Meeting of the waters

This day began early. The bus left Paihia at 07:30. We got back to Paihia at 18:15.

This was the bus trip to the northernmost point of Aotearoa/New Zealand. With only one relatively brief stop on the way (for toilets or coffee or both) we reached the vehicle park at Cape Reinga four hours later. From there it was possible to see where the Tasman Sea met the Pacific Ocean.

Unlike the last time S and I were here there is a broad well made path to the lighthouse showing where the northernmost land is. One problem with such a good path is that it was very easy going downhill, compared to the narrow track of the past; But it was just as hard coming back up. There were benches to rest upon and they were well used.

The wind was very strong there as can be seen in the first extra; of S and our grand-daughter before heading down to the lighthouse. The second extra was taken by S  near the southern end of 90 Mile Beach. (The beach is closer to 90Km  long.) At low tide it is a safe place to drive. Unfortunately, due to the timing of high tide, and the very strong wind coming in from the Tasman Sea, it was not safe for the bus to stop on the sand. Those passengers who wanted to 'sand board' missed out. 

The driver stopped just off the beach on the exit used by the buses, and we all enjoyed the views and one or two passengers had a brief paddle.