CAPE REINGA AND THE FAR NORTH (04/08/09)
Our main reason for travelling so far north of Auckland - Cape Reinga. The northernmost accessible part of New Zealand and the point at which the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea collide with dramatic effect.
Once again we had a beautiful sunny day but the cold wind off the sea made jackets a necessity.
What makes Cape Reinga special is that it is the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. The conflicting currents create large waves far out to sea and make a lot of noise. Even on a very calm day such as we had the effect is dramatic, apparently when the weather gets stormy the waves can top 10 metres (30ft).
The disused Cape Reinga lighthouse.
Liz and the currents - she prefers sultanas.
The sign says 18,029km (11,202 miles) to London so we won't be popping in for tea and scones anytime soon.
What could be more exciting than visiting this amazing part of the world? Standing at the edge of a huge cliff while doing it!
On the long drive back from the Cape we stopped off at some large sand dunes for a bit of a break.
Rarawa Beach, like all the beaches, is considerably more tranquil in winter time.
A colony of Pied Oyster Catchers, they were standing in very neat rows until we disturbed them by walking past.
As always our accommodation is very variable and there is always a degree of apprehension as we arrive. Consequently it is a great relief when we arrive somewhere decent, particularly when it is a lovely house overlooking the beach as this place in Ahipara was.
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