Cape Reinga

We have finally made it to the most northerly tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. It is marked by a lighthouse, which seems to be a common theme, as well as a yellow road sign. We are now only 18029km from London!

This site is very significant for the Maori. They believe that this is the place where all souls visit before leaving for the underworld. There is a rocky outcrop on which grows a single tree. This is where they believe the soul descends into the underworld using the tree roots as steps. Since this is such a sacred site, no one is allowed down onto the outcrop.

Up at the Cape is also where the two seas collide. The Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. They create breakers and whirlpools just off the cape. Watching it you can see why Maori would find this a spiritual place, like the end of the world.

It is weird to think that we have now been to the four corners of New Zealand. Most Southerly in Bluff, Most Westerly in Puponga, most Easterly at the East Cape and now most Northerly at Cape Reinga.

And how would you celebrate such a fete? Sand surfing at the Te Paki Sand Dunes of course. It was such a hard climb to the top, especially since it only took seconds to get back down. You just push yourself down onto your boogie board, and go face first down the dune. They tell you to steer by digging your feet into the sand, but it doesn't work like that. You just aim and pray!

It was a lot of fun, a bit hot on the soles of the feet, and I'm still finding sand on me and in my clothes, but a great day.