decided to head to a few bars to see what Paihia had to offer. After a few quiet drinks we headed to a Karaoke bar. Tom was tempted to go up but the performances were to a high standard so he decided not to risk it. A few more drinks and it was time to go. We were all high after the day so we decided to head home.
Stay Posted
Conor
We have become used to a few bits of bread and croissants for breakfast, Mike wanted a good old greasy breakfast to remind him of jolly Ireland. After our feast we were full to the brim. The activity we had planned for today was the Mack Attack. We made our way slowly towards the harbour to book the trip. They told us that they had an opening for straight away so we decided ya what’s the harm in going now. We got kitted up for the Mack Attack.
We boarded the speedboat and were told all the places we were going to visit. The highlight of the trip was going to be a hole in the rock which didn’t sound amazing but we went into it open minded. As the boat began to gain speed the experience became to live. The boat was skimming the top of the water and we were being thrown from left to right to left again. As we rose up Gary shouted I hope my breakfast doesn’t come up with me. The ride was thrilling and almost back breaking. The driver slowed down the boat and told us that he wanted to speed things up by 30% and for the less adventurous people to move to the back. Of course we being thrill seekers we decided to step to the front to get the best of the impact. The boat was actually out of the water this time. The brochure really didn’t sell the rush the bouncing up and down provided. After an hour of this we reached our destination. We had found the Hole in the Rock. It was in an impressive Island called Persie Island. We drove into the Hole and got to see just how erosion had created such spectacular scenery. Persie Island also has an underwater cave that is described as being the second best underwater cave dive. On the way back we saw a rock in the shape of Princess which legend says protects the Maori. She looks after them while they are at sea. Mike was shocked at how real she looks. Cape Brett was viewable on the way back which has a wonderful lighthouse. It was great to see Brett again ;-)
After getting off the boat it was impossible to walk and took us ten minutes to adjust. Once we were adjusted our next point of call was Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This ground would give us a more depth insight into the history of New Zealand. This is the single most symbolic place in New Zealand for the Maori. The location provided history that provided similarities between Ireland and New Zealand. It told the story of New Zealand’s struggle for its identity. The grounds included the Treaty house, Maori Meeting house and a War Canoe as well as a fantastic look out over the bay. The Treaty house is the location in which the Maori leaders signed the declaration of independence. The War Canoe was impressive and in times of war would fit 76 Maori warriors. After the history lesson we decided to head back to Sublime Apartments.
We got kitted out and went for dinner to discuss the good day we were having. We still haven’t fully adjusted to New Zealand customs. As a result of our time in South America we only headed out for dinner at 10. The restaurant was considering not serving us but after a few smiles we were in business. A good meal with some nice music only helped improve spirits. We decided to head to a few bars to see what Paihia had to offer. After a few quiet drinks we headed to a Karaoke bar. Tom was tempted to go up but the performances were to a high standard so he decided not to risk it. A few more drinks and it was time to go. We were all high after the day so we decided to head home.
Stay Posted
Conor
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