January 5, 2025

Christmas in Bay of Islands

On our northern journey Christmas day, we stopped to view the church in Wellsford.  Many refer to this building as the Chicken Coop.  We also stopped to see the church Rick and the real estate just purchased.  The Methodist/Presbyterian church will provide a larger and nicer space for the ward to meet.  Sorry, no picture of the new facility. 

Whangarei Falls

 Terrific group.  The Pacific Area office closes for two weeks during the holiday season.  However, we are still missionaries.  We wear badges, carry pass-a-long cards, smile at those who stare, and field questions from those who ask.  We’re always on the “job”.

Point Reinga lighthouse.  This marks the northern most point of New Zealand.

Kreigers, Leaches, Ryttings, Smiths, and Hafens.

View the Tazman Sea meeting the Pacific Ocean.  The differences between the two bodies of water were truly breathtaking.  The fierce winds caused the plastic raincoats of these beautiful Chinese children to fill with air as though they’d begin to fly.

Irene relished the sea air as she leaned out the window while we drove on 90-mile beach.  This reminded me of a scene from the movie “Footloose”.

Irene jumps into Paul’s arms as the cars come to a stop on 90-mile beach. 

John Leach helps Rick balance as he puts on his flip flops to walk along the beach

Coca Cola Lake on the Kari Kari Peninsula.  The Māori name is Lake Rotopokaka.  The peat and tannins in the water give the lake a distinct “cola” color.   Thankfully, the water is clean and fresh.

Rick and I enjoy kayaking on the calm, amber colored lake.

Stuart and Ellie helped to outfit us for a morning on the lake.  Stuart politely asked the age of our group as I called to reserve the watercraft.  I assured him we were seniors but still very active.  He seemed pleasantly surprised to see we were capable and even came with some boating experience.  Sister Sherrie Smith opted for the paddle board, and he was impressed with her skills.

Paul and Irene Rytting paddle through the lake.  The bird activity provided a pleasurable show.

Linda and John Leach finally arrive and kayak together.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds.  Māori Chiefs signed their accord with the British Crown in this 1840 treaty.  Ceremonial war canoe, Ngātokimatawhaorua, is launched every February as a part of Waitangi Day.  It needs 80 men to paddle it.

 As the boat approaches Hole in the Rock, I question our ability to pass through the narrow opening.

The boat succeeds passage - we cheer as the massive walls expose Hole in the Rock.

On the other side of the hole.

Notice the flock of birds.  They feast on a school of fish below.  The comb-crested Jacana bird, also called the Jesus bird as its long toes appear to walk across the water before taking flight.  We enjoyed this spectacular view of a healthy ocean.

Army Bay on Motorua island

On the island stop, our boat steward cut open several sea urchins and offered the raw fish delicacy to anyone who wanted a sample.  Rick tasted one and proclaimed it was salty and fishy.

We enjoyed our Kari Kari Christmas in Aotearoa under the Pohutukawa trees.