Pahia
In the morning we drove into the small town of Waipu and Judy visited with Dr. Morrison
who prescribed some prednisone, an antibiotic, a moisturizing lotion, and
some pine tar soap. As we walked to the pharmacy, we discovered that Waipu
was founded by Scots
(primarily McLeods, McKenzies, McLeans, McGregors, and Mackays) who immigrated to Nova
Scotia (1818) and then to New Zealand (1850s)—about 900 in all. The Heritage
Center has photos, genealogical information, and artifacts recounting the
immigrants who settled this area. The Waipu Highland Games have been held
on January 1 every year since 1871! Note: For the very best scones in
New Zealand stop in early at the Waipu Bakery.
We continued north toward Pahia and the Bay of Islands,
We stopped briefly at Whangarei Falls and arrived in Pahia in the early
afternoon.
The area known as the Bay of Islands was one of the
most picturesque spots on our entire trip. Part of this may be because of
the warm sunny weather. However, the two small towns, Pahia and Russell,
that surround Pahia Bay are an invitation to see the 150 islands that are
scattered throughout the aquiline waters from Pahia to Cape Brett. We stayed
an extra day.
