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YOLO New Zealand @ Bay of Islands - Day 1

We were getting ready to meet up our guides from Flying Kiwi and the rest of the tour mates for our next 10 days trip. The pick-up point was near a harbor, some 20 mins walk from Jucy Hostel. Yes, I definitely managed to survive a night in the hostel. Actually, the hostel is really clean. 




Marcel and Holly were our guides over the next 10 days and there were approx 12 people in this trip. We were the only Singaporeans in the group. There was quite a mix of people of different nationality. Mostly were from Germany while some were from UK and USA. There was a pretty blonde psychiatrist who looked like Emma Watson, from Ireland. 

We boarded the Flying Kiwi coach and set off north to the golden beaches and warm waters of Bay of Island. The journey was long from Auckland and I dozed off quite a fair bit. Views along the way were scenic farmlands. As we were the only Asian alongside a Hong Kong solo traveler  who worked in Sydney, the three of us clicked instantly.

Farmlands

Meatpie for lunch 

There were a few stops along the way for us to replenish our snacks, buy drinks and go to the toilet. Finally, the first stop was Uretiti beach, a scenic beach with soft white sand, perfect campsite in the Whangarei area. 


Uretiti Beach 




After sometime at the beach, it was time to continue our journey to the town of Paihia, the main gateway for the Bay of Islands . Paihia is a bustling seaside town right in the heart of Bay of Islands. 





We then headed for a hike through the forest to Haruru Falls. This was an exciting walk for us since we were city girls who hardly have time to hike. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the hike which was definitely a relaxing one. There was a also a  walking trail above the mangrove.The Haruru waterfalls is quite small but very picturesque in the forest setting. Haruru means big noise and is in a unusual horseshoe shape that can be quite spectacular.  











After our hike, it was time to journey toward our campsite for the day. I was feeling a little exhausted already and guess what, the guides actually put us on duty roaster to prepare dinner for the team. This was really too much for me on my first day, especially where I've got to pitch my own tent, which was really not a easy chore. 

Our camp was nestled by the riverside within the Bay of Islands Holiday Park. I was over the top because this was my first camping experience. As I've said pitching the tents were not easy and it took me ages to figure out the pitching techniques. Luckily, our guide Marcel was very helpful and came to our help. 




We prepared and cooked our dinner, green curry chicken rice right at the park. How cool was that!


That's how we prepared our dinner right in the park

For those who enjoyed the thrill of evening & night canoeing by the river.


River next to our campsite


Simple meal but so satisfying 








Very clean bathrooms. I am impressed.


The most wonderful thing staying in a tent is that you are in harmony with the nature. I could hear the sound of the river as well as the crickets which can be quite a nuisance, the rustle of the trees and also chirping of the birds. The downside was of course, no TV and no wifi connection and hence, no facebook or whatsoever. Also, I hated the sandflies that hovered around our lights outside of our tents. 

But still, I love the cosy tents as we snuggled in our sleeping bag and fall alsleep under the canopies and the stars. We were fully exhausted. 

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