Monday (Feb. 20) was another stunningly beautiful day, and as much as I was itching to play, I did have work to do. I spent most of the morning and early afternoon (until about 3:00) finishing the draft of my ethics proposal and ironing out last minute details to send it to my university supervisor for her to take a look at it and give me suggestions, feedback and changes. I got it all finalized, entered into the system and submitted to her, complete with information forms, permission forms and interview schedules. Then I decided it was time to treat myself, so I set off on a snorkeling adventure before dinner. While I did not have anyone to go with me, I banked on the fact that it was a lovely day, and that the Kiwis would be taking advantage of it, and I could find some buddies at the reserve when I arrived, and I was not disappointed. The area around the reserve does deserve some attention – Island Bay is just amazing.
Upon my arrival at the Taputeranga Marine Reserve – I found a father and son duo who were more than happy to be my check-in buddies as we did the snorkel trail.
I went in ahead of them, and promised to remain on the beach until they completed the path so we all knew we were out and clear. The water was cold, but I wasn’t too chilled (however, I will be investing in a warmer wet suit before I do any snorkeling in NZ outside of the summer (brrrr)).
The water was not super clear, so the images I captured were not the best, and I had a GoPro malfunction about 1/2 way through the swim, but you can still get a sense of the beauty – and I have a reason to go back! 🙂
It was a fabulous experience!
As I was leaving the reserve I found the quintessential Kiwi van – it made me giggle a bit.
After I changed, I met Julian and Joanna, who had ordered takeaway Fish and Chips for dinner, and we went to pick them up (all of Wellington had the same idea it seems) then we headed to Paradise Point to meet their son Bart, and his wife Fiona for a traditional kiwi picnic dinner. Bart and Fiona even brought diving booties and flippers for me to borrow for future snorkeling – such nice, kind people – have I mentioned how fortunate I have been to get connected with their family? We had a lovely dinner, great conversation and scenery that just couldn’t be beat.
After we left Paradise Point, Julian and Joanna drove me around so I could see the more remote Owhiro Bay, and as the sun was setting it was just beautiful.
What a full, adventurous day!
Merry Adventures 
I wish I had one tenth of your adventurous spirit, Merry!
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Thanks for sharing your wonderful travelogue! I’m right there with you!
Sheila
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Until I can visit New Zealand, I will be living vicariously through you. Such a beautiful place. I cant wait to go.
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