Top of NZ - Cape Reinga
Today I set out for the very top of the North Island, Cape Reinga Lighthouse. It was a fair hike but I made it by 1pm ish. It was really surprising to return there after many many years, as a mature adult.
The place has changed hugely, like every other place. There is a really good zig zag paved pathway down to the lighthouse, with seats along the pathway. It was crazy hot there! Not sure if it was because a part of it was sheltered from the winds on one side, or the volcanic soil & rocks? Or perhaps the winds from across the ocean? Try as I might, I couldn’t quite see you Melbourne 😂
Mind you, I had driven through a forest & a reasonable amount of rain, mist & was up pretty high above the clouds, for most of the morning.
There will be pics😉 this is the highlight of my trip so far. A very inhospitable environment, but utterly beautiful in many ways.
After the obligatory climb down to the lighthouse, I wanted to climb the hill beside it, as it’s the highest point, I think. It wasn’t easy coming down, but I made it! Big hills around this area.
In fact I can’t believe how volcanic the soil is around here. All the hills have red soil, or orange. There’sa bit of rock around but mostly it’s volcanic soil & rock.
I was going to stay at a DOC (dept of conservation) camping area tonight, but missed the turn off, so I decided to stay at the Te Kao store, for a koha (donation), because it’s on my way to the next destination. Also I hadn’t read the description right, it was a walk to the area 😂 & mossie heaven (mosquito)🦟
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