Back in windy Wellington.
We spend the large part of a day at the Te Papa museum. It’s huge.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5892-1024x768.jpg)
With Easter coming up, Whittaker’s, an NZ chocolatier, makes chocolate kiwis.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5896-1024x768.jpg)
The road to New Plymouth. The most prominent feature in this part of the country is Mount Taranaki, a dormant volcano.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_3020-1-1024x768.jpg)
Near Hamilton, we visit Raglan Beach. Popular with surfers.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5952-1024x768.jpg)
The black sand is common on this side of the North Island.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5954-1024x768.jpg)
Our next stop is Karekare Beach.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5963-1024x768.jpg)
‘Far from the madding crowd’s ignoble strife‘ – Thomas Gray
This is where the stunning beach scenes from Jane Campion’s classic ‘The Piano‘ were filmed.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/still_from_The_Piano-1024x578.jpg)
Less than an hour’s drive from Auckland, it feels like the end of the earth.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5967-1024x768.jpg)
It must’ve been a challenge filming here. The only access is by steep, narrow, twisting roads – not the best for transporting cast, crew, and equipment.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5965-1024x768.jpg)
Next to Russel (via Whangarei) and the beautiful Bay of Islands. We make an excursion to Otehei Bay, on Urupukapuka Island.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5986-1024x768.jpg)
We enjoy an outdoor lunch.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5983-1024x768.jpg)
The island has lots of rewarding easy walks.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5989-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_5995-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6010-1024x768.jpg)
There is supposed to be the remains of a Maori pa on this headland. We can’t find any trace.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6008-1024x768.jpg)
We drive north to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. (At least, the northernmost point that is convenient to get to.)
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6030-1024x768.jpg)
Because there is no alternative, we stay at the Department of Conservation campsite at Tapotupotu. No electricity or amenities besides basic toilets, but very pretty in its isolation.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6014-1024x769.jpg)
Our time in Australasia draws to a close. I’m going to miss the long-distance drives. I enjoy the ever-changing scenery. And turning things over in my mind. Ruminatin’ and illuminatin’ on the state of the world. Who knows, maybe I think too much.
We can’t go any further north – we return south. We stop at the giant Te Puki sand dunes that reach up to 100 metres.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6048-1024x768.jpg)
After a few relaxing nights at Whatuwhiwhi on the Karikari peninsula, we drive to the Waipoua Forest and its gigantic kauri trees.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6081-768x1024.jpg)
They really are majestic.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6084-768x1024.jpg)
Our caravan park has a ‘kiwi rescue’ vehicle. We’re not sure how the onboard equipment is useful for rescuing kiwis.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6074-1024x768.jpg)
We imagine a time when much of the North Island looked like this.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6085-1024x768.jpg)
This inspires us to visit the Kauri Museum in Matakohe.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/IMG_02011-1024x768.jpg)
Sight or Insight of the Day – North Island Rambles
Kauri trees suffer from a disease called kauri dieback. The NZ government is doing all it can to protect surviving trees.
This includes obligatory decontamination of all footwear before entering kauri forests.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6055-1024x769.jpg)
Everyone has to follow the rules.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6090-769x1024.jpg)
The people and the government of New Zealand have put a lot of thought, money, and resources into this effort.
![](https://randomrambles.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_6056-1024x768.jpg)
Somewhere in an earlier entry, we mention how the authorities and governments in Southeast Asia – the very people who should be protecting the natural patrimony of their countries – are in fact at the forefront of hacking down any remaining trees of value and replacing them with palm oil plantations for themselves and their cronies.
I’m not much of a tree-hugger, but I wonder with Bruce Cockburn – ‘if a tree falls in the forest, does anybody hear the forest fall?’