255) More New Zealand

At  Te-Reinga - the place where spirits enter the underworld on the N tip of NZ- is a lone kahika tree - Te Aroha. The spirits descend to the water on the tree's roots and continue to their spiritual home - Hawaiki

 Dirk contemplate the lighthouse at Cape Reinga overlooking the meeting between the Tasman and the Pacific Ocean.




















One of the eclectic cottages at Pagoda House in Kerikeri on the east coast. Each cottage is unique, from a truly tiny tree-house (where I stayed) to lavish platforms tents, an old tugboat, these gypsy-caravan themed cottages, and  a  refurbished 1950's trailer.

 No trip up the East coast would be complete without a stop at the bathroom in Kawakawa designed by the 20th century architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Note the  wine bottles forming the entrance wall.










The Saddleback is another of the NZ conservation success stories. From a population of 500 birds on one island there are now an estimated 7000 birds relocated on 11 islands. The related huia was last seen in 1963 so its not all good.

A Whitehead with breakfast on Tiri-tiri

Ah -- there are things in the deep here!