TRIP 3 NORTHLAND
TRIP 3
Cape Rēinga Lighthouse © David Kirkland
Moving up to the
Far North
Paihia to Kerikeri via SH 11 and 10 21min, 23.4km
SIDE TRIP
Kerikeri to Mangōnui via SH 10 through Kaeo 48min, 60.1km Mātauri Bay loop via Mātauri Bay Rd to Mātauri Bay, return to main route via Wainui & Whangaroa rds 1hr 9min, 69.2km
SIDE TRIP
Mangōnui to Cape Rēinga via SH 10 and then onto SH 1 at Awanui 1hr 48min, 132km To Whatuwhiwhi Peninsula turn off SH 10 before Lake Ohia to the beautiful peninsula 16min, 17.5km Cape Rēinga to Kaitāia via SH 1 through Te Kao, Houhora Heads and Pukenui 1hr 30min, 110km
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M U S T D O ’ S • N O RTH LA N D
G
oing all the way to the top is something quite special and features on many bucket lists. This road trip takes in so many spectacular, impressive sights there’s a danger that the climax of Cape Rēinga will be diluted; in reality it is one of several highlights of this adventure up the skinny bit of New Zealand. The top of the north is a mix of welcoming seaside villages and service towns, swathes of green pasture, stretches of white-sand beach, remote peninsulas and deep water harbours. Plus it’s warm. The climate up north is noticeably different – with warmer temperatures all year round and, usually, dry summers colouring the landscape to gold. Chances are the sky will be blue; the result equals brilliant photo opportunities.
