One of the highlights of our trip so far is a snorkeling boat adventure from Tutukaka near Paihia to the Poor Knights Islands. The boat company was called "Perfect Day" and it WAS a perfect day! We had a beautiful boat ride out and then when we got to the Poor Knights Islands, we could go SCUBA, snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, or just lounge around. It was perfect!
At the end of the day, we were able to cruise into one of the biggest caves I've seen! Our whole boat fit into this cave and turned around (I have a picture of the outside of the cave and the opening from the inside.) On the way back we saw a school of fish swimming next to our boat with a couple of sharks tagging along too! The picture doesn't properly capture the beauty, but the fish were bright, iridescent blue and there were a bunch of them!
Crazy slide on our walk in Paihia.Beautiful views from the top of an overlook.Scot doing the "ussie" instead of me.The Poor Knights Islands!I was enjoying the sun in the back of the boat while trying not to get sick. One of the crew wanted to take a photo, so this was the pose he suggested. . . haha.Dexter and Max chillaxing as we head out to the islands.Snorkeling with Zoe!Do you see the stingray at the bottom?Back on the boat with the family. Heading to check out some holes in rocks.Tons of fish in the sea!This cave looks small from this distance but our whole boat fit into it, no problem!Max and Dexter enjoying some brotherly bonding time on the kayak.Zoe and I are on the stand up boards while Dexter and Max kayak around.Heading into the giant cave. . .And then looking out from inside the cave. Seems very cozy.Dexter showing off his new sunglasses. He insists it makes him look good.Can you see all the blue iridescent fish? Pretty amazing!Underwater view of the blue fish.Going through one of the holes in the rocks.As we cruised back to shore, we saw another huge school of blue fish. . . it's hard to see them in the photo.This one shows the blue fish a little better. There were tons! and sharks in the water too!This is Bird Island. . . that is NOT snow! But can you spot the birds and the little sea lion?Yummy flaming dessert at an Indian/Thai restaurant.
