Q
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to travel around. Having said that,
petty theft and car break-ins do
happen. Keep valuables tucked away
and out of sight when you’re parked
and you should be absolutely fine.
BOOK IT: Sure Travel offers a
number of excellent packages to New
Zealand, or your Sure Travel agent
can tailor any self-drive itinerary to
suit your needs. Visit www.suretravel.
co.za to find your nearest agency, or
call 0861 47 48 49.
Below: Cape Reinga is imbued with spiritual significance for the Maori people.
Community mural in Kawakawa.
hill the view of the coastline becomes more
remarkable, punctuated by hidden coves and
secret beaches that come into view.
The track eventually leads to the lighthouse
at Cape Reinga, a solitary outpost overlooking
a dramatic peninsula where the Tasman Sea
and Pacific Ocean meet. “Collide” would
be a more accurate description – the two
currents round the tip of the island from
opposite ends and flow directly into each
other, creating a series of churning waves
that foam and swirl far out to sea.
A plaque points out a solitary Pohutukawa
tree perched on the tip of the rocky
headland, explaining that this is where the
Maori believe departed souls leap into the
ocean and follow the setting sun to Hawaiki,
the spiritual home of the Polynesian people.
To the west the coastline melts back into
never-ending sand dunes and, beyond this,
the many more places left to explore. But
it’s getting late and we need to find our own
path home.
MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 37