Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nga-Tapuwae-o-te-Mangai
(6576 Far North Rd) With its two domed towers (Arepa and Omeka, alpha and omega) and the
Ratana emblem of the star and crescent moon, you could be forgiven for mistaking this
temple for a mosque. Ratana is a Maori Christian sect with more than 50,000 adherents,
formed in 1925 by Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, who was known as 'the mouthpiece of
God'. The temple is built on land where Ratana once stood, and the name translates as
'the sacred steps of the mouthpiece'. You'll pass it at Te Kao, 46km south of Cape Reinga.
TEMPLE
Gumdiggers Park
( www.gumdiggerspark.co.nz ; 171 Heath Rd, Waiharara; adult/child $14/7; 9am-5pm) Kauri forests covered
this area for 100,000 years, leaving ancient logs and the much-prized gum (used for mak-
ing varnish and linoleum) buried beneath. Digging it out was the region's main industry
from the 1870s to the 1920s. In 1900 around 7000 gumdiggers were digging holes all over
Northland, including at this site. Start with the 15-minute video, and then walk on the
bush tracks, leading past gumdiggers' huts, ancient kauri stumps, huge preserved logs,
and holes left by the diggers.
MUSEUM
Ancient Kauri Kingdom
( www.ancientkauri.co.nz ; 229 Far North Rd, Awanui; 8.30am-5pm; ) Here, 50,000-year-old kauri
stumps dragged out of swamps are fashioned into furniture, woodcraft products and a fair
bit of tourist tat. The large complex includes a cafe, gift shop and workshop. A huge kauri
log has been transformed into an impressive spiral staircase.
WOODTURNERS
Tours
Bus tours go to Cape Reinga from Kaitaia, Ahipara, Doubtless Bay and the Bay of Is-
lands, but there's no scheduled public transport up here.
Cape Reinga Adventures
( 09-409 8445; www.capereingaadventures.co.nz ; half-/full-day 4WD trips $75/135) Runs 4WD tours (in-
cluding sunset visits to the cape after the crowds have gone), plus fishing, kayaking and
sandboarding as day activities or as part of overnight camping trips.
4WD TOURS
4WD TOURS
Far North Outback Adventures
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