AUCKLAND, Nov. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're looking to escape the heat in New Zealand, one way is to head north until there's nowhere left to go. The Far North of New Zealand is an underdeveloped subtropical region, celebrated for its beaches and harbors. In the Far North,peopleare never far from the sea.
Far North Bay Scenery
The Far North may sound remote, but it’s not as intimidatingly far as it seems. It’s just over three hours’ drive from Auckland to the town of Kerikeri. Once you pass Kerikeri, you’re fully in the Far North. Your first stop might well be the beautiful Matauri Bay, and further north you’ll find the town of Mangonui with its prominent government building, surrounded by several historic nature reserves. Stop by the visitor center desk to pick up a "Heritage Trail" guide, then walk 3 km where you’ll encounter 22 cultural and historical siteswaiting for visitors.
On the western side of Mangonui is Coopers Beach, a very safe swimming area, with Christmas trees on the sand offering great shade. The distant pinkish sands and small lagoons are exquisite. If time allows, take a slight detour to New Zealand’s northernmost vineyard — it will definitely makeyourtrip worthwhile.
Continuing north, you’ll reach the coastal town of Pukenui, which has supermarkets, accommodations, and New Zealand’s northernmost petrol station. Before arriving at the breathtaking Cape Reinga, make sure your fuel tank is full. Cape Reinga is one of the must-visit spots, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. According to Māori legend, this is where the spirits of the deceased leave the physical world. Aside from that, sandboarding at Cape Reinga is a must-do activity. There are daily tour buses from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga, and the local guides’ commentary will have youlaughingout loud.
Cape Reinga Lighthouse
The coastal town of Ahipara can serve as the final stop in the Far North. It’s a paradise for surfers. With its bays and picturesque nature reserves, it caters topeople’sneeds for surfing, hiking, horseback riding on the beach, fishing, diving, and more.
If you're planning your trip to New Zealand, be sure to visit the official New Zealand Journey website operated by Auckland Airport (http://www.xinxilanlvcheng.com). The New Zealand Journey website provides comprehensive travel information about New Zealand, tailored to various needs, saving you the hassle of gathering travel info from different sources, and helping you start your New Zealand adventure faster and better.