Cape Reinga to Hokianga Harbour

The last three days have been spectacular !. We left the north of the Karikari peninsula on Monday, driving to Kaitaia to stock up and try to get our step fixed. The first was accomplished but not the second, however the guy that Wilderness sent us to did get the step to retract using power from a car battery. ... So we bought a small folding step ( to be reimbursed) and went on our way up the cape road. We stopped to make lunch overlooking Houhara harbour then drove on making a couple of detours to look at a view and eventually reached Tapotupotu DOC campsite about 4.0pm. What a great location! Right on the beach. Booked in for two nights.
Yesterday we walked on the coastal route to the Cape Reinga lighthouse , the most northerly place in N Z. The walk was 5km each way and the signage indicated it was 2 hrs 30 mins, we did it in 1hr 45 mins each way plus a lunch stop in Sandy Bay. There were two long steep ascents and one long descent on the way out, and, obviously , the opposite on the return! This was the longest walk I have done in over a year. The coastal views were great'
I paddled in the sea here rather than swim, as there was a strong rip/ undertow . Spent the rest of the afternoon lazing in the sun.
Today we returned down the cape road stopping off to see the largest sand dunes on 90mile beach Te Pake stream and taking another detour to look at this famous beach. We got diesel and a few groceries at the excellent Pak n Save in Kaitaia then drove south down the SH 1 crossing a pass between Mangataiore and Mangamuka, lots of twists and turns!! At Mangamuka Bridge we left the main road and made for the ferry across Hokianga harbour, the scenery was vet reminiscent of Scotland. Just a few miles further and we found another idyllic camp site, at Koutu, on the waters edge, what's more it has only cost $5....in an honesty box. This ban is great, we are so self contained that we can park almost anywhere. Time to explore the beach again!! Tomorrow I think we will be kauri hunting !!