Matapouri Beach, Mermaid Pool, Russell, Paihia

Matapouri Beach, Northland

A secretive path from the beach going through a steep hill leads to this Mermaid Pool above =) Apparently many people knows about it.. LOL.. The guys are enjoying the pool jumping in this cliff side pool..

Making our way to Russell, we passed by this artistic little town, Kawakawa, which has the most beautiful toilet ever! It is even more artistic inside =) Surely have to utilize this loo a while!

 

Also another artistic wall for picture to stretch our legs and backs a little while continuing our drive to Russell..

At the Russell car ferry.. $11 for car + driver, extra passenger $1

Christ Church, NZ oldest church built in 1836

Russell was the first permanent European settlement, thus becoming the first capital city of NZ in 1840. It was really worth the drive to Russell, to feel the historical moments of NZ, with many old buildings still preserved. Look at the cushions below, I wonder how old are they? =) So vintage..

Pompallier House

Bishop Pompallier established this Roman Catholic Mission in 1839. This building was built in 1841 and is now restored to its original French Lyonnaise layout as a working printery again.

Duke of Marlborough Hotel 1827

Whoops, an overturned boat.. that would take a lot of work..

This is the passenger wharf, while the car jetty requires some driving before reaching this town. There are also many tours like dolphin tours departing from here. 

Old city, old tree?

Flagstaff Hill*****

Above the town on Maiki Hill stands the famous flagstaff, cut down 4 times between 1844 and 1845. The history of Flagstaff War, between Maori and British Crown. The views from the top are spectacular.

Back at Paihia town.

Rata trees, blooming so beautifully in Summer =)