Cape Reinga

Unfortunately for me, due to an administrative error, I have lost my scenic room and now am staying at the delightful Mara's house (Andrea's mum - Den has kept her room next door). Last night we had a delicious meal of beef stew and dumplings -  and I took a picture of the lovely Mara, Andrea and Judy

We set off at the crack of dawn this morning on an 11 hour 4X4 truck/coach trip to Cape Reinga - the most northernly spot on New Zealand and the place where Maoris believe their spirits depart this world and make the final journey to the ancient homeland of Hawiiki. This is a sacred area for the Maori so no eating or drinking is allowed. There is also a lightouse which overlooks the meeting of the Pacific Ocean with the Tasmin sea (note the white waves)

afterwards we went to one of the many miles of sand dunes and some people did sand boarding (not me and Den as we were told that we would not be insured and so couldn't take the risk!)

We then took a 90km drive along the famous 90 mile beach (which apparently is 70 miles long or thereabouts) in the boneshaker - by the time we got back to Paihia my bones were still there but not neccessarily in the same order as when I started!!

Can you believe it? another Durdle Door

Having a bath in the river water