A Different Kind of North

Over New Year's Will and I took a trip up North. We hadn't been very far North yet and as you'll soon see, we regret this decision immensely. The Far North (the "state" in NZ) is some of the most stunning vistas we've seen in NZ so far. Obviously since NZ is in the Southern Hemisphere, the further north you go, the more tropical it gets. So a trip up North is like a trip down South for you guys back at home.

We begin our journey in a little motel overlooking the Bay of Islands.

Our motel balcony

The Retreat Lodge

The beach in Paihia

We enjoyed our time in the area, but to be honest, it has been one of our least favorite places in New Zealand. It is beautiful, but so is the rest of New Zealand. To be fair, we didn't go out on the water, but it would cost upwards of $100-200 per person just to get on the water for a few hours (too windy for kayaking). So my opinion of Bay of Islands is only go if you've got the dough. Also, my very wise grandmother said "don't pay to get on a boat to go to the hole in the rock. It's just what it says it is 'a hole, in a rock'". So I didn't want to go against her :)

At Rainbow Falls

We did take the ferry over to Russell and it reminded me very much of downtown Arnold's Park (only a few of you will get this reference).

The oldest church in New Zealand

Inside the church

It was cool to see all the early tombstones here

Will in front of a big, cool tree. We think it was a fig.

The beach at Russell

In Russell there was a mini-museum, a boutique shop or 2, food establishments and a beach. Also, the oldest church in New Zealand was started in Russell, which used to be the place for all the rough sailors to go when doing trading. It used to be called "The Hell Hole of the Pacific". Again, it was nice, and if you've not seen many beautiful places you may be amazed, but I guess we are snobby now about how good a place has to be for us to be in wow :) I know, I know, my diamond tiara is too tight, but really, when you only have a few months left, you have to be critical about places you want to spend your time, and give your acclaim to.

The town of Paihia was a bit too touristy for my taste. Nothing felt authentic there. Just north of town is the grounds where the treaty of Witangi was signed. The treaty of Waitangi was the document that the Maori Chiefs signed thinking they were getting British protection, but really, were giving up their "rights" to the land. If you are interested in a probably more accurate and detailed description go here. It was neat to see this mostly untouched area, and you can imagine what it was like all those years ago.

Large Ceremonial Waka (canoe) that princess Di rode in when she was here

View from under a tree resting from the sun 

The house of William Hobson, where the Treaty was signed.

After Paihia we drove north along the coast. This is where it gets interesting. I had no idea that there was anything to see in the far north. I'd heard of Cape Reinga, but that was it. As we were driving along we happened across this amazing teal water, white sand beach.

Will playing with his boogie board

Random amazing beach along the road

We stopped to get out and swim for a bit before continuing on our journey. After that we went up to Cape Reinga, which is the northern-most point in New Zealand. My grandparents always talked about Cape Reinga, and now we've done it. It was such an amazing place! It is where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. It is also where the Maori believe their souls depart this world for the next. It was definitely worth the 3 hour drive out of the way to get there.

See the white? That's where the seas collide

We are serious about sun protection :)

After that we went for our first night camping with some church friends. We celebrated NYE on the beach. It was amazing. I wish cameras could better capture the night, but people were dancing on the beach with battery powered lights and music, the roar of the ocean was so loud and having the sand between our toes was amazing. It was truly a NYE to remember.

My man setting up camp 

TaDa!!

Midnight on the beach

The next day it was pouring and being novice campers with nothing but a backpackers tent, we decided to pack up and head home. Of course our friends said after we left it turned into an amazing day, but oh well, you live and learn. We did have a great leisurely drive home along the north west coast. We found some places that we have not otherwise seen and were again amazed that we had not heard of these places. We figured the locals keep quite because they don't want it ruined with tons of tourists :)

Killing time in the tent…is it going to stop raining?

Ahipara beach

The last stop on our way home was to see the largest and 2nd oldest Kauri tree (called Tane Mahuta). Will was so fascinated with this tree that he made me put in all the stats about it.
Trunk girth: 13.77 m (45 ft)
Trunk height: 17.68 m (58 ft)
Total height: 51.2 m (168 ft)
Trunk volume: 244.5 m³ (8,634 cubic ft)

 This tree was a seedling when Christ was born. Think about that….absolutely amazing.

So our parting thoughts on the Far North: Drive through Paihia, then stop and slow down!