The Bay of Islands witnesses hardly any activity. Therefore, it is a cool place to unwind. The sense of peace and calm blends well with the clear waters of the sea. What better way of spending time than swimming, sailing, and hiking? What’s more? Go horseback riding or be awestruck by the sight of dolphins.

I gave the dolphin tour a shot. My guide had a wealth of information and knowledge. His knowledge was not restricted only to dolphins. Unfortunately, the number of dolphins that we could catch a glimpse of was few. Also, the dolphins were too fast for us.

The water can be too chilly for those not habituated to bathing with tropical water. The turquoise green water can reach a low of 20۫ C.

The low number of dolphins meant that we had to say goodbye to swimming with them. Though I did not swim with the dolphins, I had to pay for the service. Almost all tour operators add an extra 30 NZD for this service. This perplexes me to a great extent because we never have to leave the boat for the dolphins. This seems just an excuse for money spinning. However, it is true that the sight of the dolphins lingers in the mind long after they are gone.

If dolphins do not interest you, try your hand at kayaking or indulge in the bay. Whatever your interest, you cannot ignore the bay. The waters are where all the action is and do not say no even if they get chilly.

The Bay of Islands involves vacations that are short in duration. Most tourists do not spend more than a week here, though it must be said that backpackers spend more time.

The islands have two backpacker bars and one local bar. The drinks get too monotonous after a couple of nights. This is a major downside of the place.

The restaurants offer lip-smacking dishes. Beach House and Only Seafood are two restaurants worthy of mention. Beach House gives you a variety of sandwiches, with most prices hovering around the eight dollar mark. The ‘breakfast sandwich’ is my favorite. Also, the wi-fi is an added advantage. Only Seafood is slightly upscale with prices touching 50 dollars. However, get your money’s worth in the sumptuous meals. Do not forget to order the smoked salmon and the tuna. It still makes my mouth water when I think of it.

The Bay of Islands is a cool getaway for a couple of days. If you wish to stay longer try including the sunbathed locales of New Zealand. The silence of the place enables you to complete some of the activities at hand.

December 26 is Boxing Day and hence a national holiday in Australia, which is celebrated in a number of ways. One of the adventurous and stylish ways to do it is sailing from Sydney to Hobart on a yacht piercing the turquoise water of Bass Strait. However, you won’t be alone celebrating the day. Therefore, you have to compete with many other contestants taking part in the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

You don’t really have to be one of those yacht-sailing-maniacs to get pleasure from the race. You can simply watch the energized participators competing, with a barbeque, picnic, or while cruising on the Sydney Harbor. Celebrate the New Year eve while the competitors reach the finish line in Hobart.

This Australian summer sport is amongst the top ranking events of the world like the national events of Davis Cup and Melbourne Cup Horse Race. However, no other sport attracts such huge media coverage as the yacht race does.

Watching the start of this race is a Boxing Day ritual followed by the Australians. To get the best views, secure a front seat or a standing spot anywhere on the racing harbor line. The race starts from Rushcutters Bay, Sydney toward the Western Bay and the jagged crags of the South Head. If you don’t get a seat there, don’t fret because you can watch the competitors from Cremorne Point, Clifton Gardens, Bradley’s Head, or Manly while they move to North Head.

The participants have to sail 628 oceanic miles that starts from Sydney Harbour, through Australian east coast, Bass Strait, Tasmanian East Coast, Storm Bay, jerky Derwent River, and at last the finish line in Battery Point in Hobart, Tasmania.

The initiation in 1945 and the success thereon of Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is due the shared efforts of Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. So they rules have been set by them. However, these rules have been altered a number of times to offer a fair chance to the handicaps. So, even if you cross the finish line first with a good margin over the second contestant, don’t be astonished if you find that the Overall Winner is a participant who was fifth, sixth or even tenth. Numerous handicaps take part in this race, so they get some grace seconds and an edge over the others.

There are no entry barriers depending on nationality, experience level, or size of yacht. You would notice few minute 30 feet yachts, some mid sized and some as big as 90 feet. Sailing enthusiasts from all parts of the come here on every 26th December despite the saddening death of six competitors in 1998 caused due to a cruel storm. The waves on that day were as high as 10 metres. Out of 115 competitors, only 44 successfully crossed the finish line. Others were rescued by life-saving helicopters.

However, a single incident is not enough to rupture the inspiration of sailing buffs. In 1999, in spite of warning issued by the weather department, 79 sailors competed in the race.

So, if you are among the ones who can sail the breezy waves better than the others, grab your yacht and reach the pictorial Sydney Harbour at 1300 hours this 26th December. Don’t fret if you cannot be the first one to race through the finish line because much better entertainment awaits you beyond that line. Attend the winner declaration on Constitution Dock of Hobart just after the race and enjoy the New Year celebration on the water front. Watching the fireworks above the Sullivians Cove with a glass of Tasmanian wine is indeed a pleasurable experience.