| Do not miss going to the very north of New Zealand if | | | | Sea side of this area. Watch out for several |
| you take a vacation there. Two fantastic ways to | | | | abandoned cars that are gradually being buried in the |
| experience this area is to take two of the Fullers tours. | | | | sand. Once you have reached the lower end of Ninety |
| The Cape Reinga Wanderer and the 'Cream Trip' | | | | Mile Beach the tour heads back to Paihia through |
| Supercruise are ideal excursions. | | | | pretty countryside. |
| The best base is the small coastal town of Paihia. You | | | | The 'Cream Trip' Supercruise is an excellent way to |
| will have an early morning start for the Cape Reinga | | | | discover the Bay of Islands. You will cruise around on |
| Wanderer but you will soon be discovering the | | | | a state of the art Catamaran and see all the highlights |
| magnificent Kauri trees at the Puketi Kauri Forest. A | | | | of this area. The spectacular Black Rocks are the first |
| twenty minute boardwalk lets you wander around | | | | stop. These rocks are unusual formations of volcanic |
| these awesome giant trees. At the morning coffee | | | | rocks and can only be found at two places in the |
| stop the restaurant has an amazing spiral staircase | | | | world. Fullers stop at many of the islands to deliver |
| carved inside a massive Kauri tree. | | | | provisions and mail to the islands residents. Watch out |
| This tour is tide dependent so it may be done in | | | | for the abundant wildlife in the area. Dolphins escorted |
| reverse. On this tour a buffet lunch was included at a | | | | this tour for part of the way. |
| pleasant location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The | | | | During the trip there is an extended stay on the |
| road for the last 17 miles is a dirt track but you | | | | delightfully named Urupukapuka island. My tip is to |
| eventually reach Cape Reinga at the northern tip of | | | | enjoy one the scenic walks where you can get |
| New Zealand. If you wander down to the Lighthouse | | | | fantastic views over numerous islands. The highlight of |
| and look out to sea you can observe the Tasman | | | | this tour is a visit to the awesome 'Hole in the Rock'. |
| Sea and the Pacific Ocean currents meeting. The | | | | Your excitement will grow as, conditions permitting, the |
| resultant clashing waves can be really spectacular. | | | | cruiser makes a passage through the hole. |
| This area has great significance to the native Maori | | | | The Catamaran then heads back to Paihia but my tip |
| people. It is the 'leaping place' where the spirits of the | | | | is to stay on the cruiser and visit the lovely town of |
| deceased return to their spiritual homeland of 'Hawaiki'. | | | | Russell. Have a wander round and discover the pretty |
| A Pohutukawa tree, on the rocks below, marks the | | | | Church. A small ferry boat will take you back to Paihia |
| place where the spirits move freely. | | | | when you are ready. |
| After leaving Cape Reinga the tour heads towards the | | | | This area of New Zealand is well worth the time and |
| vast Ninety Mile Beach. There is a chance to use a | | | | effort. Especially when you take these two fantastic |
| sand sledge down the giant sand dunes if you are | | | | ways to experience them. |
| brave. The Ninety Mile Beach runs down the Tasman | | | | |