Tag 19: Cape Reinga

Today we're heading to Cape Reinga with Kevin, our bus driver. First stop is the Puketi Kauri Forest. We have 15 minutes here to walk through the forest. The Puketi Kauri Forest is a 20,000 ha forest with a diverse flora and fauna. The Manginangina hiking trail is where you'll find impressive Kauri trees that are over 1,000 years old. Next stop is Taipa for morning tea. According to legend, the Polynesian navigator Kupe landed here when he discovered the fish of Maui (North Island) around 950 AD. There is a sculpture at the river bridge that commemorates this event. Just as we leave Taipa, it starts to rain. Thankfully, it doesn't last long. The lady sitting in front of me in the bus is knitting to pass the time. New Zealand is home to approximately 4.7 million people and 40 million sheep.

The lunch stop is in Houhora, a truly beautiful place. Fish and chips are served, and this is included in the price. After lunch, we head to the sand dunes where we get to surf down the hills. Finally, we arrive at Cape Reinga and I'm blown away by the beauty. The weather couldn't be better. Cape Reinga is the northernmost point of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet, and it's believed to be where the souls of the deceased Māori leave the Earth. The lighthouse flashes every 26 seconds and can be seen from about 50 km away.

Next, we go to Ninety Mile Beach. This desert coastline with its wide sandy beaches is filled with legends, mythical stories, historical facts, and attractions. In reality, the beach is only about 55 miles long.

All of a sudden, the woman in front of me takes out a needle and thread from her bag and starts sewing. She's really prepared for anything.

Originally, I had planned to take a panoramic flight over Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, but it got canceled because I was the only person who booked it. However, as I'm experiencing the day, I don't think the flight could have been any better. Today is definitely a success.