The Northlands – Take II

We traveled the Northlands (the very northern bit of the North Island) in the first days of our arrival in New Zealand and were unfortunately greeted with the most impossible, sideways falling rain and, eventually, floods that we spent too much time indoors watching movies and reading and getting on each others nerves. So we planned to get North again and I am glad we gave her a second chance.

There are two things that struck me as utterly precious about this NZ experience (really, any New Zealand experience to date):

The entire two days (aside from accommodation and food) cost me $2 NZ. That magnificent drive up the Cape? Its sweeping, jaw-dropping views? Our smashing beach drive and BBQ lunch? The Kauri Coast? It’s majestic 2000 year old kauri? $2 NZ for a local to watch my car at our very last stop for a hike where break-ins have happened in the past. There aren’t any tolls or parking fees, entrance costs or gift shops. Nowhere to buy a t-shirt that proves you have been or a Snapple. No one taking pics of you pretending to jump off the edge that you can have made into a mug or magnet or key chain. The ‘commercial’ tourist experience simply doesn’t live here.

And the other is that we felt utterly alone the entire time. The drive up the Cape is around 2 hours and we went miles without seeing a single car. But further to that, these lands are untouched. We joked that had we been in California or Florida, the Algarve, the South of France, anywhere in the Caribbean,even Muskoka for that matter, the shores would be littered with properties, hotels, accommodations, somewhere to get a cold one or a fruity, frozen something with an umbrella in it. Instead, as far as the eye could see, not a soul. Just us. Feeling alone and small and ever grateful and in complete awe of this amazing planet.

There is something pure and clear about travelling through New Zealand. This beautiful country BELONGS to every person who ventures to meet her. The entire country has become my bucket list and we plan to check every box in the four, short years we have here.