TOPPING OUT

The North Cape has proved to be a wonderfully rewarding way to finish our trip with the warmth of this almost sub tropical area and lengthy spells of sunshine very much appreciated.

Our leisurely pace took us up the east coast with visits to wonderfully deserted beaches, another snorkelling session and some memorably quiet D0C sites right on the beach.

A short break at the excellent Acacia Lodge in Mangonui provided some home comforts before we headed for Cape Reinga itself.

En route the Te Paki dunes were a major highlight with the vast and extensive sand hills stretching out above Ninety Mile Beach where a night at a quiet camp site at Hukatere had been particularly special.

Moving Spirits Bay was memorable for its sense of tradition and meaning but we spent longer at Taputupotu as there were good walks available nearby. A kiwi family who had just embarked on living on the road full time had plenty of advice regarding Australia where they had lived for many years and were keen to learn about the many highlights of New Zealand - Jack and sarah even managed to communicate via their Nintendos!

The walk to the Cape was strenuous but worthwhile following a coast path that dropped to idyllic Sandy Bay with the odd sharp shower followed by hot sun manipulating the view across the Pacific.

Round at the Cape the merging of the Tasman and Pacific created a dramatic maelstrom with huge waves crashing together with the Three Kings Islands in the far distance. The finger post detailing distances to various places was for us quite significant listing as it did London, Tokyo, Bluff and the South Pole amongst others.

The following day we enjoyed a full day's walk out to Cape Van Diemen which felt like the end of the world surrounded on three sides by blue ocean - green lipped mussels the size of cricket balls were collected for tea before the long trek back along the deserted beach.

So we now head south with only a fortnight left on the road - Cape Reinga has been the perfect finale to ten amazing months - time now to get home and see everyone whilst looking forward to more adventures as a new chapter unfolds.

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