Recently my husband and I decided before winter approaches to do a wee tour of parts of Northland. He had never been up to Cape Reinga, at the top of the North Island.
We headed off in his VW van with our doggie - a small black cavoodle called Josie - making it to Kerikeri the first night via Langs Beach and Waipu Cove; two very beautiful beachside communities.
It can be challenging finding reasonable quality accommodation that will take doggies. Luckily we found a fabulous property called Stay Kerikeri within walking distance to Kerikeri main shops. They accept small non-shedding dogs. It's not only perfect for doggies and their owners but I think anyone would love this accommodation.
The famous Stone Store, and the Plough and Feather.
Also perfect for dog owners is The Plough and Feather, located opposite the famousStone Store in Kerikeri (one of NZ’s oldest buildings).
We had a delicious meal at this English-style gastro pub, where Josie was made to feel very welcome in the outdoor garden bar.
The next day we drove up to Cable Bay, which is only about an hour further north. (We did drop in on Matauri Bay and Taupo Bay on the way.
They also accept doggies. (they even have a stick library)
We were able to walk the beach right outside the door of our accommodation. Dinner was fish and chips from the famous Mangonui fish and chip shop. Delicious!
Saturday morning we drove the long drive up to Cape Reinga.
It is about 1.5 hours each way from our accommodation. I had not been up that way since I was about 18 and since the road had been sealed. (It used to be a chip seal bone rattling rough road.)
The view from Cape Reinga of where the two oceans meet (Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean is spectacular and something not to be missed when in NZ.
My husband reckons it is one of the best days he has ever had in NZ.
On the way back we stopped off at Te Paki Sand Dunes.
These dunes cover approx. 10 km by 1 km with some individual dunes rising by up to 150 meters. You can even ‘surf’ down them using your own boards or hire one for about $10.
We also stopped off at 90 Mile Beach - a strip of sand that stretches from Ahipara to Scott Point. Truth be told, it is actually 88 kilometres long.
This beach is officially a highway, but is really only suitable for 4WD vehicles and is safe to drive only at specific times of the tides. Rental companies won’t allow their cars on the sand, mostly for safety reasons.
'Mr Mel' & Josie on 90 mile beach.
Dog friendly travel We have learnt on our travels with Josie that there are plenty of dog friendly places to stay and eat in New Zealand.
Dogalong is a great website providing dog friendly accommodation, cafes/restaurants, walks/tours and parks throughout New Zealand.
Dog Friendly New Zealand is a facebook group 'showcasing New Zealand’s top dog friendly spots offering more than just a lukewarm bowl of water.'
Bring Fido is a global directory of dog friendly businesses.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MAY
The Auckland Writers Festival is being held. (14 - 19 May). It is usually a fantastic event. Every year they gather over 220 of the world's best writers of contemporary fiction and nonfiction, scientists, economists, poets, journalists and intellectuals, to celebrate the world of books and ideas. There are free and ticketed events. My advice is to book early as soon as the programme comes out.
This month Bluff ( a small town right on the coast at the bottom of the South Island) hosts the Bluff Oyster Festival. It celebrates the season’s oyster harvest with music, food and wine. The festival starts on 25 May. Complementing the delicious Bluff Oyster is a variety of seafoods. Crayfish, Paua, (Abalone) Scallops, Salmon, Blue Cod and Whitebait in abundance.
Bluff oysters are thought of as a delicacy here in NZ. I personally consider them the nicest that NZ has to offer. It’s usually a great occasion, although rather chilly - hats, gloves and scarves are a must!
Did you know?
No place in New Zealand is more than 80 miles (130 km) from the sea!
Three quarters of New Zealanders live on the North island.
