Backyard Discovery Riverton Swing Set: A Fun-Filled Day at the Beach

As I reflect on our recent family vacation to the Bay of Islands, I am reminded of the joy that can be found in simple pleasures - like a fun-filled day at the beach. Our adventure began with a relaxing morning sail from Paihia to Russell, where we boarded our sailboat for the day. The skipper had kindly prepared us some delicious 'tea' - coffee and hot chocolate for the kids - as we set off towards the island.

The first stop on our journey was the 'pirate ship' on the water, a quarter of the way around the island track that loops all the way around the island. Tucker Thompson, my curious 8-year-old son, was thrilled to explore this pirate-themed attraction with his siblings and me.

After our morning adventure, we headed back to Waipao Bay for lunch. We carried our sandwiches on a scenic 20-minute hike up and over the top of the island, where we enjoyed our meal in a beautiful bay surrounded by towering trees. The kids donned their wetsuits and spent some time swimming and snorkeling, while my husband and I took turns paddling out to explore the bay on paddleboards.

As we made our way back to Paihia, we relaxed in bean bags at the front of the boat, taking in the breathtaking views of the Bay of Islands. Our family had the entire front section of the boat to ourselves, which was a lovely bonus.

After arriving back in Paihia, we disembarked and walked to the beach for our next adventure - a sailing excursion with Barefoot Sailing Adventures. This smaller group tour appealed to us because it allowed for a more personalized experience, and we were not disappointed. Our skipper was friendly and accommodating, whipping up some eggs and toast for us when we ran late so that we could catch the early morning ferry.

As we explored the Bay of Islands by boat, I couldn't help but think about all the other options available - like Tucker Thompson ship and The Rock Adventure Cruise. Perhaps next time we'll have to check those out too! But for now, we were content with our decision to opt for Barefoot Sailing Adventures based on the recommendations from our followers.

The Bay of Islands is a truly special place, full of natural beauty and adventure opportunities waiting to be discovered. And with a little creativity and planning, even a day at the beach can become an unforgettable experience.

Backyard discovery riverton swing set