The Northernmost Tip of New Zealand
Yesterday we ventured by bus up a few hours to the northernmost tip of New Zealand – to where the Tasman Sea meets the South Pacific at Cape Reinga. We left early in the morning before the fog had lifted from the many valleys we passed through. It was nonstop breathtaking views for hours – rolling hillsides full of grazing sheep and wild turkeys, vast panoramas of waves crashing on craggy shores, and quaint little fishing villages. I focused on appreciating the beautiful landscapes so I could keep my mind off the narrow & treacherous roads.
We stopped and explored a “gumdiggers” forest – massive trees that had been buried for hundreds (thousands?) of years with a bounty of preserved amber. It was also interesting to see actual tea trees up close – the leaves of which tea tree oil is derived. Later in the afternoon we climbed up tall sand dunes and boogie-boarded down them into a small creek. It was fun but quite a workout climbing up the dunes and very hot on the feet! Yet another case in point of what wouldn’t be allowed in the US – with all of its over-regulation and meticulous safety measures. We’ve encountered several of these laughable moments when we come across something that has a considerable margin of potential danger.
The day was a great time and the kids’ enthusiasm and patience mostly held out considering the outing was very long (11 hours). As Wesley pointed out, “This is longer than our flight from Mpls to London.”
-Michelle
