Paihia

Bay of Islands view
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Spent several days in the Bay of Islands area, staying in the town of Paihia.  Took a half-day cruise, which passed near many of the islands, and went through the famous Hole in the Rock.  Despite the overcast day, the views were amazing.

I enjoyed imagining myself as the keeper of the lighthouse (which is no longer manned), and as the guy with the dog who apparently lived (or at least was staying) in a tiered house that spanned a beautiful stretch of beach on an island.

Lighthouse and keeper's quarters
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Took the option of alighting in the historic town of Russell, where I strolled along the coast and admired the attractive buildings, including the church and the police station.

Afterwards, drove to National Park.  On the way, stopped at the petrol station in a place called Kawakawa.  Twice.  Owing to the fact that I drove almost two hours (one-way) in the wrong direction on Route 1.  Still not sure how this happened?