Visit
beautiful Aupouri Peninsular our sub-tropical paradise in the Far
North of New Zealand
We the fortunate people who live at this sunlit end of New
Zealand welcome you, and look forward to sharing our beautiful and
secret places with you.
This splinter of land at the country's northern tip is
approximately 100km long. It is sometimes known as Te Hiku o te
ika a Maui, the tail of Maui's fish. Steeped in
pioneering history and Maori legend the area has great spiritual
significance for Maori as the departing place of souls (Te Rerenga
Wairua) on their journey to the homeland, Hawaiki. The spirit
trail (te ara wairau) to Cape Reinga lies along 90 Mile Beach on
the west coast. Starting at Ahipara at the south end of the beach,
the departing spirit waits for an outgoing tide before journeying
back to Hawaiki. The final plunge into the sea is taken near an
underground cave at the cape, where there is a much-photographed
tree.
European explorers and traders arrived in the 19th century.
They were followed by several thousand-gum diggers. Since then,
European settlement has not been extensive. The remoteness and
magnificent marine life in the area, together with pristine
un-populated beaches make it a favorite tourist destination.
The peninsular was once covered in a massive kauri forest. Some
50,000 to 60,000 years ago it was gradually buried beneath peat
swamps and encroaching sand dunes. The ancient wood is recovered
from the swamps and used for making ornaments and furniture, and
the land is now partly farmed or in horticulture or forested with
exotics.
Come and explore our famous 90 Mile Beach, visit legendary Cape
Reinga, where the restless Pacific Ocean collides in foaming anger
with the Tasman Sea� witnessed only by the lonely Pohutukawa and
the departing spirits, and stand on the mighty giant Te Paki Sand
Dunes and see for yourself how they can engulf the lands.
Experience our unspoiled beaches to swim, snorkel and gather
shellfish, take time out to enjoy some of the best fishing waters
in the world or hike one of several trails around the Cape Reinga
area.
The friendly local hospitality will assure your stay in the
real Far North is something special.
Come and experience the stunning and unique Top of
New Zealand
Far North � Northland � New
Zealand Vacations � Tourist Information
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