30 December, 2008
A bright and early start to a typically touristy day. We boarded a rattle trap, temperamental tour bus and headed north on a scenic, information filled trip to Cape Reigna, one of the most northern points of mainland New Zealand. The most notable stops were at Houhora Heads and Taputaputa Bay. Cape Reinga itself turned out to be a bit too cramped with tourists, but the beaches in the distant definitely are a site worth seeing. Its too bad we didn’t have the time to get down to those beaches. From Cape Reigna, our tour guide took the bus off road, down a stream bed to a series of golden colored dunes for some sand tobogganing. No I did not partake. Upon arriving, I witnessed a number of people crash and burn in a most spectacular way. I opted not to bugger my spine and lived vivaciously through Katrina’s climb up the sand and back down. A note to thrill seekers: Don’t use snow sleds. We had snow sleds on our tour. They don’t work. Boogie boards or knee boards are the only way to go. No pictures attached.
A bright and early start to a typically touristy day. We boarded a rattle trap, temperamental tour bus and headed north on a scenic, information filled trip to Cape Reigna, one of the most northern points of mainland New Zealand. The most notable stops were at Houhora Heads and Taputaputa Bay. Cape Reinga itself turned out to be a bit too cramped with tourists, but the beaches in the distant definitely are a site worth seeing. Its too bad we didn’t have the time to get down to those beaches. From Cape Reigna, our tour guide took the bus off road, down a stream bed to a series of golden colored dunes for some sand tobogganing. No I did not partake. Upon arriving, I witnessed a number of people crash and burn in a most spectacular way. I opted not to bugger my spine and lived vivaciously through Katrina’s climb up the sand and back down. A note to thrill seekers: Don’t use snow sleds. We had snow sleds on our tour. They don’t work. Boogie boards or knee boards are the only way to go. No pictures attached.
From here, we went further down the creek bed to the ocean side and commenced to take a lengthy jaunt down the beach…on the sand…through the surf…across various creek crossings…along the Tasman Sea…in a full fledged tour bus for the better part of an hour and a half at 60 miles an hour with the occasional stop for touristy information and sights. It was a trip worth taking. Also not shown.
The start of the tour. No idea where. Somewhere out of Kaitaia.
Houhora Heads. A very private secluded cove on the North West coast. 
These are amazing trees. I can't remember the name off hand, but this is the New Zealand "Christmas Tree". They grow straight and tall on land...but near the ocean they take on this gnarly twisted appearance. Not a bad place to play and climb trees? Ahhh to be young again. 
Taputaputa Bay. This was a tiny private secluded bay not visited by tourists. There were some surfers enjoying the waves. This water was warm and very clear. This was where I ruined the lens of my camera with sea spray. Needless to say that wasn't very enjoyable. 
Kat and I on the beach. Me with the inevitable cup of coffee at hand. 
The Cape Reigna Lighthouse. This is the second most northern point on Mainland New Zealand. There were a few too many tourists. It is said that you can see where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide. I didn't really see it. 
Off of cape Reigna over looking the Pacific Ocean. Absolutely wonderful blue foam water. I would have loved to get down to that beach...however there was no time. 
Cool Colors? I think so. Below the lighthouse. 
2 comments:
mán this is só beautiful!!!
Thanks for taking me on a trip!!
it's awesome..
and .. a lil jealous that you have temperatures where you can wear these clothes.. were freezing over here...
dude.. the christmas trees are formally known as The pohutukawa tree
Grant :)
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