The magical ride to Cape Reinga (CNS1501)

The road to the cape is scenic and curvy What a ride! And what a day!!! We made it! A happy crew of 5 with Cape Reinga lighthouse in the back. This is a member of Tribesmen MC. We didn't dare to ride our bikes all the way down. Correct, we were right in between the South Pole and the Equator! Amazing views of the Pacific Ocean open up as you walk towards the lighthouse. This Pohutukawa tree is the place, where the souls of the departed leave the earth and travel back to mythical Maori homeland, Hawaiki. After the cape we had a break at this beautiful place. Karikari Estate is New Zealand's northernmost winery. Too bad we could drink only coffee... Spectacular panorama from the Million Dollar View Road February 6 is Waitangi Day, New Zealand's national holiday. The Maori bring out huge Waka, or war canoes, to parade along the shore. What a timing! Old Russell Road is 70 km of curves and views. Here we see Lutz and Nicky... ... and Tony... ... and Paul, coming around one of those corners where they suddenly found it hard to focus on the road. The guys getting ready to ride first highlight of the day: the famous Whangarei Falls Lutz defied gravity to take this picture... Second highlight of the day: Ripiro Beach. On this picture you cannot see that it is 110 km long... The Funky Fish Café in Bayley's Beach had a private function going, but they still served us coffee the toilet of the Funky Fish. Note the paper holder! On the way back from Ripiro Beach. The boys were disappointed that there was no booze anywhere around... Next highlight: Waipua Forest, home of the giant Kauri trees The Kauris are threatened by a mysterious disease. In order not to spread it around we had to disinfect our boots The "Father of the Forest" is 1500 years old and the girth of his trunk measures over 17 metres (almost 60 feet) These are not the four sisters. The sign points towards a stand of Kauris. Just to make it clear... After leaving the forest we were pulled over by police. Oh wait, this is the guide, pointing out our lunch place! The ferry ride across Hokianga Harbour is heaps of fun, even in the rain. It got even better as Lutz pulled a bag of cookies from under his seat Yeah, those are goooood!!! Lutz, celebrating arrival at our hotel in Kaitaia after a wet day. Tony, Paul, Nicky, Lutz and Thomas with Auckland's city skyline Tony.... ... Lutz and Nicky.... ... and Paul on the spectacular Coromandel Road First coffee break Nicky prefers health food for picnic... Breathtaking view of Coromandel Paul, enjoying the incredible panorama from an elevated point of view at Cathedral Cove lookout Well-deserved boot beer after a glorious first day Hmmmm, tasty.... At our lodge in Tairua Moonrise over Tairua Harbour