From Paihia to Paekakariki
Second week of New Zealand brought me from close to the northern most part of the North island to the very south. I had a great stay in Paihia, the cabins I stayed in were very nice. I was able to bike around the local area, which was real New Zealand bush, very thick vegetation. I went out on a "swim with the dolphins" cruise, but I was only able to look at them from the boat. The first pod had babies (no swiming with dolphin babies and protective moms!), the second pod had a bunch of playful teenagers, but by then the wind had whipped up and the skipper wouldn't let anyone in the water. It was a nice cruise and I (hopefully) got some good closeups of some dolphins. Finally I got to do a little kayaking. The trip across to Russel was fine, but the trip back we had a stiff headwind. It was quite the workout.

A local floating cafe along the Waitangi River
Paihai warf and down town.
My little cabin.
The view from my little cabin.
Rich with the Bay of Islands in the Background.
Rich finally finds someone with the same good taste in head wear.

I have since taken the Overlander train from the north down to Paekakariki (just a little outside of Wellington). The Backpacker hostel I'm staying at is nice, but the weather has turned sour (a southwester is blowing). Although it's still warm (mid 60's) there's rain and true to the guidebooks, Wellington is a windy city.

Wellington Harbor with plenty of wind.