The couple days spent exploring the northern tip of NZ was fun and exhausting. Again the landscape and beauty of the area took my breathe away. I found areas off the beaten track where time was spent in awe of the teal coloured water and tan beaches. A few locals would wander down the beaches, often with happy dogs roaming free and skimming over the waves as the water swept over the sand.

Also, I did a tour to learn about the geology, history, forestry and cultural significance of the north. And I did get to sand boggie board down a sand dune (twice) plus ride the beach of the north, which is a designated highway with a speed limit of 100 km. We did 80 that day and covered about 55 km in total on the beach.

We also saw one of the last standing lighthouses, at the place where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. It is also the place where the Mauri people believe that the spirit travels to when it dies and leaves this earth at the most northern tip of the land.

We learned of the Kauri (pronounced Keri by English speakers or Cody by Mauri) tree. We saw a preserved Kauri tree that was estimated to be 100,000 years old. With our short life spans, the number is difficult to comprehend.

As I conclude this part of my journey I reflect on the people of northern New Zealand. They of course are the heart of this area. It is their pride and responsibility to preserve the natural habitat, to be teachers by sharing the rich heritage of the peoples, and the artists depict their creativity and joy through art, music, dance, food and story telling. To all who have travelled this part of my journey with me, I thank you.

sunyata