Paprika and I came back home on Tuesday night, a little bit tired but happy from this Labour week-end spent in the Northland.
This region is like picture-perfect, with a sub-tropical climate and vegetation and a very relaxed atmosphere.
It was so pleasant to have a foretaste of summer: get rid of pullover, simply wear a tee-shirt and eat delicious ice-creams…
There were the unexpected: The flight delayed for a couple of hours on the way to go and return; my ankles swollen with an insect bite and a pouring rain before the last day; but the overall was nice !
We mainly did the East coast and the Aipoura peninsula, also called the Far North.
Our drive starts from Auckland to reach Tutukaka coast at the end of the day and enjoy a lovely sunset at Matapouri with the Poor Knights islands in the distance.
Further north, we continue to Bay of islands and visit Paihia and the Waitangi Treaty grounds with the Treaty House, the Māori meeting house, the very long war canoe and an extensive lawn overlooking the bay.
Third part of our journey, the Far North, starts in Ahipara at the southern end of the renowned Ninety Mile beach. We travel along the West coast on the beach, stop at Te Paki sand dunes for sand-tobogganing and finally reach Cape Reinga, where the Tasman sea meets the Pacific ocean; and then drive back along the East coast.
Unluckily we discover Karikari peninsula, Doubtless Bay and Matauri bay under the rain…
The fog is so low that day, we just guess the outline of Cavalli islands. Despite the weather conditions, the spot remains beautiful.
Before heading home, we relax in Kerikeri, a very peaceful town, eat sweet mandarins directly from the orchard, see historic buildings in a charming surrounding and chill out in a cosy cottage.
On the way to the airport, Paprika and I agreed: We’ll have to come back and discover more about this region !
Want to see more about New Zealand ?
South Island, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa , Manawatu and Wanganui regions.
La suite en français…
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