Day 64 - To the Top of New Zealand... Almost

We were up and waiting for the coach to pick us up and take us on the day tour to Cape Reigna and back. Sure enough the coach arrived and off we went, making our way to the bottom end of Ninety Mile Beach… and then driving up the beach, on the sand, as this is classed as a highway (though you’re not insured on it.) This was quite fun with the bus slowing every so often to cross a river cutting through the sand, and none of us needed to worry about getting stuck seeing as there would be about 40 people to push the coach if need be! We eventually reached the end of the beach and turned into the Te Paki stream, which was very low due to the time of year, and continued through it until we reached the base of some rather large sand dunes. This is where the coach stopped to allow anyone who wanted to, the chance to do some sand tobogganing. The hard bit was making our way up the dune’s side but once at the top, the fun bit could begin. Danny was first in line to show everyone how it was done and within seconds he was speeding his way down towards to bottom and giving everyone the thumbs up. He remained at the bottom until Corrie had shot down, partially deafening most of the residents on the north island in the process. We both decided to have another go each; Danny going first whilst Corrie took photos, and then Corrie who must have set a new land speed record with her run… and a new decibel level with her 2^nd scream!

Next stop was lunch at Tapotupotu Bay between the hills on the eastern side of Cape Reigna where Danny pointed out what he claims to be a Penguin… Corrie’s not so sure though as it was a bit of a funny looker, all alone amongst a flock of seagulls.

Then it was on to Cape Reigna itself where we could walk down to the lighthouse and see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. We could also see the headland further along the coastline that is officially the most northerly point of NZ, 3km further out to sea than Reigna.

We then made our way back down, stopping at a couple more very nice spots: Rawara Beach, Te Kao, and Houhora Heads. We also stopped at a café where we both got a single scoop ice-cream for $3 each; though they clearly had no idea of the meaning of single as there were at least 3 scoops in everyone’s cones, not that anyone was complaining.

As the two of us were just starting to nod off, the coach pulled up at our camp site and off we got. It was then up to us to stay awake long enough to: prepare and cook tea, eat it, wash up, clear up, enjoy a few beers whilst sneakily using some free Wi-Fi, and shower before going to bed for some well-earned sleep.