Miraz Jordan

InTirau, near Cambridge, they make the most of corrugated iron. Not the best angle on the first photo unfortunately. It’s a sheep.

Cambridge, where we stopped for breakfast, is the horse breeding capital of NZ. The plaques in the footpath makes that clear. Plenty of money in these parts.

Today we drove across to the East Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, with a brief stop at Waiau Falls in amongst native bush. Now we’re in Drury, just south of Auckland to visit more family.

Coromandel township is bordered by mangrove swamps. It looks out into the Hauraki Gulf. There are numerous small and large islands in the Gulf, and it’s very popular with boaties. Nearby there seem to be mussel or oyster farms.

Having completed the planned portion of our week away we are now on our way home, via unplanned stops. First up, we’re visiting Coromandel, on the Coromandel Peninsula, where I have never been before. So scenic. Photos may follow.

Cape Rēinga is at the northernmost tip of mainland New Zealand. According to Māori tradition it’s where the spirits of the dead depart by climbing down the roots of a pohutukawa tree, and into the water to then head back to Hawaiki.

Hmmm, NZ’s first capital:

The first Russell was located at Okiato, 8km from present-day Russell, in May 1840.

Russell was originally called Kororāreka.

Yesterday we lunched under 90 year old Pohutukawa trees at Russell, NZ’s original European capital.

Māori traded energetically with the newcomers providing fish, greens, pork, kumara, flax, water and …women. When ships were in port … grogshops and brothels did a roaring trade.

We stayed the night at Pukenui, less than an hour’s drive from Cape Reinga. The Far North is very scenic. I’m glad to say my friend has brought her gorgeous dog Ryka, a Belgian Shepherd. Today, the northern tip of the North Island. Excited!

The Helena Bay art Gallery and cafe has numerous gorgeous works and a fabulous view.