Kerikeri, New ZealandApril 26, 2007
Bright sun was shining down on our tent causing condensation to drip and hit me in the eye, quickly jolting me awake. It was right around 8:00 AM and I could hear the birds singing, ducks quacking, and the stream running only a few meters from our tent. The noise was calming and a perfect way to start the day… minus the water in the eyes.
As we drank coffee at our campsite we decided it was the perfect day to hit the Bay of Islands half-day cruise. With a cloudless sky, Shelby and I quickly walked up to the Holiday Park reception office and booked our tickets. Anxious to explore the islands, there were only two things on our mind—a day of perfect weather and the expectation of stunning scenery… just like in all the shiny tourists’ pamphlets we’ve collected.
We drove 22KM from Kerikeri to Paihia to catch the ferry to the various islands and the infamous “Hole in the Rock.” The tour was scheduled for four hours with a one hour stop-over on Otehei Island.
The catamaran set sail at precisely 1:30 PM to perfect weather. We sat on the upper deck where we could see the spectacular scenery and incandescent colors surrounding us. The bright blue water, surrounded islands of lime green pastures and dark green forests; this combined with the rainbow colors of sea kayaks treading the waters around the islands only added to the potpourri of colors.
There was only a small disappointment. At the end of Cape Brett stands a light house that operated until 1978 when it became automated; it’s now a tourist attraction. I was excited to take a picture of the light house for my Mom since she spends some of her spare time volunteering at the local lighthouse in Westport, WA. However, when we reached the Cape the lighthouse was covered with tarpaulin and scaffolding. Apparently, the light house is undergoing a much needed renovation—sorry Mom.
We moved from the lighthouse to the highlight of the cruise, the “Hole in the Rock,” which was truly 
astounding. The rock formation is millions of years old and no one knows when the hole formed. None of us thought our skipper was actually going to navigate the catamaran through the Hole. In fact, Marc started feeling ill about this time since the seas in the Pacific Ocean were a little choppy, and headed downstairs where the ride was calmer. He figured the Captain was simply showing us the Hole and then would head towards our stopover point on Otehei Island. Luckily, he realized we were going through the Hole and quickly moved to the outside bow and enjoyed the experience as we did upstairs… minus the seasickness.
astounding. The rock formation is millions of years old and no one knows when the hole formed. None of us thought our skipper was actually going to navigate the catamaran through the Hole. In fact, Marc started feeling ill about this time since the seas in the Pacific Ocean were a little choppy, and headed downstairs where the ride was calmer. He figured the Captain was simply showing us the Hole and then would head towards our stopover point on Otehei Island. Luckily, he realized we were going through the Hole and quickly moved to the outside bow and enjoyed the experience as we did upstairs… minus the seasickness. The captain had eight feet on each side of the boat to clear the rock walls; we didn’t think she could do it, but she proved us wrong. When we got to the other side, the sun was starting to set and the sun glistened on top of the water. Shelby, Dustin and I stood on top snapping pictures like crazy and holding on for dear life as the boat rocked back and forth from the choppy Pacific waters.
As we headed away from the rock I went to check on Marc, he was fine, and I was happy to learn he saw the miraculous Hole in the Rock. The afternoon was really spectacular and one of those things you really have to do as a tourist.Tomorrow we continue our road trip heading further North towards Cape Reinga.
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