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Today we spent our time looking around the top-most part of New Zealand. We signed up for a tour with our flexi-pass bus ticket. The flexi-pass is kind of geared towards backpackers, so imagine our surprise when we boarded the bus to find it full of old people! It was really funny. They all smelt of fragranced sun tan lotion, but were very polite and friendly so it's all good.
Our first stop of the day was at at the Puketi Kauri Forest, where the Kauri trees have been growing for well over 1000 years. They were about 3 meters in diameter at the base and the larger ones were 800 years old. There used to be loads of them in that area, but because the timber is so valuable and useful they were over-forested and now there are only a small number of mature trees left.
After the stop in the rainforest we set off for Cape Reinga, the most northern point in New Zealand. Just off the coast is the point where the Tazmanian and Pacific Oceans meet. I was hoping for the sea to be quite rough as I'm told that the sight can be quite spectacular. However, it was a bit calm out at sea, but that didn't detract from the amazing scenery. All in all it was really pretty special.
The tree that you can see in some of the photos is part of a Maouri Legend. It is believed that the Maouris arrived in New Zealand after departing their home island of Hawangi (it sounds a little like Hawii, but is different, I'm assured). When a Maouri dies, their soul begins a journey back to their homeland through the underworld that takes them along the Ninety Mile Beach and finally to Cape Reinga where they attempt to cross the Pacific. Those souls that deserve to make it back to Hawangi come up through the roots of the tree and leave through it's branches to sprout wings and fly. Those that have not led the most honest of lives fail to fly and fall into the sea. I quite like that idea, though I'm sure if I were a Maouri I'd be getting a little wet once I passed away!
After a spot of lunch we were sand-duning! It basically involves jumping on a boogie board and throwing yourself down a large sand dune at great speed. I say great speed, I was rubbish at it and only succeeded in filling my mouth with sand. Sheona on the other hand was duning like a seasoned pro (much to her amusement). Ah well, can't be great at everything, and I've not got any sour taste (or sand) left in my mouth... honest.
Then on to 90 Mile Beach. Noone knows why it's called 90 Mile Beach as it's only 90 km long (about 55 miles I think). It's really quite spectacular, just a huge stretch of open beach that's almost completely deserted. In addition, it's a runway for planes and a state highway, so anyone can drive on it! The photos don't really do it justice.
After all that excitement it was time for home. It was a good trip, made all the better by the perfect weather and amazing scenery. Time for a well-earned beer I think...
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