From our campsite we took a short drive into Paihia. Paihia has plenty of water action – kayaks, jet ski, sailing. We wandered along the first stretch of beach and then into the town. Pottered around the shops for a while and then took a ferry into Russell. There were 5 companies operating trips across to Russell. But conveniently they all charged the same rate and your return ticket did not have to be used with the same company.
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The trip was a tranquil 20 minutes or so. Russell was built in the late 1800’s, there are plenty of historical buildings still about. We took a walk along the waterfront and then into the town. We decided on an early lunch at Hone’s. They were playing good music, which promised only good things. Simple setting, simple tasty food, friendly service and good reggae on the side. We found a Kapiti shop not too far away for some ice-cream dessert. Saw an old guy buy and ice-cream for himself and one for his dog.
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Spent a while sitting on the edge of the pebble beach watching boats come in and go out, and ducks paddling about. That’s the police station in the first photo below.
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Then took the ‘fast ferry’ (a speed boat) back to Paihia. We booked ourselves on a list of people waiting for jet ski rental. We changed in the van and then sat on the beach reading books till our turn came up. Ryan did the driving and I clung onto his life jacket as he continually bettered his top speed, performed zig zags and figure eights. Crazy nut! But put a big smile on both our faces.
Popped into Countdown to stock up on some food and then back to the campsite. We’d had a sunny start to the day and the evening had become overcast. By the time we were braaing for supper, it was drizzling. Quite comical to have the two of us and the braai huddled under the van’s back door. But there were prawns to be cooked and they were delicious.
Day 5: about 10km travelled (by van). Ferry route in red.
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