Mission accomplished

We have washed up in the very pleasant subtropical town of Kerikeri after a long day in which we achieved our south to north mission.

The day started with an 8.30am check in with the Harrison's Cape Runner company in Kaitaia, followed by an 8.45 departure with delightful driver Danny. A mathematics teacher to some very difficult students, he drives the tours for a bit of extra school holiday money.

The 4 wheel drive converted truck with 23 aboard headed north up Highway 1.  It was soon apparent that what would have been a rather dull up-and-back type trip if we had done it in our car, was going to be a very informative and entertaining tourist experience. We heard about Dalmatian and Polish immigrant families, saw vast avocado orchards, were taken to DC's childhood camping retreat at Hauhora Heads and deserted East Coast Rarawa beach. We all stopped at the local shop in Te Kau which would be dead but for the tourist buses calling in for giant ice-creams.

By about 11.45 we reached Cape Reinga, along with a passing squall, but we rugged up as best we could and followed the very well established path 500 metres down to the lighthouse, to see the whirlpools and foaming breakers where the mighty Pacific and Tasman meet.   The lone pohutakawa far below is regarded as the sacred departing point for spirits returning to Hawaiiki.  

By the time we walked back up the path, the sun had come out and everything was starting to steam.  Another quick bus ride down to Tapotupotu Beach for lunch, provided as part of the tour.

Once back on board after our beach side stop we backtracked a short distance then turned off at Te Paki towards the west coast for sand dune board riding.  You might be surprised to learn that we had not one moment of hesitation before leaping on to the boards to slide down giant and very steep sand dunes, 3 or 4 times each. Nicholas lost his board in the creek on the first run down but gamely went back for more. I used my feet as brakes and never ended up in the water at the bottom. Fabulous fun.

Then, a 72km run straight down 90 mile beach (which is actually about 89 km end to end) and back to the depot after a stop for coffee.  Such a great day.  We leapt into our nifty rental and were on State Highway 10 by 4.45, passing the lovely settlement of Mangonui before arriving in Kerikeri in search of accommodation.   So here we are, in a town where palm trees line the main street and sub-tropical vegetation of all kinds grows abundantly in domestic gardens. Tomorrow, Paihia, Russell and Waitangi.