(Auck & North)-Land

Beach speed restrictions

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Ok....so we are about to get onto 90 mile beach, and this is the sign that welcomes us. We should just say that we drive at 80km on the roads(when most nz'ers aim for over the limit), so we are not about to break this target now. We also got onto the beach just after the last we should of, and Laura felt the van plaining and was afraid of sinking, which does happen. The decision however to turn off well before any clearly marked exits was a BIG mistake!

Don't lose your head.

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This was on 90 mile beach just as we turned off. It was a signal for what was about to happen, when we lost our heads and felt like we were in a bad American teen horror movie (read blog for full story. There are no photos after this for awhile as I thought Laura would rip MY head off).

Diverse Landscape

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This sums it up so far. Everything in one place. Cape Reinga Peninsula.

The meeting of 2 great bodies of water

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Here at the tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga, the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. It wasn't very obvious but there was a differencein colour and the water clashed together. Pretty cool. Wouldn't fancy a swim in it though.

Bayview from Cape Reinga

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To the south of the lighthouse is this very tempting beach and also Motuopao Island. All good Bro'.

Looking West

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Laura looks back UK way, sitting at Cape Reinga Lighthouse.

Te Mahata, Lord of the Forest

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This giant Kauri Tree in Waipoua Forest, is estimated at 1,200+ years old.

Excuse you!

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These Picasso inspired disjointed figures are demonstrating Kauri wood working machinery. Why are they put like this though?

Poor Daisy.

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Another classic model in the Kauri Museum, a working model of a cow being milked. It judders, rocks and pumps milk into a barrel. Great stuff.

This lady has had issues.

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an entry in a public message book on Dolls people have or do own. The doll collection in the museum was also like a props room for all the worst horror movies. No need to freak your kids (and adults) out like that?!

So I travelled with an axe-murderer

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Don't mess with this woman, I've come too close to many times.

Try chewing this

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This is a collection of Kauri Gum, taken from many trees. It can be shaped and polished and made into many different types of jewellery and ornaments.