It was a long ride after the sleepless night, actually I was smart to pick a front seat, cause last time experienced sitting right beside the door, omg, was freezing cold when the bus stopped for refreshments.
I learnt to be smart and alert this time, I picked the only seat at the front, which is actually in the middle row (kind of) in the bus. I still chosen the lower deck of the bus as I know how “swing” I could be on the upper deck. Well, the condition just improved slightly. I guess probably was because the whole season is turning cold, I still could feel the cold air on my skin, regardless I have worn a thermal wear underneath. And if this happened again (I will try not to be), I will bring along my blanket I guess. (A burden!)
Anyways, it passed. Although wann zhen picked me up a bit late this morning, it was still all good, Mr. Sun treated us very well, we have rains along the way, but got bright and warm sunshine after we arrived Russell~
First, a big clap and compliment to the 3 beautiful drivers – Carmen, Adeline and Wann Zhen. U guys done a great job! It was a long drive. We picked up our rental car around 9 and have breakfast at Mcd. Then, we drove all the way up to the North.
The plan today was to stop at Russell for a short sight seeing, and then continue driving to Kaitaia for one night accomodation.
The plan was perfect, we were very relaxing, no rush, I really enjoyed the way we travelled. There was a long time we spending on the road, but we had good time, and I slept most of the time, lol. Well, I have good excuse, dint have a good sleep on previous bussing night.
The surprise was I met the first toll in NZ, and I think it was the only toll. The difference was they dint have toll station set up, and no people around collecting toll fees. (In the end of trip, we only realized we have to pay online, otherwise the camera caught us will ask for more…=S, luckily we did find out we have to pay)
We encountered a short traffic jam, probably due to the travelling trend over easter. But the jam was not long, we arrived Russell around 2.30pm. Be specific, is Opua, we have to catch the ferry to travel to Russell on the opposite.
The ferry actually was the same as Interislander, but just not that fancy, is more like a moveable car park, and we stayed in our car (yes, the ferry carry us together with our vehicle) most of the time.
we snacking while waiting on the ferry to travel to Russel
taking this from outside the vehicle, adeline and may, yea, i can come out and stay on the ferry if i wished to.
Russell was big enough, and must be gone with at least a bike. It was actually the first permanent European settlement and sea port in NZ.
We walked along the beach, and stopped for a late lunch as all of us were starving.
The food were alright, I preferred the mussel I had with Michaella last time more, but the pancake was good. Pasta was soso, I could make a better one. ^^
The weather was cloudy when we started our meal, but then rain poured~
Then, we just walked around the jetty, and saw this amazing scene. I used to watch this recently in Arashi show, as Leader Ohno was a big fishing fan. The snapper was huge! (the fish which the guy was cutting) Can I have some sashimi please??
After that, we went to the oldest church in NZ, Christ church (notice that is Christ church, not Christchurch XD).
A lovely couple just finished their wedding there, in the little church. Although I am not a Christian, I really enjoyed going different churches to see the unique and religious building design.
Due to time constrainst, we continued our journey to Kaitaia, and we arrived around 6. We were worried if we able to get food in the small town, but turned out we were overthought. There are a number of choices around, so we checked in to our motel first.
Thanks to Carmen, the motel we moved in is luxurious and comfortable, with a reasonable price. Again, I felt we were so fortune this trip, we got good weather, and we have the last available motel unit.
Well, guess everything come with a balance. We went to a crabby Chinese restaurant, long wait for dinner, and unpleasant taste of meals, with a very pricy cost. We were like criticized the restaurant will be closed if it opened in Auckland, lol. Oh, but we shud be grateful that we were able to have dinner at least.
Then, we went to Pak n Save for breakfast tomorrow. Carmen also suggesting buying some beers for the night. A good recommendation, Carmen. We indeed had a good time, we played poker cards along with chips and beer!
And I can feel that I am getting closer with Adeline and Carmen, as well as Mary sis, although I just met them today! They were outgoing, and very friendly. I felt so lucky to be able to meet them, and have this awesome trip with them, credit to Wann Zhen, our common friend. ^^
Tomorrow will be awesome at cape reinga, sand dunes and 90mile beach!
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