16th to 18th September 2020
There were just two Meandering MacLeods for this trip! We somehow ended up without any children and so it would have been very rude not to have taken advantage of this and escaped!
So it was decided the Bay Of Islands would be the place to go. After dropping off three children at three different places it was time for us to head off on our own adventure.
We headed north and by the time we got to Waipu decided it was time for some nosh. We had some really good chips from Magic Tasty Takeaways in Waipu and there is a lovely park very close by to sit and enjoy.
Then we continued up to Paihia, we had booked to stay at Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia. This is a great hotel right on the waterfront and literally less than a minutes walk into town. Perfect location. We booked using an "Away to Go" deal and had two nights bed and breakfast for $209, which is a fabulous deal, we didn't have a sea view, or actually a great view at all but we didn't spend much time in the room so it didn't matter. The room itself was very clean and a great size, the beds were very comfy. The hotel has a pool, a spa, games room, gym and restaurant. We had breakfast each morning in the restaurant overlooking the water. The breakfast selection was amazing, I couldn't even count the number of varieties of juice!! There was a great hot selection (which could have been hotter), plenty of fruit and yoghurt, cereal, even chocolate chips to top your cereal. Garth informed me there were actually 4 different types of chocolate!! They also have a nice bread and muffin selection, thoroughly enjoyed the brekkie. The spa is inside a private room and you need to make a booking at reception for a half hour slot, great temp and very relaxing.
Saturday we were awake bright and early to a beautiful day. We had decided to walk from Paihia to Opua, the Opua Coastal Walk is about 12 km return and took us about 2 hours each way. We weren't rushing and we stopped to take lots of photos and admire the view. The first section is tidal, this we hadn't realised so had to walk the first 30mins on the road, there is a footpath. We walked the coastal route on the way back. The rest of the walk is on the coast but not affected by the tides. It is a well trodden path, some ups and downs but very doable and the views are wonderful, I spied a few houses that I could retire in! You end up in Opua where we replenished ourselves with milkshakes and iced chocolates from a very well stocked general store! The car ferry across to Russell leaves from here and is great fun to watch so we sat and soaked up the sun, had a wander then headed back.
On our return into Paihia we spent a good couple of hours sitting in Zane Grey's this is a cool place on a small pier over the water, comfy couches and even blankets when the sun went in. We had some wines and put the world to rights and generally enjoyed our quiet time without the throng of "Mum, Mum, Dad, Mum" in the background!! When we managed to pry ourselves away we had a look around the cute shops and then headed back to the hotel. We had booked a spa for a soak before we headed out for dinner.
We ate dinner at the Swordfish Club, this is where we had our "night before our wedding get together" fifteen years ago. It is a very casual and relaxed place with views over the water and the food isn't too bad either!
Sunday we headed to Haruru Falls, where we got married fifteen years ago! It is a lovely spot and well worth the visit. We had the place to ourselves.
Sadly then it was time to head home and collect all the kids! We stopped in Whangarei and dare I say it bought a couple of Christmas pressies!
It was a fantastic weekend and very much needed but it was nice to be home and surrounded by a loud and lively family again but I am looking forward to the next getaway!
https://swordfish.co.nz/barsbistros/
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