Cape Reinga / Far North

The last six days we spent with our van on the peninsula north of Auckland. We drove about 1000 KM along dreamy beaches on the east coast (Orewa, Whangarei, Bland Bay, Bay of Island, Doubtless Bay) up to Cape Reinga. At Cape Reinga, the waves and currents of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide. This magical place is also very important for Maori spirituality. We hiked from the northernmost point, the Lighthouse, to the westernmost point and back. We hiked for a total of 5 1/2 hours with clear skies and deserted beaches.

On our way down to Auckland, we traveled along the west coast. Highlights on this route include huge sand dunes, the 7th largest Kauri tree, and black beaches.

Tomorrow we will have to say goodbye to camper life (showering with flip-flops, communal kitchens, etc.). But we are looking forward to Auckland and a nice hotel!