To the bay of islands
It was early Saturday morning, we packed our bags and headed north on Highway 12, through the Waipoua forest until we approached Tane Mahuta (The Giant Kauri Tree) the oldest and largest tree of New Zealand! It was pretty special, but still doesn’t beat The Major Oak of Sherwood Forest.
It was early days and we still had plenty to see. So, we drove on through the huge Waipoua forest, there was something different it, kinda resembled a rainforest and seemed endless. It’s the last place you want to get lost! We eventually made it out, before reaching ‘the three w’s’ Wekaweka, Waimamaku and Waiotemarama. The sun was beginning to shine; it was perfect timing, as we approached Omapere. We stopped at Pakia Hill, the view was sensational, it overlooked the sand dunes at Te Pouahi Reserve on the North Head. We even met two Roosters here and gave them some food to nibble.
On we drove, through Opononi and Pakanae, we were approaching Whirinaki when we noticed the road was cordoned off, it had fallen away! Maybe due to an earthquake.
We got back on route towards Kaikohe, where we stopped for a short break to grab a delicious Subway. Before heading on route to Puketona towards KeriKeri where we found Pukeko Vineyard and Winery. We had free wine tasting before buying a bottle of Pinot Gris.
The best and tastiest white wine! Before we left we met Milo a lovely black Labrador, and 4 beautiful ponies.
Back on the road again, we spotted directions to Haruau waterfall, we love the waterfalls, so we had to check it out. Glad we did, it was worth our while : )
Next.…The hotel! We were staying at the Tanoa Paihia Hotel, where we had a bottle of champagne was waiting for us! With pure determination I eventually opened the bottle to celebrate my 25th Birthday!
It was mid-afternoon so plenty of time to check out Paihia, enjoy the sun before the night life begins!
The morning after the night before…
We wake up to birthday presents…a beautiful silver watch, clothes and Robin Hood souvenir’s! But funniest of all, we both get the wonderful gift of face packs! I even found two in my new shorts! After making our skin look beautiful we had breakfast at the hotel before heading out for the day in Paihia.
Next we visit Kawakawa, south of Paihia. It’s the only place in New Zealand to have a working stream train…and the only steam train that drives amongst the traffic in the centre of town. As they started up the huge engine, I grinned with joy and excitement at this wonderful spectacle!
It was late afternoon, time to take the drive home. We got on Highway 12 towards Kaikohe, then by Ngapuhi, before reaching the Twin Bridges, a strange rope bridge and an old wooden bus stop!
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| Te Pouahi Reserve |
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| Pukeko Vineyard |
