New Zealand. Bay of Islands

Today we just had half a day before we had to leave at lunchtime so I took the short ferry ride to Russel. This is an island  in the opposite side of the bay from Piahia from which even more islands can be seen. 

It was a beautiful walk through a footpath lined by trees and flowers with a soundtrack of cicadas and birds to the beach. I got to the beach early and was almost alone. It was beautiful with the islands in the background. It was a much nicer beach than at Paihia. I should have had a dip but no idea why I decided not to. The water was a bit chilly but lovely and calm. As I had to leave at 12 it was a trip too short, but very glad I went!