For the Waitangi day (February 6) I thought it might be nice to go to Waitangi itself :). The Waitangi day commemorates the celebration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (in 1840) establishing New Zealand as a nation in its own right (what can be considered the creation of the country).

(And if you missed the first part, it’s here => Waitangi week end part 1 : Whangarei)

• Paihia

I booked at Paihia at Centabay Lodge. Very nice backpackers and great location! The common areas (inside and outside) are large, however there is a severe shortage of toilets which can be annoying in an emergency ;). FYI you can also leave your luggage there after check out! After my installation, mini ride at low tide (only time when the beach on the Paihia side and the beach on the Waitangi side meet).

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Then a little run on the beach, a long-awaited moment for me 🙂

• Waitangi day

Tuesday morning I went to Waitangi beach. In addition to the funfair, I attended a ceremony linked to Maori boats (which we see at sea all day). A haka is made for the occasion 🙂

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Then I headed to the beginning of the hiking trail leading to the Haruru waterfalls (it’s a little further towards Waitangi). After 5km of stroll in the mangrove we arrive at the famous waterfalls. They were full of water following the recent rains (I think they are prettier with less water…).

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I was thus able to apply my tripod and my ND filter bought recently in order to take photos in long exposure. With the amount of water in the waterfall it didn’t do much. I then concentrated on the runoff of water upstream from the waterfall. Here is the result :

The waterfalls are near the road, lunch time having already passed, I went to hitchhike in order to get back to Paihia faster. On this holiday day many cars were passing I was taken in 30 seconds! Hitchhiking is really easy here!!

Lunch well deserved on the terrace, the same one that overlooks this arch beautifully lit during the night that I took with my lensball :). And I ended my day with a few moments by the beach with swimming 😉

Next trip, discover the capital, Wellington, subscribe so you don’t miss it 🙂