Day 5 - Cape Reinga ( Te Rerenga Wairua)

Today was full of adventure and magical moments. Cape Reinga is the Northern most point in New Zealand and Maori believe it is the departing place of the spirits of those who have passed on. It is also the place where the Tasman sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. I witnessed a very special moment when our guide stood at this Cape and called a Karakia (prayer) to allow the spirits of the departed of any of our group to move on, so they can begin to heal from their grief. He finished with a song as Kinaki and then hongied ( exchanged breath by pressing noses ) with some women who were quietly weeping.

The blip is the adjacent cape - Cape Maia Van Diemen, visible from Cape Reinga.

On the way to the Capes, the bus was driven along part of the 90 mile beach. It was very dramatic today with 5 metre swells sending waves crashing onto the sand. We could only drive a short distance on the sand as the conditions were so risky but it was very exciting - at some times the bus was in the actual water and other times dodging quicksand. There is an extra of some of the waves.

We finished the day by a visit to a Kauri forest. Those giant trees are awe inspiring.