North of the Northland

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The North of Northland

Since many guidebooks suggest that tourists typically go as far North as the bay of Islands then stop, we were determined to see more of the Northland than that. It was the first day that really felt like ‘summah’ as they say here…blue skies, sunshine and little humidity. It was wonderful!

We drove to Doubtless Bay (not sure how it got the name) which has a series of little coves and beaches along the fringe. We visited the town of Mangonui where we made arrangements for a 4 wheel drive trip up to Cape Reinga and 90 Mile beach for the weekend.

The first beach we stopped at was Cable Bay where we had lunch and watched the locals boogie board and play in the surf. The black volcanic rock, which we are seeing lots of, rings the shore and makes for great pounding surf. After a picnic lunch (we are trying to be economical!) we moved on toward the top of the Kerikeri Peninsula.

Enroute we spotted several huge birds, which we later looked up in a series of books we are using in the local book store, and determined to be Australian Harriers. We also got up close and personal with a small hedgehog who was ‘playing possum’ beside the road (hawkeye Nance gets the credit for spotting him!!) We ventured way off the beaten path to the small beach community of Rangiputa (don’t you love these names?). It was a little slice of paradise with a calm bay, fringes with pure white sand…very tranquil compared to the previous beach. At the end of the road, we parked and walked through the Puheke Reserve to another isolated cove where the water was so turquoise and calm it made you want to whisper.

By this time, the fuel gauge was below empty and we had to seek out a gas station….fortunately only a few miles away in yet another holiday community. More birds, more sand, more blue water..were we getting bored? No way!

Today, however, the rain gods had their vengeance and we were treated to pretty much torrential rains. (I know you don’t feel sorry for us!). Took advantage of the day to update the blog and then set off to the small town of Kerikeri where we visited the Makana Chocolate factory! Now this is a good thing to do on a rainy day!! Free samples and of course, a small purchase! We toured a reconstruction of a Maori village, watched a video of the history of the area and photographed the local Pukeko bird…they often make ceramic reproductions of them and put them in gardens!

We leave our little apartment tomorrow and after spending Saturday in the far North will begin working our way south on Sunday. Not sure when we will have internet access next!

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Photos

Hec getting feet wet cable beach
First real 'summah' day! Not bad for January!

Cable Beach
Pounding surf!

Nancy walks the beach.
Windy...have to watch the hat!

White foot black rock
Feels good to be barefoot in January, even on volcanic rock!

Hedgehog
Playing possum...or is it playing hedgehog?

Puheke reserve
Peaceful isolated cove

White foot white sand
Baby powder sand...now if I can just tan the foot!

banana tree
Must be in the tropics...Rangiputa Beach

Maori Village reconstruction
This was the chief's house!

Makana Choclolates
Delicious...and I only ate one...well, maybe a few!

Pokeko
Cool blue bird...they make ceramic ones for gardens.

Comments

[Carleney]

Awesome
Hi Nancy and Hector! I'm jealous. I love all the photos!! Nancy, it's photos like your foot that really make someone want to go out and travel!! I'm assuming it's not Hector's foot!!! hee hee Keep on writing. We all love hearing from you!! We miss you! xxx Carleney

[Judy]

Fantastic Pictures
Hi Guys, It is so nice to know that you are so far away and that we are able to communicate and get a glimse of what you are doing and seeing. I look forward to the blog e-mails. Miss you!

[Joanne]

Great pictures
Nancy, I love your pedicure...great pictures making us wishing for summer all ready! Kids are missing you and so are we! Thank you for keeping us posted druring your wounderful adventure. My students are following you!

[Mar]

Nanc: You seem to have found a new career already - travel writer! I'm loving watching your progress (even though I haven't been able to subscribe - I've tried and tried). I truly did not expect such wonderfully detailed reports. I'm glad you 2 are having such a good time! Miss ya' Mar

[Lynne]

in awe
I am delighted (and in awe) of your travel tales. I'm sending you my after retirement e-mail address... I don't want to miss out on any of your travelogues (how's that for going way back in terminology, Nance??... from the days of the UCT travelogue series at the Playhouse..the only means by which Gary and I were allowed out on a Sunday night during our school days!! Look forward to your next update. Travel Safe, Keep happy!! and I know enough about you two neither of those tasks will be a problem!! xo Lynne

[Catherine And Ad]

Sounds great!
Wow Guys! sounds like you are having a great time! We are really enjoying the news updates as it is a good distraction from the dreary British winter blues! No snow days for us or white sandy beaches! Travel safely!

[Mar]

Brrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!
Thought you'd like to know that the wind chill here today is around minus 30. Having lunch with "the girls" tomorrow - we will talk lots about you. Big HUGS! Mar xo