Saturday 4th Feb- 90 Mile Beach.

We went on a bus trip to the very north of New Zealand.

It was a full 12 hour day, with a stop at a Gumdigger (Amber) exibition. This gum seaped from the Kauri trees about 100,000 years ago and was in great demand 150 years ago. Conditions were certainly primitive for the diggers.

Our main stop was a Cape Reigna, the northern most point of the island. This area has great significance for Maoris who believe that the spirits of their dead enter the afterlife at the Cape. It was very windy and any spirits would have to be holding on tight. Spectacular scenery as well where the Pacific and Tasman meet.

http://photobucket.com/albums/w452/paulnharris1954/Paul and Jen on tour/Cape Reinga

On the way back we drove along the 90 mile beach (it's actually 60 miles,) and I tried sand boarding. This was great fun but walking up to the top- twice- nearly killed me! Jen decided that she would be the photographer and stayed at the bottom to record the events for posterity! Jo and Steve - this was one dune that your mum did not want to climb to see what was the other side!

http://photobucket.com/albums/w452/paulnharris1954/Paul and Jen on tour/90 mile beach