Cape Reinga

We've been to the top of NZ again!

On another wet and windy day we drove to Rawene where we boarded the ferry for the 10 minute crossing to the other side of the Hokianga and continued on to Kaitaia. The Maungamaku Range is a very good road with loads of twists and turns. We're guessing it's the windiest SH in NZ. It's a really scenic drive and can't be hurried. It rained almost all the way to Kaitaia where we stopped for a quick walk up the main street before we moved on to the NZMCA park in Awanui. The weather cleared overnight.
We hit the road and drove to Cape Reinga.
Observations on the way: the farmland is lush and green and really clean. Calving and lambing are underway. The housing is mostly really tidy, unlike the last time we were here. We were told that there has been a big move to improve living standards and around 140 prefab houses have been brought into the area. The roads are mostly really good even the gravel roads into the beaches we visited after being at the Cape. Once at the Cape we found the karanga to call us to the Cape and the bird song along the way is no longer a thing. Such a shame..... they combined to create the most wonderful atmosphere. We both missed them. The engraved stones along the path to the lighthouse have eroded and most are difficult to read. That being said nothing can take away from the incredible views and the spiritual nature of the Cape. We loved it.
We called into Tapotupotu, fabulous and a must visit, and then we drove into Kapowairua. The sand is white and really fine on this gorgeous, long beach. . We loved the carved waka just waiting for the local kids to use along with the paddock full of horses.
We're now at A POP in Houhora.
A big, busy day.
Oh and Steel were second in the Netball final!
I've just noticed there are spelling errors on a couple of pics. Tapotupotu is correct!Read more