Doubtless Bay to Cape Reinga and back to Paihia

After a busy day at Kauri Cliffs, we decided not to get on the road to early. We grabbed a coffee and strolled over to Doubtless Bay for a walk. Hence why the Ramada Taipa is such a great location. 

We finally got on the road by 11.30am. Today was going to be an epic road trip. From Taipa to Karikari Peninsula, Cape Reinga, 90 Mile Beach, homemade blueberry and raspberry ice creams, a swim in the ocean before we would finally reach Paihia at 8 pm.  For those who get car sick, reading this may make you feel a bit woozy ;)

400km Road Trip - Day 3

Days Adventures:

Carrington Golf Resort and Karikari Estate – we popped in to have a quick look at Carrington Golf Course and the Karikari Estate winery across the road.  Definitely places to come back to and enjoy, golf, relaxation, beach and wine tasting.

Picture above - View from Carrington Estate overlooking the Carrington Golf Course

Picture below - Us at Karikari Estate vineyard

Accommodation options include Carrington Estate and Peppers Carrington 

Cape Reinga - It took us a while to get to Cape Reinga, however well worth the drive up. At times we felt like we were the only people in New Zeland with amazing lush land, farms, vast coastlines and roads leading for miles. 

Cape Reinga offers a great New Zealand experience, where you can see both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean crashing into each other.  You can also discover the place 'Of Leaping', where it is said that Maori spirits begin their final journey.  

If you want to see the lighthouse at the top of Cape Reinga you need to do a bit of walking, not too bad walking down, however, walking back is a bit tougher as all uphill. However its all pathed and even accessible via wheelchair.

As you walk down you are in awe of the coastline and the wonderful surroundings.  There are stone and wooden carvings along the way telling you about the history of the area, the sea, and the land. This is not a place to rush in and out, give yourself time to enjoy the experience and the beauty of this part of New Zealand.  Especially when it's the most northern point you can visit in New Zealand.  Take your lunch or a snack to enjoy. Click on the link to hear about more reviews and information regarding Cape Reinga

Click HERE for our full review of Cape Reinga. 

90 Mile Beach - After Cape Reinga we decided to head to Ahipara & 90 Mile Beach as we thought we had come this far and it would be a shame not to tick it off the list.

Ninety-Mile Beach is a strip of sand that stretches from Ahipara to Scott Point, and is actually only 55 miles long.  Its known for its amazing sunset and the best left-hand surf break in the world. 

For many tourist and locals, 90 Mile beach is known as the beach you can drive on and as we had come this far we had a bit of fun driving along the beach.

Note, you do need to be careful and make sure that the tide is right to drive as people have got stuck, check the conditions before you drive on the beach. If you have a rental car, you won't be insured on this beach so be careful and have fun. Click on the link to hear about more reviews and information regarding 90 Mile Beach

Click HERE for our full review of 90 Mile Beach.

Beach Time - After all the walking and sitting in the car we decided that it was time for our daily swim and we found Henderson Bay, which is on the Aupouri Peninsula.  Just like everything up North it was not easy to get down to the beach with no real path. But that is what these spots are all about.

The beach was pretty empty and the water a great, crystal blue and worth getting in to relax and cool off before we finally headed to Paihia.

Ice Cream Time - If you are feeling like real fruit ice cream, trust me you will after the long walk to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga and fun at 90 Mile Beach. You must go to Tomo Berries  Ice Cream in Pukenui, Far North.  We enjoyed delicious fresh blueberry and raspberry ice creams.  They also sell a selection of handmade soaps and avocado oil.  Well worth a stop and just what we all needed to cool down. Check out the Tomo Berries Review to see what everyone is talking about.

Accommodation: Sanctuary Palms, Paihia

We finally arrived at Sanctuary Palms in Paihia around 8 pm after a quick supermarket shop.  I had booked the 2 bedrooms self-contained penthouse because of its wonderful sea views, peaceful setting and not in the centre of town.

The apartment is 200sq meters with lovely décor, a full kitchen, barista coffee machine and elegant bathrooms. 

The master bedroom has a big ensuite and the second smaller room was good with a small but sufficient bathroom off the main hallway. 

The penthouse has wonderful sea views, with lovely décor and a private covered deck, we spent both nights on the deck enjoying the views, drinks, yummy platters and dinner before heading in for a Whiskey Monkey nightcap.

 

Check out reviews and Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor

Check out Day 4 of our 5 Day Roadtrip - Russell - Boat trip, lunch, beaches and beer! COMING SOON

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Until our next journey, talk soon Charlotte and Greg.