Waipoua Forest

Trip Start Aug 15, 2008
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Trip End Mar 19, 2009


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Flag of New Zealand  , North Island,
Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The morning weather was still pretty rough but we managed to catch glimpses of the Cape Reinga lighthouse through the clouds.  It's only 10m tall - bless!  It's solar panalled (even on a day like today!?) and automatic which is quite cool.  Other than that it's just a lighthouse - and we drove how far!!

Back in the 'Hippie Camper' and all the way back down the peninsular we trundled, stopping at 90 mile beach along the way.  Not quite 90 miles long but pretty close - it's officially classed as a national highway allowing vehicles to shoot up the beach at 100 kph!! Rental vehicles aren't allowed - boooo.

Lots of driving and bad singing followed until we reached Tane Mahuta.  Tane is one of the worlds ancient trees, estimated at around 2000 years old!  This Kauri tree's vital statistics are....
- height 51.5m
- trunk girth - 13.8m
- trunk volume - 244.5 m cubed
(good for 'top trumps!')

...even if you aren't a tree-loving-king-of-guy that's all pretty impressive.

The Maoris believe Tane Mahuta is the son of Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatuanuka, the earth mother.  Tane tore his parents apart, breaking thier primal embrace, to bring light, space and air, allowing life to flourish.  He is the life giver and all living creatures are his children.  Including the pesky mosquito's who catalysed our decision to 'make like a tree' and leave to find our campsite by the river.
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