Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand – Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga Tour

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Tour Day 54, Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand Day 7, Saturday, December 2, 2023 – Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga Tour

Ninety Mile Beach is on the western coast of the far north of the North Island of New Zealand. The beach is actually 88 kilometres long. Its southern end is close to the headland of Tauroa Point, to the west of Ahipara Bay, near Kaitaia. This 88-mile stretch of coastline features sand dunes & cruising tours via 4-wheel drive vehicles. Somewhere in the translation, 90 (almost) kilometers beach became 90–mile beach. Eighty–eight kilometers actually is 54.68 miles. Paul and I took the passenger ferry to Paihia to catch the tour “bus.” Right off the bat, the driver/tour guide emphasized that the “bus” was not at all a bus, but rather a TRUCK. Indeed, it rode like a truck and had four-wheel drive for the drive on the sandy beach. I was glad I had had my wisdom teeth extracted years ago! The drive to Ninety Mile Beach was scenic and interesting but not without numerous “stiff-truck-chassis-accentuated” bumps in the road. We stopped at a pre-designated dune so those of like mind could go sandboarding on the provided equipment. My mind was elsewhere, but my camera was all in! We rounded out the day at Cape Reinga – a very scenic spot above a lighthouse. Most electively ventured down to the shore on the paved footpath, but I saved myself for some looming compulsory uphill battle. The return drive was quite scenic as well. All in all, a very enjoyable day,

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