Hi everyone – were finally at the top of the North Island with nowhere else to go but south. 15/12/15 – 17/12/15

We had a great drive today from Paihia to Kaitia. A slight slither of rain early on but then the sun shone, we decided to drive upto Cape Reinga as there was nothing to do in Kaitia. En-route we spotted a sign to Te Paki Sand dunes, so headed off on this unsealed road for a few kms. Once there we could see a few people “boogie boarding” down some very high sand dunes way off in the distance. It took us ages to get half way up, before becoming very knackered. Therefore we decided to start our descent from there. Tina thought the hill was too steep so I decided to set off, before falling off a few meters later, with sand everywhere, (including places where sand shouldn’t go)! I retrieved the board and coheres Tina to get on. Then WHIZZZZZZ – we were off again, going faster and faster down the sand dune. Great fun, and for an activity that was free it was brilliant. But like most thrill rides, it was all over too quickly, and we didn’t want the climb up again so walked back to the car. I thoroughly recommend this activity if your on your way to Cape Reinga, and your totally fit!

We then set off to Cape Reinga and again the drive was magnificent, very few clouds in the sky, the sun shining and glimpses of the sea from time to time. It took us around 15 minutes to get from the sand dunes to the cape, and once there it was packed with tourists, amazing really as we had not noticed many vehicles on the way. A small walk to the lighthouse and we were there. Stunning, beautiful and a very calming place. Well worth the 3 hour round trip from Kaitia. I’ve never been to the Cape before but will hope I can go back again. It was quite a moving place.

Tomorrow were heading south, to the big smoke of Auckland for a weekend of partying, and meeting up with friends.