- New Zealand Travellers
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Abel Tasman
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Auckland
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Cape Reinga
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Christchurch
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Dunedin
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Franz Josef
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Greymouth
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Kaikoura
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Lake Tekapo
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Milford Sound
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Mount Maunganui
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Napier
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Nelson
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Paihia
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Queenstown
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Rotorua
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Taupo
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Wellington
Located at the northern tip of New Zealand, the light house at Cape Reinga is a great place to take a snap of you and the sign pointing to all the other main capitals of the world. Commonly mistaken to be the most northern tip of New Zealand (the northern most point lies 30km east), Cape Reinga is also where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet to create a restless sea just off the coast.
Just below the light house, clinging onto the cliffs you'll see the twisted Pohutukawa tree that the Maori people hold close to their beliefs regarding the afterlife. As Maori mythology states that the dead travel here, it is good to be aware and pay respects by not eating or drinking here.
Having said that there are plenty of beaches to picnic on close by. The largest beach which I don’t recommend having a picnic on is the 90 mile beach (which actually measures 50 miles), as it is also used as an alternative road to State highway as a scenic route or when the highway floods. Your vehicle must be suitable for driving along the beach as several vehicles have already been lost, and you do so at entirely your own risk, as signs will warn you.
Having said that there is much to see along this long stretch of beach, from lost vehicles, to beached whales and seals that are often along the beach. It is worth stopping at the northern dragoons, where you could easily tell yourself that you are in the middle of a dessert for abit of sand boarding.
A day trip run by a tour company to Cape Reinga is highly recommended as there are plenty of small towns you will drive by which made great stops, Coopers Beach café being a great place to stock up on some food, as there are no shops at Cape Reinga. Another stop is Waiharara, where there is an ancient buried Kauri tree. Awanui and the Ancient Kauri Kingdom is also another stop recommended for travellers.
Things to do
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Visit the Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Take a picture next to this iconic lighthouse and see the Pohutukawa tree that is an important symbol in the Maori Spiritual beliefs.
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Visit the Ancient Kauri Kingdom
Here you can browse the artefacts made from Kauri timber before buying your souvenir at the end of an awesome day out. Be sure to check out the massive staircase at the back of the store leading to the mezzanine floor.
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The ancient buried Kauri forest
Located in Gumdiggers Park in Waiharara, you'll find remnants aged between 45,000 to 150,000 years old. You'll learn how we as humans have affected the Kauri tree and the impact of one of New Zealands' biggest industry booms.
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Drive on the 90 mile beach
Ride along this 55 mile beach in a purpose built 4x4 vehicle. Keep an eye out for seals, sea snakes, wrecked cars, and even beached whales. Take awesome pictures of the sea that goes on as far as the eye can see.
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Do some sand boarding on the sand dragoons
Rent a body board if you don't have one and climb to the top of the dune and enjoy the thrilling ride down. The trek up the dunes are definitely worth it, As is having a drink handy and being careful with your camera in the sand.