By request of the non fare-paying customer, we took him to Te Rerenga Wairua. Not the mission it has been for the last year, because now it is SH1 all the way, and us Northlanders will enjoy that until the next tropical storm, when Mangamuka Gorge will no doubt close for another couple of years.
First stop was a shufti around Te Ahu in Kaitaia, a combi cinema, library, museum, visitor centre, council office with spectacular artwork (and very clean public thunderboxes.) An extremely well thought out public building.
Then onwards to Te Paki Station for a glimpse of the giant dunes. Grant declined the offer of a walk up the dunes: I thought he should have shown he was made of “sterner stuff”.
Finally the Cape. Fabulous weather, though hazy out to sea with the Three Kings just barely visible.
Route Home: backtrack to Pukenui Cafe for lunch. As always very good.
Then from Awanui to Ahipara via Sandhills Road for a slow trip to eyeball the beach, then via Broadwood and Mangamuka to home.