A Quick trip North to The Bay of Islands

Shaw on beach at Goat Island
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We rented a car for Friday and Saturday, Friday (the 9^th); we drove north toward the Bay of Islands. On the way we stopped off at Goat Island marine conservatory, a black sand beach that was breathtaking. Once we reached the Bay of Islands, we felt like we were really at a tourist location. There we so many people there and many beach side hotels; reminded me of Gulf Shores a little. We took a ferry over to Russell Island for lunch. The island is home to the country’s oldest church and we spent some time exploring the area. While this was a pretty area, Waiheke Island was much more exotic and entertaining. This was our first time driving on the left side of the road. Shaw drove the whole time, but I was just as nervous because I had the map and several times had to tell Shaw to stay left because he would be drifting to the right side of the road. We had a brand new maroon Toyota Corolla rental car which was great, but I was so afraid we would total it and ourselves. Luckily we didn’t!

This was our first time driving on the left side of the road.