Bay of Islands

Sunday 10th February

Ended up seeing Katie and Dave last night (Vicki's sister) which was lovely. We met for coffee then went over to theirs for dinner together with a friend that I had met on my day trip. We had a lovely evening (their place is beautiful with stunning views of the city) and to have a home cooked meal was a real treat.

Was back by midnight though as had an early start up to the Bay of Islands. It had started to rain too so was wasn't quite sure how much I was going to see today. However by the time we arrived the rain had stopped which meant we could explore a bit.

Pahia (where we were staying) is known not just for its beautiful coastline but as New Zealand's first permanent English settlement where the treaty between the Maoris and the Brits was signed in 1840. Somehow myself and a couple of girls I met managed to sneak in for free and see where the treaty was signed and the 35m war canoe saving us $12 in the process.

That evening we had a BBQ at our hostel then headed out for a few drinks with the German lads that we were also sharing with. We didn't have a choice really as the other guy sharing with us the girls had had the misfortune of sharing with before and not only did he have a personal hygiene issue he also snored uncontrollably. They weren't joking either and despite the guys rattling his bunk bed to try and rouse him he wouldn't stop. In the end one guy got up grabs him and shakes him whilst shouting 'Look mate none of us can sleep here please be a bit more ******* considerate'. Well it certainly did the trick for a bit and I managed to drif off to sleep.