On November 8 we arranged a Bay of Islands cruise with Fuller Tours out to Hole in the Rock at the mouth of the bay and around the islands in the bay, including watching for dolphin pods.
Route of the Fuller boat tour - departed Paihia and stopped at Russell to pick up other passengers before touring the Bay of Islands and passing through the Hole in the Rock and making the return trip to Paihia.
The boat looked for pods of dophins which are common in the Bay of Islands - some friendlier than others depending on whether young dolphins are in the pod.
Some of the islands were inhabited and some had impressive vacation houses.
As we moved out of the Bay of Islands and into the Pacific Ocean the boat was radioed that a pod of Killer Whales or Orca was proceeding down the east coast.
Our boat headed for the Orca pod and was able to catch up with them.
I think this was the boat that radioed that they had spotted the Orcas.
Outside of the Bay of Islands the coast was covered with nesting birds.
Hole in the Rock is located near where the Bay of Islands opens into the Pacific Ocean.
View of Cape Brett at entry into Bay of Islands with Cape Brett Lighthouse.
On the way back we docked at one of the Bay of Islands and took a short walk.
Bill trying another Fish and Chips - this time at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell.
Route of the Fuller boat tour - departed Paihia and stopped at Russell to pick up other passengers before touring the Bay of Islands and passing through the Hole in the Rock and making the return trip to Paihia.
Black Shag or Cormorant
The boat looked for pods of dophins which are common in the Bay of Islands - some friendlier than others depending on whether young dolphins are in the pod.
Close up of a couple of dolphins near the boat.
The Bay of Islands lived up to its name. The boat cruised close to a number of picturesque islands.
Dolphins close to the boat.
Islands behind other islands.
I am sure these islands have names but can't remember what they are.
Some of the islands were inhabited and some had impressive vacation houses.
As we moved out of the Bay of Islands and into the Pacific Ocean the boat was radioed that a pod of Killer Whales or Orca was proceeding down the east coast.
Our boat headed for the Orca pod and was able to catch up with them.
We saw 3 separate Orca whales.
Great sighting!!
I think this was the boat that radioed that they had spotted the Orcas.
Outside of the Bay of Islands the coast was covered with nesting birds.
Bill on the Fuller Boat.
Sailboat with Bay of Islands lighthouse high on the cliff.
Hole in the Rock is located near where the Bay of Islands opens into the Pacific Ocean.
The boat went through the Hole in the Rock.
Going into the Hole in the Rock.
Any little piece of rock is good for a nest.
View of Cape Brett at entry into Bay of Islands with Cape Brett Lighthouse.
Cape Brett Lighthouse.
Karen on the Fuller Boat.
On the way back we docked at one of the Bay of Islands and took a short walk.
Bill on the back of the boat.
On the way back we got off the boat in Russell rather than Paihai and explored that picturesque town. This looked like a wedding party of guys having fun.
A Westie on the boat dock very interested in their owner's full up.
Bill trying another Fish and Chips - this time at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell.
Karen at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
Oldest Church in New Zealand. We think things are not very old in the U.S. - they are really not very old in New Zealand - except for the true inhabitants of course - Indians in U.S. and Maori in New Zealand.
The Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
We took the ferry from Russell back to Paihia where our car was parked. This restaurant in Paihia sits at 35 degrees South. We had dinner at the Alfresco's Restaurant and Bar before heading back to Cook's Lookout.