Day 7

Today we went on a boat-beach- heli cruse. It involved each of the above and it was Pamela's Christmas present and as such it was a surprise. We started with a hearty breakfast at our accommodation then headed to the Russell wharf to await collection by boat for our day away. our boat was waiting and we were the only passengers so off we go. we have a brief tour of a few of the 144 islands with a little history lesson as we go. We see the place Captain Cook anchored.

 
We land on an island with both ends privately owned and the center in public care.

We then head for our own beach for the day. Now considering the amount of boats and people here at present, our skipper did very well to find us a beach that was deserted. Unfortunately we did not have it all to our selves as boats soon mored off the beach and filled the area with the sounds of children having fun.

Later our lunch was delivered, a feast of many courses delivered in a brown paper bag. We then continued to enjoy our beach, the sun, cool water and the view until 2:30. Our boat returned and took us to their floating heli pad off on of the adjacent islands. From there we flew over some of the islands viewing the Hole in the Rock and other wonderful sights.

 The hole is large enough for sizable pleasure craft to go through. The pilot also informed us the helicopter will fit through but fortunately he did not take us through. Back we headed to the main land, across the bay from Russell, Paihia,and the end of our day.We took the ferry back to Russell and settled down for the remainder of the afternoon. Dinner was burgers and a fine NZ red eaten on the veranda of our accommodation.

Another fabulous day in NZ. Tomorrow back to Auckland, pick up Mum and head south to who knows where.