Final view of Opononi, NZ

Thurs 12 Feb, 2009 - Hokinga to Auckland
Slow start to the day as the bus didn’t come this way till 10.15am. While waiting for the bus watched a video at the Information centre/Museum about Opo the ‘Gay Dolphin’ (it was an old film and now politically incorrect!) which is how Opononi got its name. The film kept referring to the dolphin as male but it was female, possibly they realised this after her death. Anyway for a long time Opo was resident in the Harbour and was quite social with the locals. The little town that was hardly visited since the end of the logging, now had a resurgence of visitors wanting to see the famous dolphin. The funniest part of the film was a colourful ball being taken from a little girl and being thrown into the water for Opo to play with. After half hour the dolphin was pretty efficient at dribbling and throwing - now the funny bit - of course as the dolphin did ‘tricks’ the surrounding children would all applause except for the little girl who had ‘lost’ her ball to the dolphin. Anyway after a couple of hours (real time, not film time) the dolphin passed the ball back and the smile returned to the little girls face! Probably had to be there!

So the bus arrived and it was over booked.
So it took half an hour to basically convince two people to get off and stay in Hokinga area for two days. Of course at first no one really wanted to as everyone has some sort of time schedule and the buses this way don’t run every day. The bus driver was semi willing to risk it and drive with two seated on the floor, but head office weren’t willing to pay the potential fine. So after intense negotiations a couple remained behind. So on the road for 5mins and stopped for a photo op. Then onto see the Largest Kauri tree, being light could get a photo today! Then another couple of hours down the road and we stopped at a little town which also housed a museum about the Kauri trees history.

Arrived in Auckland and at Base backpackers about 5pm. Did 2 dance classes, contemporary and hip-hip. Contemporary was pretty good. Hip-hop was basic. Regardless it was good to finally move and stretch a little. Haven’t done a class since last year!