Awake for breakfast at eight. Although it is sunny it's still a little cool for eating on the verandah at the moment. Two types of compote from home-grown plums and peaches as well as homemade jams and jellies, plus all the other usual goodies.
There may be bottle-nose dolphins and orcas out in the Bay, they've been seen this week, coming in to feed on the jellyfish and stingray. Last year the owners of the B&B saw a Right Whale as well. They report sightings to a professor in the University, she tags and monitors those in the area. They (the dolphins and orcas that is) even have their own Facebook page so that you can track them. You have to be on Facebook to be able to see the info for the Whangaparoa Orca and Whale Watch page though and we old fuddy duddies don't do Facebook! We can see the related research page though.
http://www.orcaresearch.org
Our hosts tell us a little about themselves - Glenys is a celebrant and can hold weddings at the house, apparently often having couples who have eloped. David used to breed racehorses in Ireland but is a mechanical engineer by trade and has put together lots of the water treatment works in Australia and New Zealand.
As we are still recovering from the flight we decide to have a very relaxed day. Manly beach is about 100 yds below us and so a gentle stroll is the first order of the day.
The beach at the bottom of the garden
Some Lesser Blackback Gulls at Manly Bay
Everyone we pass says hello or good morning. Two ladies walking a rather lovely golden retriever recognise the Welsh accent and ask where we are from - one of them has a friend from Laugharne. Bella, for that was the dog's name, was not theirs, the owner was away on the World Cup tour following the All Blacks.
Bella the Golden Retriever
It was also suggested that we should take a walk around to Tindall's Bay as some famous NZ yachtsman was building a large waterfront mansion there. He is apparently not only famous but also infamous - he designed a brilliant Americas Cup yacht and then sold out to the Americans, who won the aforementioned Americas Cup with it. This tale was repeated to us by two different sets of people so I'm guessing the Kiwis were not amused by him not winning the cup for NZ.
Eric wonders how much the infamous yachtsman's 'mansion' cost.
Plenty of shells along the shore, as well as quite a few dead fish and the occasional jellyfish.
Not sure what species of jellyfish, but not alive any more!
Eric chased the gulls off but they'd eaten all the best bits.
As we turn to walk into Tindall's Bay Eric has a look back to see if he can spot any dolphins or orcas.
The cliffs seem to be quite soft but some interesting geology in places.
These rocks looked a bit like a fish head, an old man and a big dog's head.
Some of the inter-tidal fauna.
After our walk in both directions we return to the house for a cup of tea on the verandah, it's now warm enough to sit outside.
View of our accommodation from the beach path.
Tea on the verandah.
We need to plan our trip to Tiri Tiri Matangi Island - may be weather dependent. A visit to the tour organisers at Gulf Harbour gives us a provisional booking for tomorrow, which we can defer until Friday if need be. Nowhere to eat on the Island (although free drinks are provided), so we need to go and stock up on lunch provisions. Whangaparoa town provides us with all necessities, and we return once again to the B&B for yet another cup of tea before our next foray. Suitably refreshed we venture out to Shakespear Regional Park at the end of the peninsula.
Just at the top of the beach at Army Bay. Someone getting married on the beach? Or a photo shoot for wedding promotions?
A number of choices here for walks, but as it's getting a little late we opt for the Waterfall Gully and heritage walk. Entry is through a large predator proof fence. Waterfall is a little underwhelming and the native bush somewhat infiltrated with rhododendrons, but a pleasant enough pathway.
Eric gazing at the watery reflections.
Some bird life seen, including a NZ Woodpigeon, some Tui, and Fantails but nothing too exciting.
Very fat NZ Woodpigeon
And a rather magnificent tree
Reach a rather steep uphill section and wonder whether to turn back but decide to go for it. Glad we did as fantastic views from the lookout at the top.
Wander back a different route
with some fleeting glimpses of birds of interest but no time for a picture before they were gone. Sun is starting to dip into the horizon and it's time to find some dinner - a Manly diner provides us with wood fired pizza, gnocchi and garlic ciabatta - all very tasty. Tiredness overtakes us and so to bed.