So-o, after the Auckland writing intensive, mentioned Monday, I had a few days holiday in Northland, aka Tai Tokerau, the peninsula (effectively) that forms the northernmost region of Aotearoa-New Zealand.

Waipu Cove, Northland

I love Tai Tokerau and it was great to revisit, but also see some spots for the first time.

Taranga, aka Hen Island, from Waipu Cove

The first stop was Waipu Cove, just south of the main city of Whangarei. It’s a beautiful beach, with wonderful views of the Hauraki Gulf. Waipu is also of some historical interest following settlement (ca. 1854) by Scottish followers of the charismatic preacher Norman McLeod, who first arrived via Australia and Nova Scotia.

Bay of Islands from Waitangi

Stop the Second was the Bay of Islands, which is the cradle of modern NZ. The hub of Maori settlement attracted whalers, sealers, and flax traders initially, then missionaries, in the late 18th, early 19th centuries. The Treaty of Waitangi, which is the foundation document of NZ, was signed in the Bay of Islands (at Waitangi) with the first two capitals being at Okiato and Russell (Koukourareka) respectively.

The Hole-in-the-Rock (Motukokako)

The main focus on this trip was sightseeing, taking a boat trip around the islands and out to the famous Hole in the Rock, just beyond the Bay proper. A school of dolphins were sighted, along with a great deal of bird life.

Closer view of the hole in the rock

The final stop was at Coopers Beach in the far north.

Setting Sun At Coopers Beach

A first time for me but I’ll definitely be going back, as it’s a wonderful beach, with a lot more in the area that I didn’t have time to explore on this visit.

Last of the sunset at Cooper’s Beach