Today was a milestone day of my trip to New Zealand. I visited one of the "tips" of my 37 day, "tip to tip" journey; namely Cape Reinga, the most northerly, accessable point in New Zealand. I took an amazing, full-day, Harrisons Cape Runner tour. Was picked up at the hotel at 9, returned to the hotel at 5. A full day indeed. At a price of 50$, including a box lunch, well worth it. Given the tide was high in the morning we took the road to Cape Reinga, about 90 miles away from Kataia. First stop was a visit to Rarawa Beach, a beach with white, soft soft silica sand. Prior to reaching the cape we had our lunch at the very pretty Tapotupotu Bay with a wonderful small beach. Finally, at Cape Reinga, ... read more

Left Whangerei this morning heading north about an hour to the start of the Bay of Islands; specifically Paihia, a small resort town and the gateway to the various activities of the North. Spent the morning just strolling the small town centre and viewing the harbour and small beaches. A bustling place full of tourists. In the afternoon I headed to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the most important historical location in New Zealand as in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between England and the Maori of New Zealand. Like most such treaties, it is still a work in progress. There is a lovely museum on the grounds as well as a regular tour of the grounds culminating in a live performance at the carved meeting house. On the grounds is the largest wooden war ... read more

Left Piha today for Whangerei, about a 2 hour drive if you know where your going. Arriving somewhat late, my first stop was the AH Reed Memorial Park which is a remnant of the kauri forests of times gone by. It features a "stunning" canopy walk where you can see the kauri trees, mighty trees, some more than 500 years old, and indeed look down at the foliage. This includes the unusual view of looking down at the many palm and other trees. A view from below tells why it is called the Canopy Walk. It is a casual stroll, often on a boardwalk, until the trail becomes steep as you reach Pukenui Falls. Too lazy to walk to Whangerei Falls (about 45 minutes one way), I drove and followed a loop walk where you can ... read more

My trip started in earnest today as I left Auckland to see the rest of the country. Picked up my rental at 10, lost at 1015, and finally found again around 12 when I turned on my GPS. I think I am getting the hang of this Google map thing. Mine must be broken though because all it does is recalibrate! First stop the Arataki Visitor centre to learn what to see and do in the Waitakere Ranges. These are within an hours drive of Auckland. A lovely centre with wonderfull views and numerous examples of Maori heritage. My first stop was Karekare beach; a beach of black sand as far as the eye can see. Nearby, are the Karekare Falls which you can reach after a short 5 minute walk. Fairly tall, and although not ... read more

Finally arrived in Auckland, New Zealand after traveling from Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada. Needless to say, with a total trip time of 33 hours, including a 13 hour flight from San Francisco, I was quite travel-worn. Day 1 was slow, just walking around Auckland enjoying not having to wear a jacket. It was 20 C. The day before in Canada around 0 C. On day two the pace quickened a bit with a trip to Rangitoto Island. This is the largest volcano in the Auckland area and only a brief 25 minute ferry ride from Auckland. Numerous trails are available to hike; the most popular being the Summit Trail to the top. The hike takes about 60 to 90 minutes to the top. The trail is actually a road and you pass the unique lava fields ... read more