Paihia and Russell

Paihai is where we are staying in the Bay of Islands. Missionaries were the first to settle in 1823. Led by Rev Henry Williams they built a housr, a store and the first church in NZ. After breakfast D, G and I headed to the pier to get on the 20 minuteferry ride that tookus to Russell, or where the locals hope to have the name changed to Kororareka as it was an established Maori settlement with that name prior to Captain Cook's arrival.

Once we arrived at Russell we had a short wait for our booked mini bus tour. The delightful Kerry was our driver and guide.She had us hanging on every word. From the early1800's The town grew in response to being ideal as a provisioning port. It gained a reputation as a lawless and bawdy port and earnt the nickname "Hell Hole of the Pacific". It is now a quiet historic town that is simply horgeous. Flagstff Hill lookout provides 360 views. Christ Church is the oldest standing chirch in NZ and still carries the bullet holes from the Maori Wars.

After our tour we had a lovely light lunch right on the waters edge. Perfect weather and a lovely way to spend an hour. we got the mid afternoon ferry back to Paihaia and strolled around the little shopping area where I was able to buy a cheapie pair of magnified glasses (Chris's pair were a god send but had scrathes on them) so now I can see considerably better. Only excuse now for all the typos is fat fingers on a small keyboard! we stumbled into a top little pub 'Bad Habits' and were the only ones there. Staff were great, as they have bern everywhere, so took our time over a quiet tipple and then heded back to our hotel for a rest until dinner time where we went back up the street for Thai food at Green's Restaurant. Much to our amusement and pleasure our excellent food was delivered to our table by a robot! What a great evening. Eventually finished our meal and staring at the robots, to go for a walk around town, then back to the hotel and time for bed.