23./24.04. Old as a (Kauri) tree...

We spent the last two days at Hokiangi Harbour. This is a bay on the northwest coast that extends 50 km inland. The region is significantly less touristy and still somewhat original. The main attraction here are the forests with the huge and ancient Kauri trees.

The journey here was relatively short as we only had to cross the island (with detours through the north, about 200 km distance). Yesterday, we both felt sick due to a cold, so we spent the rest of the day in bed.

Feeling somewhat better today, we took a day tour called 'Whispering Trails' with a local Maori guide named Joe. Joe made a great effort to introduce us to the Maori way of life, beliefs, and traditions. We were allowed to gather our second breakfast in the form of shells directly from the beach, which were then cooked and eaten on the spot. You can't get fresher seafood than that. Of course, we also got to admire the largest Kauri trees (up to 2000 years old, with a circumference of up to 13 meters). According to Maori legend, these trees hold heaven and earth apart....

PS: Our accommodation is the 'Copthorne Hotel Hokianga' in Omapere. A historic hotel right by the sea.