From Russell in The Bay of Islands we drove North to Whatuwhiwhi on the Karikari penisula. We are staying in a great campsite in Doubtless Bay, a beautiful spot about 200 yards from a quiet beach and sheltered waters.
After arriving yesterday afternoon we pitched the tent and then spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on the beach. That evening we had dinner and chatted to a few fellow campers in the camp kitchen. We'd intended on an early night but ended up watching Andy Murray see off Nadal in the Australian open quarter final.
It was an early start this morning and we left the campsite at 8.30am. We had a two hour drive to get up to Cape Regina (one of the most northernly points of NZ). On the way up we were spoilt for spectacular views of the coastline on either side. We reached Cape Regina at 10.30 and walked the cliff path out to a lighthouse. It was some of the most amazing coastal views we've ever seen. It is a point where the Mauri's believe that they pass over into the afterlife, however for us it was just incredible scenary for miles and miles.
From Cape Regina we drove slightly south to Te Paki sand dunes. Here you can dune surf on bodyboards. We'd brought our treasured bodyboard along and were keen to give it a run. We trekked to find the best slope and once there Rach went up first. It was shattering getting to the top and once there looked alot steeper looking down! All the effort was well worth it though because the journey down lieing flat on the board face first was brilliant fun. Mark went next and once he'd reached the bottom started to make his way straight back up for another go! After a couple of runs we were exhausted from climbing the dunes so made our way back to the car. On the way we did a couple of runs on the smaller slopes standing up which was a bit more tricky but also great fun.
From the Dunes we drove further South to a place called 'Ninety mile beach' where we had some lunch. We had intended to do some more boarding, this time in the water however when we tested the water the rip was pretty lethal so we wimped out.
We got back to the campsite at around 4pm so hit the bay for a swim and sunbath in the afternoon sun. We then had dinner and chilled out with a bottle of red watching the tennis.
A fantastic day!
Tomorrow we drive West to and plan to camp somewhere between here and Coromandel.
Love to all at home
Rach & Mark. xxx
to be sure I'm first I have not read the blog - cheating I know and only slightly competitive.....so will do anopther in a minute! Love you xxx
ReplyDeleteWow - what a fabulous day - standing up sounds tricky but maybe that was after the bottle of wine! Like to try dune surfing some time - must get Dad practising - now he has got ther sledging bug again who knows? Lots of love and watch out fellow bloggers - 2 ahead of you xxx Love to all x
ReplyDeleteThe Coromandel Peninsular is a great area, if you can get over to Hot Water Beach on the East Coast and dig yourself a little hole (or maybe a big hole for Mark!) its like a bath! Cathedral Cove is up there somewhere as well, Beck will probably tell you where I cant quite remember. Looks like your having great fun, keep the updates coming if you can so we can see what you think of NZ. Much love xxx ps Gill shouldnt you be working!
ReplyDeleteGot it! Just up from Hot Water Beach, the walk starts in a place called Hahei xxx
ReplyDeleteRef-er-reee.....that's not right!! Not reading the blog before you put a comment!!! I knew I should've gone on when I read your txt but I thought I would just go a get Ellen a new pair of trainers....(she's gone for a nap with them on now!)...and then go on....!!!! Dune surfing sounds brilliant.....I wish I was there xxx
ReplyDeleteMother Hubbard - what are you like? Making a comment just for the sake of being first, I can't think why your children are so competitve!!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am glad to see that you are finding some beautiful spots in NZ. Franks advice is good, that area has some lovely spots!
Hope you keep looking out for seals, they are really cute and will remind you of a certain black thing!!
Lots of love
xxxx