Bay of Islands

Bay Of Islands in day.
I grew up in the around the Bay Of Islands, so with my parents still living there, it's great taking the kids to the old stomping grounds.

First stop the Kawakawa train. We pass through Kawakawa all the time and I had promised to take the kids on it for the longest time. Today was their lucky day. It goes right through the town to the Taumarere stop, about a half an hour round trip. So fun, the kids loved it.

 The famous Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa. If you need a tinkle...make sure you tinkle there ;)

It's quite unique having a train come right through the middle of town really. As member of the community it used to be quite an annoyance having to wait for it to pass through before you could proceed on to your destination. But when you experience from the other side it's quite fun.

Later on we went to the Rainbow Falls near Kerikeri. So pretty and a great little walk.

 

On our way out of Kerikeri I found this chocolate store open. And the first thing the salesperson does it offer us some samples. And oh... my...goodness...that was it..I spent way too much. I bought this .Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch. Traditional toffee made with wicked amounts of real New Zealand butter, laced with macadamia chips, coated with milk chocolates on both sides and dusted with macadamia fines
....so delicious

  

  It had a great little viewing platform for the kids to watch.

 Next we headed to Paihia Wharf

The kids found the RWC flags painted on the path and played hop scotch

And that is only scratching the surface...there is so much to see and do in this beautiful part of the country. It was great to be home for a day.