Our next trip took us to the tippy-top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. It isn't the most northern point of New Zealand, but it's the one open to civilians. The actual northern tip belongs to the science-y types and off limits to the rest of us. Besides, we're pretty sure those roads would have been impossible for our little station wagon and probably invalidate our rental agreement. Regardless, the trip to Cape Reinga was pretty neat.
We drove for hours to get from Auckland to our hotel in Pukenui. It's a long trip to the tippy-top of the country! We dropped off our stuff and then headed up the rest of the way to Cape Reinga. It's a beautiful drive through farmland with sheep and cows everywhere you look. A little more curvey road and we're at the Cape! Even though it's an overcast day, the view is gorgeous. And there's a pretty little lighthouse, too. (Really, Judy, a lighthouse! We have pictures!!)
According to Maori mythology, Cape Reinga is the place where the spirits of the dead start their journey to the afterlife. It is also considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. You can watch the waves from both seas meet in front of the lighthouse. It is wild to see waves move in two to three directions at once, in the space of about 500 feet. Too bad the conditions were not such that we could get good photos of the waves, but, trust me, it was cool!
There are many markers all over the area and we've posted a few. I looked and looked for whales, but none showed up. Dang.
I can only imagine what the Cape looks like in sunshine, but it had plenty of charm on this overcast day.
