Shri Jagat Singh Bisht
☆ Travelogue – Where the Tasman Meets the Pacific: A Journey to Cape Reinga: # 11 ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆
The Northland unfolded before us like a vast emerald carpet, a tapestry woven from endless grasslands dotted with grazing sheep and cattle. Our journey began at dawn, the car a nimble steed traversing this seemingly endless golf course of a landscape.
Whangarei beckoned with the promise of a hearty vegan breakfast, a welcome respite before embarking on our historical immersion at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Our knowledgeable guide, a young woman with a captivating narrative, wove a tale of the treaty’s significance, leading us through poignant museums and culminating at the awe-inspiring sight of the world’s largest ceremonial waka.
Paihia, our coastal haven for the next two nights, exuded a timeless charm. The resort, perched on the edge of the Bay of Islands, offered breathtaking views and whispered tales of Charles Darwin’s own sojourn during his Beagle voyage.
The allure of Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of the North Island, proved irresistible. The journey was a solitary one, the landscape gradually transforming into a more rugged terrain. As we neared our destination, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean converge, a fierce downpour descended. Undeterred, we pressed on, reaching the lighthouse amidst the tempest. The treacherous weather conditions forced us to forgo the nearby sand dunes, the risk of getting bogged down in the sand too great.
Retracing our steps towards Paihia, we indulged in scenic detours, stopping at the captivating 90 Mile Beach and numerous pristine stretches of sand. The Green’s Indian Restaurant, a familiar haven, awaited us in Paihia, its aromatic curries a comforting end to the day.
The following morning, a half-day cruise beckoned, taking us on a captivating voyage through the Bay of Islands. We sailed past Russell, Keri Keri, and the enchanting islands of Urupukapuka and Motuarohia, each offering unique vistas and captivating stories. The “Hole in the Rock,” a natural marvel, remained etched in our memory, as unforgettable as the island’s breathtaking beauty. The cruise was further enlivened by the wit and humor of our Kiwi captain, who compensated for the elusive dolphins with his captivating commentary.
Our return journey included a stop at the Kauri Reserves, where we marveled at the ancient and majestic Kauri trees. As dusk settled, we finally arrived back in Auckland, our spirits still soaring from the Northland adventure. A late-night feast of chole-bhature at Chatori Gali provided a fitting finale to this unforgettable journey through the heart of New Zealand.
© Jagat Singh Bisht
(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)
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≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈
Excellent narrative with superb command over the language…!
Thank you very much.
Warm regards 🙏