Hokianga Harbour Heads, New Zealand

The Hokianga  is on of New Zealand’s largest harbours, which is not to say that there are any large towns on it. I snapped this picture on the outskirts of Opononi – which I won’t be surprised if you have to look up!  This picture shows the two taniwha (sea monsters) who guard the entrance according to local Maori legend.  The southern headland is an interesting short walk  on a well marked trail which gives spectacular views of the wild west coast of Northland. The northern head is made up of enormous sand dunes, and is on accessible by boat.

The Hokianga is only a few hours from the tourist hoards in the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga, but it seems to be stuck in a time warp. The last big tourist rush around here was when Opo the dolphin visited in the early 1950’s! Well worth the detour if you happen to be touring northern New Zealand

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