The Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands -

A few hours north of Auckland is the Bay of Islands. There is a small area where people go on vacation, sailing, swimming, dolphins and relax. The main tourist town Paihia, although many people to go to the nearby Russßell. If you've ever been to the Cape, Martha's Vineyard, Byron Bay, or any seaside town, which is entirely dependent on tourism, then you will have a good idea of ​​what this area is like.

There is not much going on in this area, so it is going a great place to visit and relax. It can be very touristy, but the range of activities on the sea and the feeling of peace more than make up. You may cancel your days lying on the beach, swimming, horseback riding, sailing, hiking, or take a boat to spend to explore the bay and swimming with dolphins, which seems to be the biggest attraction here.

I have the Super NZ dolphin tour. The guides were friendly and informative, but we have not seen a lot of dolphins, and the one that we saw too quickly moved to get any good pictures of them (like all my dolphin and whale tours). We spent a few hours trying porpoises without finding success, and I tried to find something to kill my boredom. We have a break on this beautiful island, where you could swim and relax, but the water here, while a beautiful turquoise green was too cold for me. I'm spoiled by tropical water, and 20 Celsius water makes me into an icicle.

In the absence of dolphins, there was no swimming with them. It did not bother me, but my friends were really interested in doing it. The only thing I can not figure out (and all businesses here seem to take this step) is why it costs extra to swim with dolphins. These tours are to begin about 0 NZD with, but dolphin swimming costs 30 NZD Extra. Why? We are all on the boat anyway, so there is no extra work involved. Are the dolphins that mean a? Bezweifel it. What if I fall into the water just happened? Will I 30 NZD also charged? I find no good reason why people calculate on the boat get to, and then in addition to just go in the water with the dolphins. All companies draw here this trick, and I think it's just a way to get more money from tourists.

That being said, the tour itself was cool, the staff knew their facts, and if dolphins are your thing, you want to go the money and see how to spend it. Or if dolphins are not your thing, you can sail, kayak or take tours of the bay. Whatever you do, you must out into the bay. It is where all the action is, even if the water is cold!

There is not much more to say about the Bay of Islands. It is one of those places that you come to relax for a few days. I could not stay here more than four or five days, when many backpackers seem to spend weeks here. I think that much to do with the available jobs here and the fact that the beer is pretty cheap. What little nightlife, the city revolves around two backpacker bars and a local bar Many of the locals come to the backpacker bars because, as a last night said to me. "There is no one else, and the beer is cheaper." And while backpacker bars can be an interesting and fun time, I would hate to know that she was my only option at night. After two nights, I am of them already sick.

The restaurants in the city, however, are pretty good ,. I recommend two. For good sandwiches (get the breakfast panini!), The head of the Beach House. Everything is about 8 NZD well portioned and tasty. They also have free WiFi access. Did I mention you should try the sandwich breakfast? For some great seafood, go only seafood. It is on the beach and is not a budget option. A meal here can be set back at least 50 NZD. However, it was my budget every penny worth to go. The salmon and lightly seared tuna were mouth watering. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back there.

The Bay of Islands is beautiful, and you could about three days here and tick off, to spend all the activities. Or you could stay longer and relax in one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. It is also a great place to work because there is not much to distract you. I have enjoyed my time here, but three days was enough.

For more information, please visit Traveling my guide to New Zealand.

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