Paihia

I definitely have to say this is a very cool spot to visit.  I think I am going to come back here in the summer so I can see it for its full potential.  However the fact that there are few people here but me and the locals isn't a bad thing.  The tourists (hahaha i'm one too but..) are few and far between so I have been meeting all the locals from here and the town across the bay called Russel.  I went out on the town last night (well the wharf area) and it was pretty amazing.  I sat and talked with the crusty old fishermen, then walked on down the new area and listened to the local music all night (well until 12).  Today was pretty good as well, I had a cup of coffee on the dock and watched the sunrise (forgot my camera but I will have it tomorrow).  Then I grabbed one of the hostel bikes and headed out to the treaty grounds.  From there I went on a 6k hike through the bush to a water fall.  The hike was absolutely amazing especially the part where you cross through the mangroves on boardwalks.  The waterfall was a bit anti-climactic because there was a highway up there so I hike through all this beautiful jungle then here is a bunch of tourists getting out of there car...kinda ruined the moment.  Tomorrow however I am going to do a beach/bush hike...should be an interesting go, but that is for a later blog.  Take Care and Cheers!