Day 2- Up to the Top of the North Island

Morning Breakfast

Morning Juice

Looking out our Window in the AM

Our goal had been to get to the farthest point north in New Zealand. Although there is a gravel road that goes more north, this is the common location recognized .

Sand Dunes in the Background

We had seen these trees all over our trip so far, and thought they were fake cell tower trees. What a lot of cell towers must be out there.

Cell Tower Trees???

Jacqui informed us they were Norfolk Pines, not cell towers. They are so perfect.

Norfolk Pines, not Cell Trees

Jacqui told us to get to the Cape Reinga before the tour buses arrived, so we managed to do that.  It was about a 60 Km drive from where we were staying at Houhora Lodge.

Arrived at the Cape before the Buses

Goal- Walk to the Lighthouse Down There Supposedly 100 meters

The adverts said it was a short walk to the lighthouse and Point Reinga. Didn't look short to me, and was downhill. My hip was hurting, but I didn't come this far to not complete this walk.

Tree in Next Picture

Ancient Tree

Friendly bird

Location where the waves "crash" together between two oceans

Tasman Sea (left) meets the Pacific Ocean (right)

Lighthouse at Cape Reinga

Us at the Cape Reinga Light House

Making it back up the Hill at BENCHMARKS

You can do it Elaine

I did it. Not sure why the photo is B/W

When we arrived back at the Lodge, Jacqui took us in her 4X4 out on the 90 mile beach, which is actually 65 miles. Tour buses drive down this beach.

90 Mile Beach on the Tasman Sea 

Philip at 90 Mile Beach

Returning on 90 mile Beach

Collecting Shells

Jacqui and Max

We then went searching for the wild horses in the area that logging has occurred with replanting done.  There are lots of wild horses out there.

Wild Horses Near 90 Mile Beach

We returned to have dinner at the Lodge with a nice couple from UK who are in the timber business. They were here for their son's wedding.

Source of eggs for Breakfast

Source of veges for Dinner

Max for a Tummy Scratch

Dinner at Houhora Lodge- Chicken from the store