ITo Cape Reinga - 20 April
Cape Reinga is the northern tip of New Zealand and was it ever beautiful. For the ancient Maori, this was called Spirit Island (Kapowaiua)they believed this was where their spirits left this earth. It is also where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean merge. The waters were very turbulent. This was the site of the longest operating Light House in New Zealand. It is now fully a automated. We hiked down to a long white sand beach on which we were the only people........so Ed decided we would skinny dip! This was another first for me! The water was cold and the waves big. The hike back up was a little challenging for me but I am getting better at pacing myself, thanks to a good teacher. Next we drove a short way to Tapotoputo Beach, a lovely crescent shaped Bay. We sat awhile, shared a beer and took another swim, fully clothed. This is the only beach that allows camping for many miles. It was a great spot. After a quick stop at some massive sand dunes, which we did not have time or desire to play on, we returned to our Motel, had a nice meal and called it a night.
Back to Auckland, 21 April
Crossed over 7 pages of the atlas today! By the end of the day, Ed will have driven over 6,500 km with great skill and patience. 95% of these miles were 2 lane curvy roads with hundreds of single lane bridges. The South Island roads were much worse than the North Island. Gas has averaged $ 8.00 a gallon! Tonight we have been invited to dinner by a couple John and Ed met on the bike trek, Alex (Alexandra) and Dexter Loos.
Alex picked us up at 6:30 and took us to their beautiful home a short distance away. Their son, Harry, was there and we had a great dinner and conversation. Dexter is a GP here in Auckland and Susan and he shared many medical stories. We hope to be able to host Alex and Dexter someday at our home.
Last day, 22 April
We are currently at the hotel and will check out around 11:00 and head to a local park for some walking and passing the time until we head to the airport.
This has been a magical trip for both of us and it was great to have John join me for the three weeks before Susan arrived. We are ready to be home, see the families and sit in the hot tub.
Where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet
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