Far north - Kauri Forest to Cape Reinga

Wednesday 2nd January 2013

Day 4

Ruakaka through the Great Kauri Forest to Cape Reinga

We sadly say goodbye to our new years mates and head out into the rugged wilderness on our own! Turns out Northland is way more 'raw' than we realised, past Kaitaia there isn't much apart from protected DOC land...more amazing because of it though. 

Highlights are: 

• Tane Mahuta (largest Kauri tree in NZ)...has to be seen to be believed
• Driving and freedom camping on 90 mile beach (actually 87km but who is counting?)
• Te Paki stream (this is the 'road' that you drive up to get back to SH1) and its sand dunes
• The far northern coastline...spectacular! We expected a crappy touristy sign and a lighthouse, what we got ....well you can see from the photos, it doesn't feel like New Zealand at all

We stay at Ahipara campsite (serviced, $20/pp/night) at the base of 90 mile - beautiful with excellent facilities, also on 90 mile beach then up to our next stop Tapotupotu bay...

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The four sisters - Kauri trees

The father - Te Matua Ngaere

Tree hugging

Spot Haden...yes this tree is impressive!!!

On the Rawene vehicle ferry heading up to Ahipara

90 mile beach

Ahipara campsite - sheltered and private

Role Reversal...Haden performing surgery on Lisa's prickle

Lisa driving on sand!!

Rogue tourist buses overtaking us

Freedom camping on 90 mile

Lunch!

Breakfast!

Greenie picking up the rubbish - sad

lightbulbs even!

Te Paki stream (aka road to civilisation)

Te Paki sand dunes

Cape Reinga

Where the Tasman sea and the Pacific ocean meet...you can actually see the whirlpools

Next stop...