The Cream Run

The cream run started in 1927 when a boat drove around the Bay of Islands, picking up milk and cream and delivering post and other items to the isolated farms on islands in the bay. Today, the cream run is a holiday attraction - a full day on the water, seeing the islands, going out to the Hole in the Rock (Piercy Island), swimming with dolphins and boom-netting.

Our trip started at 0930; the boat was quite full but not uncomfortably so. 

Our first stop was Russell, a town close to Paihia by sea, but not by car. Russell was once the port of the whaling fleet and had a poor reputation, but now is a popular and fashionable destination, particularly for its restaurants and bars. 

Having picked up more passengers at Russell, we continued out into the bay. 

The crew called a briefing for all those wanting to swim with the dolphins. We went down to listen as well; they described how to attract the Dolphins by squeaking (if you are female) or clicking and diving down into the water. Before the briefing had finished, dolphins had been spotted and so there was a rush for the water.

When we reached the site, swimmers were already in the water from another boat.  It was clear that there was a limit to how many people could be near the dolphins at once.  The captain of our boat was directing operations: looking out for where the dolphins were, turning the boat round for the spectators and telling swimmers where to head next.

You can see how close swimmers could get to the Dolphins

About 6 Dolphins gave us half an hour of magnificent entertainment making the trip really worthwhile. 

We cruised around the bay, passing many islands, both small and large. 

We stopped at Urupukapuka for an hour to eat lunch, walk up the hill or swim in the lagoon - John saw but one fish during his swim. 

We paused to observe a sun fish - to the inexperienced eye, they might be sharks.  In fact they feed on jelly fish and are inedible to any known species..

Then we continued on to the Cape Bret lighthouse which guards the entrance to the Bay of Islands. The lighthouse is no longer manned, but the keepers cottage remains available to hikers - a famous difficult walk passes by. 

P

The hole in the rock is a highlight of the tour. It certainly is a magnificent sight, but sadly we were unable to go though the hole because it was too rough.

On the way home, the boat stopped to give swimmers the chance to 'boom-net' - that is, to be pulled through the water in a net from the boat.

On the way hime, we rode with a solo dolphin, well known to the boats as  Jo 90.  She doesn't travel with a group and was thought to be male until she appeared with a calf!  We could hear her calling as she rode with us, diving from one side to the boat to the other. 

So, a great day out and well worth while.