Bay of Islands Adventure – Feb 06

Blue skies, turquoise seas, sandy coves, marine wildlife…..this place has it all, including islands with names that are impossible to pronounce, like Urupukapuka…(you have a go!). 

We hopped on yacht Gungha sailing from Paihia andenjoyed the company of Skipper Mike and an international crew including Germans, Norwegian, Americans and many Japanese.  In this paradise spot, life seemed to be all about finding the clearest sea for snorkelling, tramping up lush green hills for another magical view and cruising along with sails set and a Steinlager in hand.   Occasionally the cry would go up from the bow – ‘Dolphins!’ and the entire yacht would lurch to that side as, cameras ready, we enjoyed a wonderful aquatic display from these beautiful mammals.

Things were going so well….that is until I got us marooned on Urupukapuka for the night.   (Skipper Mike had kindly agreed to collect us the next lunchtime) - so hardly a trauma, as this island was just stunning. 

We loped our way across to the south side past deserted heavenly beaches, occasionally languidly dipping our bodies in…..before walking on and finding a Māori Pa to explore and then to set up our trusty North Face tent on the nearby headland. 

Another stroke of luck….the local Rotary club was having a BBQ on the island at Otehei Bay and so we managed to join them for great scoff.  Saved cooking on the camping stove…and ensured that mighty Phil (!) had enough to keep him going for the big tramp back the next morning. 

True to his word, Mike sailed Gungha into our rendezvous point the next day and we enjoyed a great sarnie lunch on board with lashings of lemon pepper….(this stuff is delicious on cucumbers!).  Phil took the helm of the yacht and we enjoyed the cruise back to Paihia ending our first adventure…

Kiwi glossary
TRAMP = hike
PA = an ancient Māori fortified village site
STEINLAGER = great Kiwi beer