The main reason we choose an operator for this day trip was to get access to the giant sand dunes and the ninety mile beach on the west coast on the way back from Cape Reinga.
With our campervan that wouldn’t have been possible, but with this rebuild 4×4 truck with adjustable air pressure wheels and lots of horse power it was a simple ride.
Speaking of rides: let’s see some impressions from our our double toboggan sand dunes rides!
The Maori belief that Cape Reinga is the departing place of the spirits of the recently deceased.
And this holy area is also the dramatic meeting place of the Tasman & Pacific Oceans. The blue & turquoise water is getting mixed, in a dramatic showdown!
The white lighthouse and the destination board are amongst the most photographed touristic signs in New Zealand. We couldn’t resist 😅
Endless & lonely sand beaches, almost no inhabitants and in parts just 7 km wide. That’s what the landscape looks like at the far north cape – Aupōuri Peninsula.
For the trip to the last corner of New Zealand we chose to hop on an organized day trip, and it was worth it!
The ‘Cape Runner’ brought us to our first coffee stop in a nice little inlet and afterwards to Tapotupotu Bay, a wonderful sandy beach.
A little detour on our route to the far north brought us to the award winning fish shop in Mangonui.
The family pack, consisting out of delicious hoki, chips (of course) and different sauces, was huge, but we made it. Obviously, Amélie didn’t like the vinegar version… 😅
We booked a katamaran sailing trip to see more of the Bay of Islands and sincerely hoped for dolphins 🐬, that commonly are to be seen in the bay. But it all come out differently!
We observed plenty of sea birds, had a nice swimming & snorkeling stop and lunch at one of the islands, but no signs of dolphins. Amélie started to become impatient and her disappointment became more and more obvious when suddenly we heard the crew shout: Orcas ahead!
And there they were, a family of three – mother, father and an orca baby.
From the distance they didn’t look to big, but we were staggered to see how big they really are, as the dove under our boat. Insane!
James Cook visited the bay in 1769 and gave it its name – The Bay of Islands. More than 140 small island and inlets can be found here at the east coast (Pacific Ocean).
But more important from a historic point of view it is the place where the Treaty of Waitangi has been signed. The first contract between the Maori and British government and the founding document of New Zealand.
For a short time the small wale fishing port Russell was also capital of the country!
A short walk up to the Flagstaff hill provided us an excellent view over Russel and the stunning nature!
Today is all about The everyday farm life…
Amélie was fully integrated in cow milking & calf feeding and afterwards cow – er, horse riding…
From The Farm you can reach several beautiful beaches around Whangaruru bay & Bay of islands.
Oakura is a village just a few minutes south, with a wounderful beach & perfect swimming opportunities.
In this area shops and restaurants are rare, so it was time for the local speciality fush & chups (yes you are guessing right, in nz slang the ‚i‘ becomes often a ‚u‘).
Yummy mate, that was sweet as, bro 😉
When we arrived at The Farm, everybody was busily preparing a Hāngi.
A Hāngi is the traditional Maori method of cooking using heated rocks that are buried in a pit oven, called umu.
Nowadays it is used for big groups & special occasions. We were lucky to be there right in time to experience it and be part of it.
The whole process includes digging a hole, making fire and heating up the stones, putting out the fire and placing the food wrapped in banana leaves or alike on top of the stones, covering everything with earth for several hours before eating it.
Lots of veggies, potatoes and two pigs 🐷 were used to feed the whole farm community and guests of approximately 50 people. It was a feast!
Warning: the pictures are nothing for sensitives 😉
3happinesshunters 