Whakatane

Sunday - diving at White Island an active volcanoe. I saw eels and stingrays, leatherjackets, blue maomao and dolphin on the way back. The water was very clear and the visibility was excellent. On the first dive we went down to 28 metres and the water was still amazingly clear. On the second dive we swam around a bit too fast for my liking, I would have perferred to spend more time looking for nudibranches but didn't see them. The guide cut open kina to feed the fish but luckily I was at the back so I didn't see him do it. We swam back through the Spanish Arch and I lost my byouancy control and went up to the surface from about 6 metres and couldn't get back down. I was really angry with myself. Sunday night Monica and I made dinner at the hostel and chatted about diving and stuff over some wine. Monica is an IT manager from Tel Aviv and a really lovely person.

Monday - went on futile boat trip in attempt to swim with dolphins but no luck. We snorkelled for a bit around whale island but its no good snorkelling after you have been diving, you just want to get down under the water.

The plan is to head off to Wanganui tomorrow to canoe down the river and then Wellington and then South Island. Lots of people at the hostel talk about 3 or 4 day tramps (hikes) in the south island carrying 14kg backpacks. Not really sure I am up to this but I'll try to start with an easy one.