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It was decided to spend some time up north for New Years so we chose a small quiet spot of Pukenui. Rather it was one of the few places that seemed to have accomodation left as the summer holiday period here is quite popular as a lot of businesses close down over christmas here in New Zealand. Our chosen spot though was seventy kilometres south of Cape Reinga which is the most northern point of New Zealand. It was with great anticipation that the two of us awoke on Saturday the 29th of December to start our small holiday.
Early morning in Pukenui
We had organised a Suzuki Swift to be rented and after picking up the keys we hit highway one which goes all the way up from the south to the north of New Zealand. After the obligatory stop for a coffee and a very busy petrol station we soon realised there would be quite a bit of traffic on the road including the highway patrol. Whangarei would mark the furthest north we had travelled so upon arrival in this town a stop at the tourist info for some relief and a chance to pick up any brochures for our further ventures.
Anja and I took a drive to the lookout over this town which had bounty of boats sitting right in the middle in their harbour, fishing is a way of life in Northland which we were made aware of constantly. Next destination was a small town called Kawakawa which on first appearance looked rather boring but after Anja's fruitful research this was the home of some unique public toilets which she has dutifully blogged.
Jason at Shipwreck BayOriginally we had decided to continue on State Highway one from here but after a small navigation blunder we ended up on State Highway ten but that worked well as we drove through to the popular Bay of Islands. One thing you soon realise in New Zealand when you drive is that they make roads very winding and also very tight. Many times I thought Anja would put her foot through the floor but that was understable as I really haven't driven that much lately. Just the small drive through Paihia reinforced our decision to stay further up we thought a good one as we looked foward to some solitude.
Another nice beach After a grocery stop in the nearest bigger town of Kaitaia at the Pak N Save where we got up close and personal we arrived shortly after at our home away from home. Pukenui Lodge Motel had some modest lodgings and we were sleeping in a very old building but once we saw the surrounds we where very happy with our decision. Looking out over the picturesque Houhora harbour we found some tables where over the next few nights we would enjoy our meals and have a few beers simply taking in the scenery.
Sydney... it's not that far away...
We made the pilgrimage to Cape Reinga in our brand new rental car along twenty kilometres of unsealed road and somehow didn't scratch it. Then a brave decision was made to go sand duning on the giant te Paki dunes and that was definitely a one off. Ninety Mile beach was a constant draw for us having the car and during our time we also made it to Shipwreck Bay and along the coast a bit. The local hotel across the road seemed to be always busy but the locals were very friendly and we knew we weren't in Auckland any more.
Jason at Cape Reinga
New Year's eve and the locals started letting off their fireworks at 10pm and the temperature dropped quite rapidly which made the occassion quite different. Still though we enjoyed a good show at midnight and we shared going into 2008 before anyone else we knew! New Years day was quite windy but again we headed out in the car and in the time we had it managed to clock up 1200 kilometres. Also we were able to indulge in some fish n' chips as the kiwis so love and Anja knew that this fish was as fresh as it could possibly be.
Start of 90 Mile Beach
Most days we would sit and marvel at how many people fished near our lodge and one day we saw them digging in the sand for Tua Tuas (Anja has also blogged this experience) The trip back south was on the second of January as the kiwis give themselves an extra public holiday which we gratefully accepted. There were traffic jams in some places on the way back but we still got back home not too late. It was a great feeling for these two travellers to shower and sleep in their own place unlike we could do before.
without words
We have loaded our photos from this experience onto Flickr and it was really a great time away for both of us for sure. The weather was pretty great and the whole feel of New Zealand is very relaxed once you leave Auckland. Our escapes have always been well worth it and definitely in Australia we know we need a car.
To say this new year was very different to last years spent in Sydney under the harbour bridge is an understatement. However both were enjoyed for their own uniqueness and we wouldn't want it any other way!
Jason
