Far North diary
The Far North of New Zealand has been a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders for a long time but recently it has also been attracting attention from overseas visitors. In spite of this attention there are plenty of undiscovered spots off the beaten track and of course ninety-mile beach and Waipoua forest are not to be missed in any trip north.

Ninety-mile beach is the most spectacular route to Cape Reinga. Stretching out into the hazy distance the long beach is considered a public road and normal cars can drive up it when the conditions are good. Travelers will often pass locals digging in the sand with their feet looking every bit like rock and roll era hangovers but they are actually gathering shellfish to eat. Strict size and bag restrictions are enforced but the tuatua and toheroa shellfish are beautiful eaten fresh or in patties.

South of Cape Reinga on the east coast is the Karikari Peninsula, an irresistible spot for beach lovers. At the end of a long and dusty road is perhaps one of the best white sand beaches in all of New Zealand. It is a bit of a local secret and not unusual to have the entire white beach to yourself. The area has seen the building of some exclusive luxury lodges. With the recent real-estate boom in coastal property, many overseas investors have seen their chance in this unspoiled area. The Carrington Club - lodge, golf course and winery - is one of them. http://www.carringtonclub.com

No trip to Northland is complete without visiting Waipoua forest and seeing the gigantic kauri. The largest tree of all, called Tanemahuta is about 2000 years old and has to be seen for its size to be fully comprehended. Waipoua forest is a tiny remnant of the once vast kauri forest that covered most of Northland and Coromandel. In little under 100 years after the arrival of European immigrants kauri forest was almost completely eliminated. Viewing the huge remaining kauri brings home the truth about how easily the efforts of humans destroy what nature has spent thousands of years making.