From the start to the end in one day, not bad eh? Probably not what you’re expecting though (although some form of extreme sport involving a fighter jet would have been good). We started off in Waitangi, site of the first treaty between Maori and European settlers to share the land and considered to be the start of modern New Zealand. Beyond the controversy that surrounds Maori and European relations, the area conveys an old-world and pioneer feel, as though you could imagine the settlers arriving on the shore. It’s also a melting pot of the two cultures with huge war canoes and Maori town hall next to the first governer’s house.
Later that afternoon after about 20km of rough unsealed road we reached the end of New Zealand at Cape Reinga, the most northerly land (technically not, but as far north as any road goes) and the turning point for our journey as we’ve done west, south, east and now north. It’s quite surprising that there is a road and that they are starting to seal it as there is literally nothing but a car park, toilet and unmanned lighthouse – keeps us tourists entertained at least I suppose! Not only is it about as far north as you can go, it’s also where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet which causes huge waves to oddly break far off the coast. Maori also believe that when they die their spirits come to Cape Reinga and leap off an old tree to reach their mythical homeland of Hawaiiti. It may sound a bit silly to some, but it’s no sillier than meeting your maker, and I reckon it’s a nice place for a spirit to leap from. I’m sure there are still a few nooks and cranies of New Zealand left to visit so that should keep us entertained for the final couple of weeks.