Yet another lovely day to explore the beautiful country side and see unique landscapes and treasures along the way! We started out at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves not far from Kerikeri, where we saw a really neat cave with worms making it look like the night sky. The grounds surrounding the cave were filled with really neat rock formations, so we enjoyed walking around before heading off to find more exciting boulders halfway across the Northland.
We found our way to the Waitere Boulders at the end of a 15km dirt road and were greeted by none other than, Rita, just as promised in the brochure (sadly Felix was nowhere to be seen). While our introduction to the area was a little less than orthodox, the boulders lining a tannin tinted river were an impressive site and great times were had.
We continued westward and had a lovely lunch at the Boat Shed right on the Hokianga bay and drove to the tip of the bay to see the two contrasting sides, one lush green and the other bright sand dunes. We walked along the barnacle decorated beach, enjoyed looking at the colorful worlds within little pools, and collected far more rocks and drift wood pieces than a normal trio would want to lug around.
With one final site to see, we left the sunny beach and drove into the cool kauri forest to fine Tane Mahuta, the ~2000-year-old Lord of the Forest Kauri Tree. While not the tallest tree I've ever seen, it was certainly the widest (with a 13.8m (over 45 ft) circumference) and had nearly a whole forest growing in its canopy. Though only a short walk from the road, the forest transported us far from civilization.
For all photos, view the ALBUM
Kawiti Caves (no photos were allowed inside)
Around the Caves
We found our way to the Waitere Boulders at the end of a 15km dirt road and were greeted by none other than, Rita, just as promised in the brochure (sadly Felix was nowhere to be seen). While our introduction to the area was a little less than orthodox, the boulders lining a tannin tinted river were an impressive site and great times were had.
Fluted Basalt Rocks
Crocodile Rock Step
Fun Wood
We continued westward and had a lovely lunch at the Boat Shed right on the Hokianga bay and drove to the tip of the bay to see the two contrasting sides, one lush green and the other bright sand dunes. We walked along the barnacle decorated beach, enjoyed looking at the colorful worlds within little pools, and collected far more rocks and drift wood pieces than a normal trio would want to lug around.
The view toward the sea from Hokianga Harbor
Seaside Pools
Hokianga
With one final site to see, we left the sunny beach and drove into the cool kauri forest to fine Tane Mahuta, the ~2000-year-old Lord of the Forest Kauri Tree. While not the tallest tree I've ever seen, it was certainly the widest (with a 13.8m (over 45 ft) circumference) and had nearly a whole forest growing in its canopy. Though only a short walk from the road, the forest transported us far from civilization.
Tane Mahuta - Lord of the Forest (this photo doesn't do it justice)
For all photos, view the ALBUM
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