New Zealand Day 3

Packed our stuff and left off for Whangeri and Bay Of Islands.


Snells Beach Resort

On the way to Pakiri Beach, we passed by some horses and decided to stop and take some photos of them.


Horses

Following the signs on the road, we ended up in Pakiri Beach when we intended to go Pakiri Horse Rides. The beach is incredible though. There is only another couple at the beach with the 4 of us and the whole scenery seems cut out from a postcard.


Awesome scenery


On Pakiri Beach

After enjoying the wonderful view, we headed to Pakiri horse rides. There were only 2 slots left for the hourly horse ride and Jr and i went for it first. It was slightly uncomfortable sitting on the saddle but i feel much taller while sitting on the horse. The horse trainer was bringing us on the 1 hour horse ride and our horses followed the lead of the trainer at a leisurely speed.


All prep to go!


Bumpy ride

It is a bit of an adrenalin rush when the horses trot briskly and we jerk up, down, left and right. We don't really know how to control the horse fully and we cannot predict the horses' movements.

There was one part when the horses start to gallop and we held on to the saddle with our feet and hands. During which, my left foot slipped out from the feet holder and it was dangling freely. If the horse had gone any faster, i might have fallen off.

Anyway, it was an interesting experience and i enjoyed the ride as well as the beautiful scenery.


End of the horse ride

After the 1 hour ride, it was Jm and Jh's turn and we had a bit of chat with the locals. Having about half an hour to spare, we decided to explore the area on our own.

We crossed the road, walked across a thin plank above a river, walked along the faint walking trails, went past the sand dunes and finally saw the sea again. Took several photos along the way.


Pakiri Landscape


The magnificent blue ocean

Received a phone call from jm and jh that they have finished their rides and we ran all the way back. We were exhausted and panting but our sweat was nowhere to be found.

We continued our journey to Bay of Islands and grabbed a bite at the nearest town for lunch.


Passed by some cows which are rather abundant over this country

We headed to Whangeri Falls along the way to Bay of Islands.


Barely visible Whangarei Falls


Waterfall in its full glory

Abel Tasman Motel was our final stop of the day after we had our dinner at a restaurant in Bay of Islands. Another $30 gone!