Cruising around the Bay of Islands NZ We've just got back from a 3 week trip to check out some Bay of Islands activities in New Zealand, yep I finally did it, followed the plan that's been fermenting for the last few years and took the wife and kids to check out the land of the Frodo and Bilbo. The aim was to get some greenery away from the desert that we've been living in recently, and well, have fun! Out of Auckland as quick as possible, some mates told us "get on a bus up to the Bay of Islands, you won't regret it", so off we went. We popped over a hill around Opua-way, after a few hours of listening to the usual screaming baby/snoring olds combination, and saw the Bay in the distance, lovely! Russell and Paihia were in front of us, and just beyond more than 140 islands (which inspired Captain Cook to gave this area its name), and they are still just waiting to be explored. In this aim we rented a small motorboat and headed out every day for a spot of fishing, back to put them on the 'barbie' at the Bay of Islands hostel we were staying in, the excellent Saltwater Lodge. This place, ran by a young Kiwi (that's what they call the locals) couple, was great. Gareth, the male side of the management, was always keen to help cook the fish (ok, we did give him a couple of the days catch and a few beers!). Lucy, his wife, had an inexhaustible supply of tips for a family (they also have a small child so they knew where we were coming from). In fact probably most folk that come up to the north of NZ are looking for Bay of Islands activities, with the sailing trips particularly popular, for good reason. We did, I have to admit, get hooked on the sailing plan and ended up heading out past Waitangi to the outer islands a few days running! There's also skydiving, parapenting, fishing, day cruises, overnight cruises, and even beaches in the towns (check out Long Beach in Russell). Explore a few cultural things, like a Maori Night Show or even go paddling in a replica maori canoe (that one was great) if you want to change things up. We moved the crew out to Urupukapuka, the largest island in the Bay, for a week of sun, wind and waves. There's a small campsite in a secluded bay that's perfect to explore out of in kayaks, and the waters teem with fish if you fancy pulling one in for the family. All in all a great vacation at a great price. Oh - don't miss out on the 'Fish and Chips' on the waterfront in Paihia!