Western Civilization: Day 54

Last night I got an email from Gregor recommending that I go on a day trip to the Poor Knights. I woke up early this morning and was lucky enough to get a spot on the boat. I headed up to Tutukaka and the boat left port at 11am. It was about a 50 minute boat ride to the Poor Knights. The Poor Knights are a series of volcanic formed islands off the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, the islands and the surrounding water are both protected areas and attract tons of fish and birds. Upon getting there I strapped on my snorkel and mask and hoped in the water to find schools of fish all around me. I even go to see two large rays cruising along the ocean floor, the water is extremely clear here so you are able to see over 30 feet down to the bottom. There are also numerous archways and underwater caves created by erosion, I explored many of these with my snorkel and also a stand up paddle board. After a beautiful day out on the water I explored a few more beaches up north, but wasn't able to find any surf. On my way back to Ruakaka I found a water fall right before I drove through the northern city of Whangarei. I have enjoyed my time on the northern part of The North Island and I am off to Queenstown tomorrow.